Happy Thanksgiving!

On this Thanksgiving Day as I ponder all the things I am thankful for, one that comes to the forefront is how fortunate I am to work at the Denver Botanic Gardens. With a mission of connecting people with plants, along with my team of talented horticulturists, I have the unique opportunity to reach the lives of others through plants.

 Humans are innately connected to other living organisms. In his famous book ‘Biophilia’, E.O. Wilson describes biophilia as "the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life.” He proposed the possibility that the deep affiliations humans have with nature are rooted in our biology. In today’s rapidly developing urban society and in times of turmoil, the need to connect with nature has become increasingly apparent.

 I am very fortunate to work with a team of dedicated horticulturists who are very passionate about what they do and create botanical displays that are one of the best in the country. Working alongside our horticulturists is a great group of dedicated volunteers, who are integral for the operations of the Gardens. Volunteers from the Colorado Water Garden Society dedicate countless weekend hours during spring and fall installing and de-installing our aquatic displays. Members of the Herb Guild maintain our Herb Garden. Garden Club of Denver members put in many hours maintaining the Cutting Garden and creating floral displays for our offices and events as well as creating the fabulous winter dried floral decoration in the Romantic Garden. In addition, there are many others who assist in all the other gardens, special events, library, herbarium and education to name a few.

 So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I extend my appreciation and thanks to all Denver Botanic Gardens staff, volunteers, members, donors, and everyone else involved in making DBG a great place to work and a visitor destination like none other!