Last Sunday, August 10th, Gardens visitors and I enjoyed a special treat - an amphitheater performance by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance ensemble. Made possible by a grant from the Colorado Council on the Arts, Cleo Parker Robinson’s welcoming spirit and dancers shared a positive message of unity for for everyone in the audience. [...]

The Gardens’ summer exhibit, “Urban Nature,” not only brings in references to the City through street murals and horticultural practices, it also challenges us to notice the little things around us. Humans, nature, and urban living collide regularly - it’s up to us to take notice.
Early this spring I was mesmerized by plants breaking through [...]

The Gardens continually blends art and science in order to engage audiences. Yesterday the Gardens opened Synthesis, a retrospective of paintings by Denver artist, Robin Schaefer, to a rousing crowd. Among the powerful works hanging in Gates Garden Court is Poise, seen at top, above. The precarious juxtaposition of sensously painted fruit and an industrial object creates tension [...]

Last month eight youth organizations created responses to the concept of “Urban Nature.” Each group of kids painted 8×8′ murals to present their view on how the city and the natural world meet. These brightly colored paintings are visible at a distance and can be found along the El Pomar waterway. Many have a global [...]

Cool smooth sounds of soul fill me.  Pink clouds dust my cheek and wine lingers on my lips.  A crescent moon appears over our shoulders.  Friendship and community surrounds us.  My heart swells and life is good. Good vibes abound as I listen to the Neville Brothers at the first of our summer concert series. [...]

 
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 [...]

“Our new puppy ate our yard.”
“Help! Our terrier cut himself on the edging.”
“My cat wants ‘outside.’ How do I keep her safe?”
If you find yourself empathizing with these comments, or have even uttered one or two of them yourself, you might be interested in a new book called “Paw-Friendly Landscapes: How to Share the Turf [...]

 
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 [...]

 
 
Wednesday’s sudden snow may have been inconvenient for an evening commute, but it sure was lovely. Members who turned out for their night got a real treat, as long as they enjoyed the snow.  I popped out and grabbed a few shots before the flakes melted into my clothes. 

   
One quiet afternoon recently, I took a walk in the garden and discovered how popular it was with the local birds.  Many rested in high branches but others accepted my presence at roughly eye level.  It doesn’t mean they posed for the camera. I certainly needed the practice try to catch moving targets.