green roof

york street green roof

Denver Botanic Gardens has opened the city's first publicly accessible green roof, on top of the Gardens' Gift Shop. The green roof is the first green roof on a city-owned building in Denver, and will be a highly visible demonstration of the many benefits of green roofs for communities and for building owners.

In addition to the environmental benefits, green roofs increase property value, reduce heating and cooling costs, and can more than double the lifespan of a roofing membrane by protecting it from sunlight and temperature variations. With the loss of natural areas to development, adding green space on top of buildings will provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Other benefits of green roofs include reduction in storm water, pollution reduction and noise reduction. Converting this concrete space to a green space provides an aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and staff.

Green Roof being built:

green roof being built

plan your visit

The weather is great for a visit this week.

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garden spotlight

Children's Secret Path at York Street

Especially for kids: Get your hands dirty in the soil station!

It's a fact: The alligator drum and giant amadinda are musical instruments made from plants.

Botanical interest: Children are encouraged to interact with plants, including smelling fragrant chives (Allium schoenoprasum), touching lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) and soft artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’).

Learn more about individual gardens ››

for the kids

Looking for a fun way to entertain the kids? Check out a Family Guide at our Information Desk. Enjoy fun activities and kid-friendly information about our gardens and plants. Family Guides are free with admission.