Discovering new ways to increase the success rate of ecological restoration efforts is paramount, and we in the Research & Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens are excited about a new project that will contribute to this very area! </p> In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we are growing several native plant species in an agricultural setting. The goal of this project is to develop best-cultivation protocols for mass commercial seed growers as well as to produce seed stock for local projects aiming to restore ecosystems post-wildfire. The seeds we are working with have been collected via BLM’s Seeds of Success program, which aims to preserve and increase the availability of native plant materials for restoration projects around the country and to capture as much genetic diversity within each species as possible. The more we know about the genetic background of our seed stock, the better we can predict which populations will do best in which geographic locations, and this will greatly enhance the effectiveness of our projects. </p> We are currently working on four native plant species: Heterotheca villosa</em> (hairy false goldenaster), Phacelia crenulata</em> (scorpion notchweed), Sphaeralcea coccinea </em>(scarlet globemallow) and Stanleya pinnata</em> (desert prince’s plume). For the last few months, I have been working with Dr. Rebecca Hufft, our associate director of climate resilience, to develop a plan and design for growing out these species and experimenting with different cultivation practices along the way, from in-house stratification and germination methods to in-field planting and seed harvesting strategies. </p> At this stage in the game, we have successfully grown at least 150 individuals of each species (for some that number is far greater) and have out-planted them in our research plots at Chatfield Farms</a>. Plants are establishing now, being watered sparingly via our drip-line irrigation system, and some have even begun to flower and produce fruit. As this first season goes on, we will continue to collect data on the plants to track their progress as well as add to our protocol and observations anything from watering timetables to common pollinator species witnessed. We plan to work with these species for the next few seasons and are looking to put together a plan for a fall seeding event as well. </p> Though this is just the beginning, I am excited and confident that projects like this have the potential to greatly improve our native seed stock deficit and give us the power to be more prepared and achieve far more lasting successes in the realm of ecological restoration!</span> </span></p> </span></p>
The lavender collection at Chatfield Farms has been growing strong since 2015. Several of the cultivars from the original installation can still be found in the collection today! But while the lavender plants persist for anywhere from five to 15 years, there are new and noteworthy additions each season. Whether replacing an old row, or trying out a new cultivar, the number of lavender varieties at Chatfield Farms continue to grow. </p> Lavandula </em>‘Ana Luisa’ is a cross between English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia</em>) and woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata</em>). This variety’s blue-grey foliage and very long flower stalks can be found among the perennial borders, blooming for the first time this summer. ‘Ana Luisa’ is a new hybrid species to the collection and increases the total species count in the collection. </p> Also, among the borders is Lavandula angustifolia</em> ‘Maillette’. This French cultivar is often used in essential oil production due to its high-quality oils and is known to be one of the sweeter smelling lavender cultivars. Make sure to spy ‘Maillette’ on your next walk through the Lavender Garden</a>. </p> Making its debut in the Lavender Garden is Lavandula multifida</em> ‘Torch Minty Ice’ (fernleaf lavender). This species originates in the much warmer climates of North Africa and is also known as Egyptian lavender. While not suitable for Colorado winters, Lavandula multifida</em> can be grown as an annual herb. The scent of this species is very different than a typical lavender smell. Find Lavandula multifida </em>in the borders this summer give it a sniff for yourself!</p> In the east lavender fields, you may find a new name. Lavandula angustifolia</em> ‘Wyckoff’ is a cultivar originating from the Pacific Northwest of the United States. While it is difficult to get started, once established, this cultivar is an excellent choice for dried arrangements and culinary purposes. </p> Looking way across to the western lavender fields is Lavandula angustifolia</em> ‘New Zealand Blue’. This sweet-smelling cultivar comes all the way from…New Zealand! While many are familiar with lavender production in France and Mediterranean areas, modern lavender production has led to over 450 varieties cultivated all around the globe. New hybrids and varieties are regularly introduced into cultivation so there is always something new to see.</p> The lavender will be in full bloom for the month of July. Be sure to stop by and visit all the old and new lavender varieties at Chatfield Farms during Lavender Festival</a>, July 19 and 20</strong>. Tickets are still available – get yours today. </p>
