It is amazing to look back over the past year and see the amazing transformation that Mordecai Children’s Garden Green Roof has gone through.
Fall 2010: The garden began to establish, welcoming families to experience the alpine ecosystem.
As construction began on the Mordecai Children’s Garden in winter of 2010, it was hard to imagine the future of the space. Few had the opportunity to see the construction and engineering that created the garden that we see today.
The parking structure became a foundation for what would become a one-acre green roof. Layers were constructed to protect the space from weathering; the concrete paths began to take shape and the garden beds took form.
There are many significant layers to the green roof.
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Colorado has always been a great source of pride for me. I am a native of this beautiful state and find its natural environment therapeutic. Despite moving out of state for school or work, I often found myself returning to my home state. I knew I would eventually settle here as I envisioned my future. I had dreams of having a family; taking my children hiking on Mount Evans, exploring the banks of the great Grand Lake and camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, five years ago my dreams suffered a set-back when my daughter Marley was born with Down syndrome and developed pulmonary hypertension. As a result, her medical condition prevents us from traveling into the mountains and taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer.
Photo copyright Scott Dressel-Martin
It wasn’t until last year when I discovered the Mordecai Children’s Garden that I realized my dream wasn’t completely gone. In fact, my daughter is now able to discover and learn about Colorado’s native plants and landscape in an innovative way.
In a three acre urban setting, Marley can experience the feeling of being in the middle of large pine trees in Mist’ery Forest and explore life along Pipsqueak Pond. She can even hike the Fourteener Range all the way to Marmot Mountain! Although, we haven’t braved it yet, we are excited to participate in next year’s Cottonwood Campout, giving her the full experience of sleeping under the stars.
In addition to her being able to safely explore the Children’s Garden, staff and volunteers frequently provide activities that allow her to learn at her own pace, while being challenged by the other children playing in the garden.
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Families are invited to pack their flashlights and blankets for Campfire Tales, a special evening in the Mordecai Children’s Garden on Friday October 28, 2011 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Families can bundle up around the campfire in Sagebrush Stage as you roast marshmallows, make S’mores and sip apple cider. The family-friendly tales of Jonathan Knox, master storyteller, will fill the air and provide a perfect touch to a fall night. In addition, families can explore the garden under the glow of the stars. Special evening activities include invent your own constellation, create a night critter mask and plant an autumn seed to take home.
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Osteospermum AVALANCHE PPAF
There’s so much to see west of York Street at Denver Botanic Gardens visitors can almost be forgiven for missing out on the Children’s Garden. WRONG!
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Families are invited to join us on Earth Day, Friday April 22, to celebrate the many miracles of Mother Earth. From 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Mordecai Children’s Garden, we’ll have many ways for you to explore, discover and celebrate nature. You’ll learn how to make a difference with special activities such as
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Hello Friends!
What a wonderful winter I had snuggled up in the Mordecai Children’s Garden waiting for the first signs of spring. I knew it was time to come out of hibernation when I felt the warm sunshine and saw little flowers popping up by Pipsqueak Pond!
I am excited that my friends will be visiting the Children’s Garden again this weekend. When you stop by the Children’s Garden make sure to keep an eye out for the little signs that spring is right around the corner. The Children’s Garden is amazing this time of year. Every day I discover a new bud ready to bloom, birds getting ready to make nests, and new sprouting green leaves.
The Children’s Garden is open today for members only, and tomorrow to everyone. Stop by this weekend and enjoy your favorite Children’s Garden activities.
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Cyclamen alpinum
So much to see this week—spring bulbs are popping up everywhere, as well as some of the early-blooming perennials. This time of year—tenuous March—always makes me think of one of my favorite stories, The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The joy and wonder of seeing a “dead”, brown, and melancholy garden come back to life never ceases to delight and amaze.
Between a Rock…
Now is a good time to start poking around in the Rock Alpine Garden.
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