Read, Wonder, Hope, Inspire
The last couple of years have given many of us time for reflection. We have reconsidered where and how we spend our energy and time. For some there has been an opportunity to learn new things, to grow
Celebrating Black Connections to Nature in Colorado
In about two weeks, I’ll be gathering with a small group to celebrate Colorado’s Black farmers, ranchers and other stewards of the land. We’ll premiere an interview with Alice Craig McDonald. She grew
Different Strokes for Different Folks: Taxonomies Around the World
“Tot controversiae inter Auctores! Tot mala nomina! Tanta confusio!” “So many controversies among authors! So many bad names! So much confusion!” This is Carl Linnaeus in 1737, frustrated by plant
Reading Forest History
In the photo, Ling sniffs a ponderosa pine. The vanilla-like smell of this tree’s bark is not its only virtue. Ponderosas are also great storytellers. For our most recent EcoFlora hike with Outdoor
San Luis Acequias: Where Water Is Life
In the San Luis Valley of Colorado and New Mexico, the word acequia has deep meanings. Simply put, it is an irrigation ditch. However, it is also a form of government and a way of life. Understanding
Imagining Anthropocene Ecologies
Every Friday morning this summer, I’ve had the pleasure of imagining future ecologies with several of the Gardens’ teen volunteers. Whether on purpose or by accident, people are involved in all the
The Queerness of Nature
Queer /kwir/ differing in some way from what is usual or normal of, relating to, or being a person whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not cisgender Those who
Cultural Body Adornment
Adorning the body with paints and dyes, both temporary and permanent, has been a wide practice around the globe and across centuries. The purpose for these decorations has ranged from culturally
Herbal Medicine and the Influence of the Arabic-Speaking World
John Parkinson, "Theatrum Botanicum" (London, 1640). Helen Fowler Library Rare Book Collection, Denver Botanic Gardens. Herbals are essentially early modern products in which plants and their
Gardens for All
Each month through Instagram, the Gardens shares Gardens for All, a series that celebrates Denver-area BIPOC making a difference in plant science, conservation, food sovereignty and wellness. In March
Furthering Diversity in Our Collections
When we look at our gardens, in our forests and at our landscapes, diversity is what creates the beauty and health of these ecosystems. When we at the Helen Fowler Library look at our collections, we
A Botanical Librarian’s Story
This Representation blog series began on Juneteenth last year. The contributions of Black, Indigenous and People of Color have been historically underrepresented, if shared at all, a fact that most