March Walking Tour – Woodland Mosaic

Believe it or not, March is here, and spring is upon us. And come spring, the most exciting place in Colorado to be is Denver Botanic Gardens! As the days grow longer again and the weather warms, there are newly emerging plants and spring blooming bulbs around every corner at the Gardens. As you make your way through the Gardens be sure to take a few moments (or hours) to meander through Woodland Mosaic, one of our signature shade gardens and event spaces here at York Street.

• From the moment you enter Woodland Mosaic, you will be spellbound with a sense of tranquility and wonder as you stroll along the brick pathways and wooden decks.
• You will come across many freshly emerging bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus spp.), Siberian squill (Scilla siberica), spring crocus (Crocus vernus), Eastern sowbread (Cyclamen coum), daffodils (Narcissus cultivars) and checkered lilies (Fritillaria meleagris).
• You will also bear witness to many of our shade loving perennials emerging such as false forget-me-nots (Brunnera macrophylla), coral bells (Heuchera spp. and cultivars) and already blooming Lenten roses (Helleborus cultivars and hybrids).
• In addition to the lush understory, you will be able to observe newly developing buds on the extensive tree collection that creates the majestic canopy for this shade garden to thrive. Witness trees including quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides), European white birch (Betula pendula), hawthorn (Crataegus × prunifolia), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia ‘Fastigiata’) and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) as they are awakening from a long winter’s slumber.
• This garden also showcases many ideal evergreen shrubs and trees such as Green Velvet boxwoods (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’), limber pines (Pinus flexilis), and columnar white fir (Abies concolor ‘Fastigiata’). 

Bring a snack and enjoy the solarium in the garden as well while you're there. The solarium is an iconic Victorian-themed glass house with a fascinating history that serves as a place to lounge, rest and spark a conversation while looking out into the garden and watching wildlife and natural activity. March in Colorado can be a rollercoaster of weather patterns including snow, rain, sleet, sunshine and everything in between. Woodland Mosaic is a perfect place to watch the happenings unfold and will inspire you to create your own shade garden oasis for relaxing, lounging, socializing and contemplating.

We are looking forward to your visit and are happy to answer any planting and gardening related questions you may have along the way!