The Depression-era expression “Waste not, want not” hangs in my mother’s pantry, and even though she didn’t grow up during the Great Depression, she was raised with those values and passed them along to me. Sometimes, though, the “Marie Kondo” voice echoes more loudly in my head as I search my fridge for a snack. Look at all this clutter! Occasionally, I completely clear out all those bottles and jars and baggies, crispy spaghetti and half-eaten take-out leftovers and end up throwing it all in the trash or recycling bin. As I feel so good about my clean, empty fridge, the wave of guilt starts creeping in. Could I have tried harder to finish all those leftovers? Could I have coordinated with my partner better so we both don’t buy mustard at the same time? While I love the idea of “sparking joy” there is nothing joyful about wasting all that food – and energy, labor, carbon emissions and single-use plastics. </p> At Chatfield Farms, part of our focus on regenerative agriculture principals is to look at food and plastic waste Like the entire food system in our country, this is a complex issue, however, there are several simple steps we can take to reduce what we consume. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> </p> Our CSA (Community Supporting Agriculture)</a> staff have created a survey to understand people’s habits and needs around how they buy and consume food. If you fill out this survey</a>, you will be helping us to develop an action plan around waste (within our own CSA program but also on a wider scale). We work with hunger relief/zero food waste organizations such as Denver Food Rescue, SAME Café and, of course, Metro Caring, who all save food from landfills and get it to people in need. </p> We plan to implement more gleaning days on our farm and more ways to educate people on food waste, like our new CSA Cooking Class Series with Chef Edwin Sandavol</a>. This series focuses on how to meal-prep your CSA box with lessons that are emailed to your home, so every last vegetable gets eaten. According to ReFed, a national nonprofit</a> working to end food loss and waste across the U.S. food system, 43% of all food waste happens at home. But what will you decide to tackle? My own goals are to focus on meal planning, smaller portions, sticking to a grocery list, seeking out products like plastic-free detergents, plastic-free self-care products and remembering the values I was raised on: waste not, want not. Because the earth needs our action.</p>
Seeds are quite amazing little capsules of information; it is mind-boggling that something that fits in the palm of your hand (or on the tip of your finger) can hold the information needed to grow something as large as a tree! Not only do seeds act as a container of genetic information but they also contain mechanisms to make sure that the embryo will start growing exactly when conditions are just right for it to thrive, even if that means waiting for years to get it right.</p> While seeds “wait” to germinate at the right time in the right place, they will go into types of dormancies to help preserve the information it contains inside. As gardeners, we strive to manipulate environments so they’ll grow when we want.</p> </p> Here are a few simple tricks I have learned over the years:</h3> Cold stratification</h4> Seed dormancy can be regulated by the environment or by the seed itself. In Colorado where we experience a temperate climate (which generally have wider temperature ranges throughout the year with distinct seasonal changes), many plants are used to a cycle of blustery, winter temperatures followed by the fluctuations that spring, summer, and fall bring about.</p> We can mimic this through a period of moist, cold stratification. At the Gardens, we sow flats of seeds, water and cover them up and either place in a cooler or outside in cold frames in winter. At home, you can do the same by either placing seed in wet sand or vermiculite in a baggy and storing in your fridge or freezer until you are ready to sow. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our spring snowstorms and broadcast seed directly into your garden just before an expected snow to let seeds get a taste of real winter. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Sophora secundiflora</em> (Texas Mountain Laurel) having germinated after scarifying the seed and a short cold stratification. </p> Scarifying</h4> Many seeds (think tree seeds and legumes) have a thick, tough seed coat protecting the seed until prime conditions occur. Scarifying, or mechanically breaking down the seed coat, can also give you a higher percentage of germination in a quicker process than mother nature does. The goal is to expose the tender tissues hiding inside; this can be done several ways and you can get creative in the process. In our greenhouse workspace we have several tools to scarify, including sandpaper, nail files and clippers, and even needles to poke and nick. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Cacti seed with the seed coat being chipped off with a needle to expose the tender tissues inside. </p> Water baths</h4> Soaking your seeds in water is another simple trick to germination. Soaking in water can either help soften the seed coat to wake up the hiding embryo or can leach out chemicals in the seed coat that are preventing germination until conditions are right. A technique I have fallen to recently is an aerated bath, where seeds soak in a bath of water being turned by an aquarium air pump which provides required oxygen to the seeds as their coats soften. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Seeds in an aerated soak having germinated in the bath, before sowing. </p> </p> Breaking seed dormancies can take a little expertise (and time) but it’s so rewarding once the deed is done! </p> This article first appeared in the February edition of Life on Capitol Hill. All images: Brooke Palmer. </em></p>
