From a Dream to a Legacy

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.
Read more »

Root beer tree at the Gardens (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras albidum (Nuttall) Nees in Sensory garden

Any tree lover who’s spent time in the Eastern woodlands knows Sassafras: it is an abundant tree, often in cleared fields. I know of only two specimens in Colorado,
Read more »

The Return of the High-Altitude Gardener

At long last the High-Altitude Gardener has returned to the Denver Botanic Gardens Web site. This searchable online database features some of the favorite plants of the Gardens’ horticulture staff that are also some of the best plants to grow in this region.

The search interface allows users to type a plants common or scientific name or to select from one or more of ten categories to find plants. 
Read more »

Bright Berries Catching Visitor’s Eyes

Mountain ash

Bright red fruit on Sorbus aucuparia 'Fastigiata'

This mountain ash had visitors stopping and staring and then asking “What is THAT?” yesterday. It is a slow-growing tree  and according to Michael Dirr in his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants,

“Upright with strongly ascending branches, dark green leaves, good large sealing wax red fruits…” 

I like the clump form with multiple glossy gray trunks which are also stunning in winter after the leaves drop. It flowers in spring with large flat clusters of white flowers
Read more »

Spring and the Snow

Seen-Again Trees

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 fresh look at what seemed to be known.
Read more »

Neighborhoods in Bloom

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 their neighborhood a little bit better. What sparked this little epiphany of mine was that I spent more time downtown than usual lately.  
Read more »

Escape to the Tropics

If you are looking for something amazing to do at the Gardens right now, visit our Cloud Forest Tree exhibit, at the west end of the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory. The Cloud Forest Tree and the Boettcher Tropical Conservatory always have something blooming, so even when it is cold and snowy in Denver, you can escape to the tropics at Denver Botanic Gardens.