The Gardens Presence at Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Did you know that Denver Botanic Gardens horticulturists have created and maintained the interior flora and fauna displays at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center (CCSC) year round since August 2005? Gardens’ horticulturist Blake Burger goes to CCSC five days a week. He designs and installs the displays, and provides daily care for all of the interior plantings. His days there start at 5:30 a.m., hours before the first visitor starts to shop. He creates stunning presentations including several colorful and seasonal displays--one for spring, fall and a special holiday display. Blake’s goal is to increase awareness of the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens just one mile north of the CCSC. He does that by creating displays to coincide with events going on at the Gardens—also by incorporating signs and brochures that include interpretation of the displays and of the events. “I have been creating and maintaining the displays at the shopping center since 2008,” says Blake. These pictures show the Grand Court at the CCSC in September. "Every September, I like to add a bit of fall color to the interiorscape to get people in the spirit for the upcoming season. Mums and other indoor blooming plants are placed throughout the Grand Court. My goal is to bring awareness to Denver Botanic Gardens by creating a pleasant indoor environment for people to shop, relax, and work throughout the Cherry Creek Shopping Center," says Blake. "Seasonal displays are set up in April, September and November. They typically last 4-5 weeks. In 2012, I will be creating a Japanese display in the Starbucks court to create awareness for next year’s Japanese theme at the Gardens." Next time you are at CCSC, stop by to admire these displays. Be sure to come back and visit after the second week of November when the holiday displays will be installed (and do your holiday shopping at the same time!). And if you see Blake installing the next creation, be sure to stop by and say hi!