Though a common occurrence in parts of the southwest, century plants  (Agave sp.),  blooming in Denver are rare. Most years there is one blooming somewhere in Denver and we all take trips to visit it and marvel at the huge flower spike. This year we are lucky enough to have three blooming here at the [...]

And I love them all, truly I do. Even the parasitic ones that, left unchecked, would eventually take over our beloved Plains Garden. I am fascinated by all the weird extremes of natural selection- slime molds, corn smuts, flowers that smell like carrion and parasitic plants all find their way to me. My friends in [...]

In my family tree, I have relatives who would look at this post, look at me and say “Pride and envy are each one of the seven deadly sins.”  But today, I’m thinking that local pride is better for me than  the aloe envy I was feeling.

  
I have aloe envy.
I recently saw the diversity of plants that thrive in the Souther California climate.  The aloes they have there are incredible.  More than any other plant (and there are lot of plants), I wish I could walk among the aloes on a regular basis.  Just look at them!

Early this spring around mid-March, the native Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens underwent a simulated version of a vital ecological process of the shortgrass prairie — FIRE. Fire is important in maintaining the structure and diversity of the shortgrass prairie ecosystem. Since human settlement, fire suppression has lead to the alteration of vegetation composition of [...]

I got back to my desk after a lunch meeting today, and there was a message from a co-worker saying I must go look at the northern portion of the Cottonwood Border because it looked “absolutely stunning.” How could I possibly sit down to work at my computer after a statement like [...]

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).

  
This is a question I get asked quite frequently. To me as a horticulturist and a plant lover, it is a very complex question to answer. It is like asking a mom to choose her favorite child. Each plant has its own unique individuality from its growth habit to flower color, some desirable and others [...]

It’s true landscape architects speak about a concept called “borrowed views.”  You don’t own the bucolic pasture, the fabulous waterfront, or the mountain range to your west, but you can see it from your window.  You’re “borrowing” that view to add to your own space.  But when I say “seen-again” plant, I mean taking a [...]

 
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 [...]