Library Research
We are available to provide research assistance, answer general questions and answer questions about the library, even while the library is closed. The librarians are there to help you – we don’t know everything, we just know how to find it!
Here’s how to access special collections, find gardening help and search the Gardens’ horticultural and natural history collections:
Free admission to the library for members and the general public, no reservation required
Contact us with general questions or for eBook registration at 720-865-3570, or email library@botanicgardens.org.
Gardens' Databases
SEINet - Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium of Vascular Plant specimens are discoverable online through SEINet, an external database used by herbaria across North America.
Gardens Navigator – The Gardens Navigator website allows you to locate and learn about thousands of plants from Denver Botanic Gardens’ collections, learn more about the Gardens and its exhibitions and create a personalized tour.
MyCoPortal - Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi specimens are discoverable online through MyCoPortal, an external database used by herbaria across North America.
See our Electronic Resources page for other research resources.
Study Rooms
The library has two study rooms available for booking by staff, members and the public. Each room has a table, four chairs, WiFi and an electrical outlet.
Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room
Researchers are permitted to consult items from rare book, archival and special collections in our Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room. Access is by appointment only. Contact us in advance with your research topic to allow the library staff to research, assess and pull materials ahead of your visit.
Gardening Help
Have a gardening question? We’ve got the answer! Since 2005, Colorado Master Gardeners from CSU Extension Denver County have worked in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens to provide research-based answers to gardening and plant-related questions.
Colorado Master Gardeners are on-site in the Gardening Help office in the Helen Fowler Library January through October.
- April – Oct.: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Nov. – Dec.: Email only – gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org
- Jan. – March: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
You can also reach Gardening Help at 720-865-3575 or by email at gardeninghelp@botanicgardens.org.
Plant Identification Guidelines:
Tell us where and when you saw the plant.
If it was at the Gardens, tell us which garden.
Send multiple photos that clearly show:
- All parts of the plant (flower, leaves, bark, needles, etc.)
- The overall form and size of the plant
- A coin, pencil or shoe for scale
Tip: Hold your hand or a piece of paper behind the plant to help the camera focus on the plant rather than the background.
Examples of Photos for Gardening Help Identification
