James Hunter, a brilliant guitarist with an outstanding album called “The Hard Way”, was the opening act for Chris Isaak last week here at the Gardens. After his set, James came out into the Gardens to be part of the audience and just generally check things out. He stopped by to talk to our [...]

I love the fact that the current eat local movement has been making people look at what they eat and consider the health and environmental consequences of their food.
A friend sent me an article which made me stop and think about the changes I have made to my diet. Are they based on fact? Is [...]

My garden has begun to provide my dinner nightly, and soon I will be going crazy trying to bottle, freeze, dry or eat everything it gives me. Eating locally is easy this time of year! If your own garden is not providing, then a dozen Farmer’s Markets are available with Colorado-grown vegetables, fruits, meat, honey, [...]

This Thursday night, Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting an independent film screening of the movie The Real Dirt on Farmer John. Acompanying this event will be a “Local Food Open House” featuring local farmers, farmer’s markets, co-ops, bakers, community gardening organizations and more. (if you’re coming, please pre-register! We’re expecting a full house).
A couple of [...]

I have been asked two questions repeatedly this week. The first by visitors to the Sacred Earth garden: “What is the red plant?” The second by people eating lunch with me: “Why is your lunch bright pink?
The answer to both is the same: Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus).

The advent of our new Urban Homesteading classes, it seems, has coincided with a national resurgence in interest in backyard “farming.” Everything from urban vegetable gardens to backyard chickens to beehives is making big news. Recently, Michael Pollan wrote eloquently of the importance of growing your own food as a first line of defense against global [...]

 
I want to express my appreciation for the neighborhoods all around Denver for making the effort to grow plants well and to grow great plants.  Some credit undoubtedly goes to the city, but a lot should be generously poured over all the home owners and residents who take the time to make their block and [...]

 
Wow!  That was a fantastic Earth Day.  About 6,000 people passed through the Gardens, seeing, learning and enjoying. It’s a chance for the Gardens to show its special strengths, like the Water-Smart Garden (above).  The Mayor visited to launch the Denver Daisy (Rudbeckia ‘Denver Daisy’) and many people took notice, including the Denver Post.  300,000 seed packets [...]

Today the Gardens were just lovely! I took advantage the great weather and strolled past blossoming trees and bulbs, bursting buds and leafing limbs, everything downright wonderful. What a contrast from Wednesday night! I guess when the weather is so beautiful, the wisdom of carpe diem becomes obvious.  Seize the day and enjoy the Gardens right [...]

Rick Darke (standing on the right) gave us a terrific show last night, a bright light among our constellations of illuminating programs.  In an age of CGI movies, it’s not every speaker who can hold an audience spellbound with images and ideas.  But everyone there was treated to a worldwide, whirlwind tour of the ways that plants and urban [...]