When I was in school, one of the fun things I learned was how to identify trees and shrubs in the wintertime without seeing blossoms and foliage. Since the deciduous woody plants dropped their leaves in their dormancy, we at first thought that there were less clues to identify the plants. However, we found out that there are many clues (more than we thought!) available in the wintertime even though the plants look bare.</p> Shape of trees and shrubs</strong></p> Each kind of tree and shrub has own growing habit. </p> Elm trees (Ulmus</em> spp.) and linden trees (Tilia</em> spp.) tend to grow upright and develop an elegant "vase shape."</li> Hawthorns (Crataegus</em> spp.) and crabapple (Malus</em> spp.) grow rather horizontally.</li> Some tree and shrub branches have a straight growing habit, but others have a weeping form or a slightly more jagged shape.</li> </ul> Bark</strong></p> The texture and color of bark can be a good clue to narrow down and identify the plants.</p> The cherry tree (Prunus</em> spp.) and crabapple (Malus</em> spp.) often have reddish smooth bark compared to ash trees (Fraxinus</em> spp.) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum</em>), which have greyish ribbed bark.</li> Weeping birch (Betula pendula</em>) and paper-bark maple (Acer griseum</em>) have a uniquely characteristic shredded bark.</li> </ul> Twigs</strong></p> One good clue is to take a closer look at twigs to see how the buds are forming.</p> If the buds are arranged in pairs along a stem or shoot, it’s called "opposite"</strong> such as maple (Acer </em>spp.), ash (Fraxinus</em> spp.) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum</em>).</li> If the buds are forming singly on alternate stems or shoots, not in pairs or whole, it’s called "alternate"</strong> such as crabapple (Malus</em> spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus</em> spp.) and oak (Quercus</em> spp.).</li> </ul> Buds</strong></p> Take a closer look at buds to see their shape, color and detailed parts.</p> Notice pointy buds (serviceberry, Amelanchier</em> spp.), round buds (oak, Quercus</em> spp. and ash, Fraxinus </em>spp.) and hairy buds (magnolia, Magnolia</em> spp.).</li> The bud scar of white ash (Fraxinus americana</em>) looks like a smile as it curves, but the bud scar of the green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica</em>) is straight, not smiling.</li> In January to early February, you can often find dark, maroon-colored blooms of silver maple (Acer saccarinum</em>) on the sidewalk as squalls and birds pick them from the twigs.</li> </ul> Fruits</strong></p> Seed pod: (Kentucky coffee tree, Gymnocladus dioicus</em>, desert willow, Chilopisis linearis</em>, catalpa tree Catalpa speciosa</em>)</li> Samara: dry-winged seed, either single like that of the elm, or double like that of the maples (Acer </em>spp.)</li> Capsule: a dry seed pod that split open when ripe such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus</em>)</li> Catkin: A dense spike of small, petalless, often unisexual flowers, most often found on wind-pollinated trees or shrubs such as mountain alder (Alnus incana</em> spp., tenuifolia).</li> </ul> </p> Good luck with your investigation while you are walking around the Gardens on a nice winter day!</p>
Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes: bats, moths, bees, hummingbirds and even some rodents move pollen from one flower to another, sparking the cycle of life. Thanks to these incredible creatures, we live in a world full of beautiful blooming flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables. While some pollinator populations are in decline, there are plenty of ways humans can help these critters live their best lives.</p> Learn more about pollinators and what you can do to keep them happy and thriving by joining us for Pollinator Day</strong></a>, Friday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. </strong></p> Stop by the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbaria of Vascular plants to discover the arthropod collection, featuring bugs found onsite and in the field by scientists.</span> </span></li> Join a guide and explore the gardens to learn more about pollinator relationships in action.</span> </span></li> Chat with community partners like the Audubon Society, Butterfly Pavilion and the Xerces Society about what you can do to protect pollinators.</span> </span></li> Make pollinator-inspired art with the School of Botanical Art & Illustration.</span> </span></li> And more!</span> </span></li> </ul> Life as we know it would not exist without pollinators. Whether you are a gardener, a bug enthusiast, or just a person who likes breathing clean air and eating fresh food, come celebrate these small but mighty creatures who help our planet bloom. </span> </span></p>
