Understanding and Conserving Genetic Diversity in Native Plant Restoration
Last month I had the pleasure of moderating a symposium at the Society for Ecological Restoration North American Conference in Vancouver, Canada. The theme of the conference was Cross-Biome
Enhancing Venue Spaces with Botanical Symbolism
A hidden charm sprinkled into private events at Chatfield Farms are several specific botanicals that you will find nestled within the landscaping of our venues and historical buildings. These special
Native Plant Treasure Hunt
Ahoy there, me hearties! Gather 'round as we set sail on a swashbucklin' adventure like no other at Denver Botanic Gardens. On the 19th of September, we be celebratin' Talk Like a Pirate Day in style
Colorado Natives in the Home Landscape
As a gardener in the urban Front Range, each season brings new challenges, or the same challenges just in a different order. Rabbits, salt, cold and hot temperatures, drought, foot traffic – sometimes
The Beautiful and Diverse Penstemon
Penstemons, also called beardtongues, are an incredibly gorgeous and diverse genus of flowering plants. They are only native to North America, making them a wide-reaching yet still unique treasure
Graduate Research on Native Seeds for Restoration
If you’re going to be planting plants, you are going to need seeds. Do you know where your seeds come from? When land managers consider putting native plants into natural landscapes to restore
The Spring Awakening of the Prairie Garden
When arriving at Chatfield Farms in early spring – especially during the months of March and April – the prairie gardens surrounding the Earl J. Sinnamon Center may seem rather drab. Unlike some of
Restoring Colorado’s Front Range
Restoration is an integral part of land management and conservation. As natural disasters and human activity continue to impact biodiversity and wildlife habitat, it is becoming increasingly important
Meet the Endemic Rocky Mountain Monkeyflower
Last August I spent a day scrambling up steep granite outcroppings perched high above a popular hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colleagues and I were searching for patches of Rocky
Steppe plants, from the wilds to your gardens
The steppe is a vast, treeless plain. A seemingly endless horizon interrupted only by the faint jagged line of mountains in the distance. In summer, the grasses dance in the warm breeze. In the winter
Incorporating Penstemon Into Your Landscape
“You can never have too many penstemons in your yard!” my coworker recently exclaimed. I would agree. Species of this genus display showy spikes of brightly colored, bilateral flowers high above basal
Plant Matchmakers
Here at the Gardens, our horticulturists are always searching for new and charismatic plants to grow and display. This ambition leads our staff around the globe on exploration trips from Patagonia to