It is a common misconception that all orchid flowers are highly fragrant. The fact is many orchids have little or no fragrance at all. While taking time to “stop and smell the orchids” may be an exercise in futility, there are other reasons to slow down and appreciate the intricacies of orchid flowers. Most flowers have many specialized structures in common – orchids have just put their own spin on many of these shared features. </p> Many non-orchid flowers have a whorl of protective leaf-like structures at the base of each blossom known as sepals. Orchids also have sepals, but they are frequently colorful and rather than having a leaf-like appearance, they more closely resemble the petals of the flower.</p> What most of us recognize as the actual flower is a collection of flower petals. In most flowers, all the petals are fairly similar. In orchid flowers, one petal is distinctly modified to form a landing platform or guide for pollinators. This modified petal is called a lip, or labellum. </p> Together, the sepals and petals form what is known as the perianth. The perianth may serve to attract or guide pollinators to the sexual parts of the flower, but it is generally not directly involved in the reproductive process of the plant.</p> The reproductive parts of a flower are the female pistil (including the stigma, style, and ovary) and the male stamen (including the filament and anther). In most flowers, these are all distinctive individual structures. In orchids, they are fused into one collective part known as the column. Orchids also have unique pollen. While most flowers produce tiny dust like pollen grains, orchid pollen is held in sticky masses known as pollinia.</p> As you enjoy the orchid blossoms on display during the Orchid Showcase, be sure to take time to look closer and admire the details of the orchid flowers that Mother Nature has spent so much time perfecting.</p> The Orchid Showcase</a> is on view now through February 21 in the Orangery and is included with general admission. Be sure to check it out! </p>
At the Gardens, we constantly try to increase our sustainability efforts. The full scope of sustainable living is immense and making the right decisions can sometimes get overwhelming. Think of anything from food and clothing, to travel or personal care; there are countless options that are considered “cleaner and greener.”</p> But going completely zero-waste, car-free or fully vegan is not for everyone. That’s why we’re trying to help with a list of suggestions you can implement based on your personal starting point! </p> So, would you consider yourself a Sprout, a Leaf or Chlorophyll? Check out the three levels below and pick some options that suit your life, or come up with your own, based on your personal goals. </p> Sprout: You’re freshly emerging and willing to make some changes! </h4> Food:</strong> Implement Meatless Mondays/Fishy Fridays. Bring leftovers for lunch! </li> Travel:</strong> Weekly rideshare/carpool, walk and bike for shorter distances </li> Shopping:</strong> Buy No New challenge, for a timeframe of your choice (ex., 1 month) </li> Cleaning & cosmetics:</strong> Experiment with at least 1 package-free personal care product </li> Packaging/plastics: </strong>Say no to single-use plastics, minimize take-out food & drinks </li> </ul> Leaf: You’re already making sustainable choices and are looking to grow! </h4> Food: </strong>Vegetarian or vegan weekdays by default. Compost all your organic waste </li> Travel:</strong> Use public transport whenever possible, try Bike to Work days </li> Shopping: </strong>Buy No New challenge, for a timeframe of your choice (ex., 3 months) </li> Cleaning & cosmetics:</strong> Switch to 2+ package-free personal care or natural cleaning products </li> Packaging/plastics:</strong> Get reusable (glass or stainless steel) containers, for food storage </li> </ul> Chlorophyll: You’re ‘deep green’ by default, but always want to do more! </h4> Food:</strong> Plant-based diet as a norm, only buy local produce. Plan meals ahead, don’t waste food </li> Travel: </strong>Bike to work whenever possible, avoid flying. Electric vehicle (buy used, not new) </li> Shopping:</strong> Buy No New challenge, for a timeframe of your choice (ex., a year) </li> Cleaning & cosmetics:</strong> Switch to all package-free/natural cosmetics and cleaning products </li> Packaging/plastics:</strong> No plastic containers; reusable jars for all your cosmetics, storage etc. </li> </ul> You can pick one or two focus areas, it’s up to you, all depending on what room for adjustments you currently have. And of course, there’s many more ways to increase a sustainable lifestyle, this is just the tip of the iceberg! </p> Most importantly, choose adjustments that work for you, and keep in mind that every attempt is better than none! </p> And lastly, to create a “green snowball effect”: SHARE YOUR EFFORTS! It can be very effective to share sustainable steps, even small ones, with your social circle. By inspiring and motivating each other, exchanging suggestions, tips and tricks – every bit helps! </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article>
As camp director for both Garden Camps at York Street and Farm Camps at Chatfield Farms, over the years I am constantly inspired by the creativity, compassion and sense of inquiry that children bring to our programs. </p> Camp is a place where children have brought up their questions and fears about global warming and extinction, leading to wonderful group brainstorming sessions of ways kids and adults can affect and inspire positive change. During camp we use plants to travel to regions around the globe, visiting Japan, South Africa or Patagonia for a day to learn about their unique ecosystems, flora and people. We dive into topics such as food systems and soil health, exploring all the ways that worms are important to people and even taste testing our knowledge of how our lives are connected to farms and agriculture around the world. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Garden Camp Potions and Plants</p> While your children may come home with armfuls of freshly harvested carrots or a container garden of veggie seedlings, we hope they also carry with them a sense of appreciation for nature and the ability to safely explore and benefit from all the outdoors have to offer.</p> Our camps, for children ages 6-12, combine science and art activities with daily opportunities to dig into gardening, use multiple senses to explore plants and incorporate mindfulness practices. Through guided activities and imaginative outdoor play, children are given time to hone their observational skills and cultivate a sense of wonder about the natural world.</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Garden Camp Ready, Set, Grow</p> Spring and summer camp registration for Gardens members opens today, January 13, and remaining spots will open to the public on January 17. Weekly themes include Art, Potions & Plants and a week of Gardening 101 at York Street, as well as Life on the Farm, Global Gardens and a Pollinator week at Chatfield Farms. We will also offer a spring break camp at York Street focusing on signs of spring in nature. Get more information</a> or email gardencamp@botanicgardens.org</a> with questions. We cannot wait to welcome you and your children to camp this year!</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Farm Camp</p>
Greetings friends of the Gardens, I hope this article finds you well. I would like to formally invite you all to come experience the newly renovated Cactus and Succulent House located in the Rock Alpine Garden. Starting your step count from the edge of the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center and into the Gardens it will take about 575 steps to get to the front door of the Cactus and Succulent House. Assuming you like succulent plants as much as I do, I suggest you make no other stops on your way as you perform your own individual step counts while also anticipating the awaiting beauty. </p> I took over the care of this collection in October 2020 and began making preparations and plans to refresh excitement of this public display and put these plants in a more naturalistic setting. Most of the more than 215 species located here are frost tender and prefer high light. This collection highlights the range of sizes, shapes and colors available in succulent plants. One of the many reasons you should not wait to see this display is the fact that most of the species from Africa are much more active in growth and flowering during winter months while the outdoor gardens sleep.</p> A few of the more notable specimens include a large-branched Alluaudia procera</em>, endemic to south Madagascar. It is a member of family Didiereaceae. Researchers have yet to figure out where this plant family originated. Alluaudia’s</em> leaves are produced from brachyblasts, a specialized structure that mimics a cactus areole. </p> Another interesting specimen is the Tim Burton-like Ceropegia stapeliiformis</em>. Undoubtedly one of the coolest flowers in existence, this sprawling, cylindrical plant is native to South Africa. Guests of the Gardens can expect to be delighted with flowers from March – October.</p> A plant that was not collected for use in cultivation until the early 2000s is the miniature gem Crassula ausensis</em> ssp. titanopsis</em>. It is native to southern Namibia and has become a staple in succulent collections.</p> One of the most eye-catching plants in this display is the zany, wild and strange Albuca spiralis</em>. It is a bulb from South Africa and has many different forms in the plant trade. One can’t help but bask in the natural beauty of this species. It goes dormant in the summer months shortly after flowering, and the soil needs to be kept on the dry side.</p> I hope you enjoy the new cacti and succulent plant display when you visit us this year!</p>
Every other year, the Society for Ecological Restoration</a> hosts an international conference convening restoration researchers and practitioners from around the globe. This year, the conference was held in Denver, and we had the opportunity to not only attend the conference but share the Gardens with participants. Staff from across several departments attended and presented our ongoing research. Our engagement started well before the conference -- we participated in planning and also grew native plants to use for display at the conference that were then planted at the Plains Conservation Center</a> after the meeting. </p> I partnered with colleagues from Naples Botanical Garden, North Carolina Botanical Garden and Chicago Botanic Garden to present on the role of botanic gardens in supporting the native seed supply for restoration. April Goebl presented her work on increased within-species genetic diversity for restoration. Graduate student Meredith Prentice also presented a poster on her thesis work relating post-fire plant communities. </p> At the beginning of the conference, we led a field trip for conference participants to Chatfield Farms</a> to learn about our restoration efforts across scales. We highlighted the experiments we are doing that help inform restoration from backyards to larger open spaces and consider genes to community level processes. We were able to show a multi-year small-scale prairie restoration and several experiments assessing different seeding and planting techniques, local adaptation for seed sourcing, community composition, and site preparation. </p> The best part of attending these types of events is learning cutting edge research and new techniques and meeting with colleagues new and old in person. It is truly invigorating to feel connected by our shared work and mission and to use the lessons learned to improve what we are doing. This year was particularly rewarding because there were so many researchers from other botanic gardens from around the world. I was able to organize an impromptu dinner with most of them, and we not only had a lovely evening connecting over shared issues and opportunities, but we left with some concrete ways we can continue to partner and engage the botanic garden community in restoration even more. </p>
