Our research scientists collect a lot of data every summer—and this work can be challenging. From our work in the field, we’ve learned to come prepared to clear one road that is invariably blocked by downed trees. Then there are the hours we spend on our hands and knees keenly searching for and measuring hundreds of individual rare plants. In small plots at study sites throughout each species’ range, we mark every individual and track their fate year after year. </p> This annual data allows us to correlate climate variables to survival and reproduction. We can then estimate the population’s risk of extinction. In addition to the annual demographic monitoring, we are developing methods to efficiently and effectively estimate the total population size</a> of rare plants. Population counts help us estimate the level of genetic diversity within a population. A sufficiently large population can potentially adapt to climate, habitat and plant community changes. Our data serves to address global challenges. An estimated one million species face extinction worldwide. There is a need to prioritize species and put resources to those most at risk. Tools like the U.S. Endangered Species Act</a> and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List</a> rely on population counts and predictions of risk. </p> While we annually collect data all over Colorado on six rare species, all of these help improve and promote effective data collection methods. We are chipping away at the biodiversity crisis by collaborating and sharing expertise with federal and private conservation partners. Our efforts are extended through our participation in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation</a>. </p> The task may be daunting, but I look forward to clearing the way to collect meaningful and impactful data for years to come. </p>
With leaves falling outside, temperatures getting lower and Halloween creeping closer, it’s the perfect time to curl up inside with a good mystery, thriller or horror novel. If the book is plant-related, that’s even better!</p> The Helen Fowler Library</a> has a great selection of fiction works, and we invite you to browse our offerings this spooky season. </p> Mystery</h3> Mystery books make up a good portion of our fiction collection, including puzzling and atmospheric works like:</p> “Thyme of Death” by Susan Wittig Albert. The first entry in the China Bayles series introduces the mystery-solving herb shop owner who stars in 29 books to date.</li> “Garden of Shadows” by local author Amy Marie Turner. Set in 19th century Spain, botanist Linnea Wren must navigate political intrigue, romance and more while solving a murder. </li> </ul> Thriller</h3> Thriller books in our collection include:</p> “Goldilocks” by Laura Lam. A science fiction thriller set in space with the survival of humanity on the line. The Goldilocks Zone is supposed to be just right for human life but getting there won’t be easy.</li> “The Slime Mold Murders” by Ellen King Rice. A unique ecological pandemic thriller set at Halloween time where the lead character’s expertise on Myxogastria slime molds proves crucial in saving lives.</li> </ul> Horror</h3> Horror works we have lean toward cosmic and ecological horror, which can be really terrifying. Check out these selections:</p> “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler. A dystopian novel with ecological horror elements written in 1993 and set in the then-distant future year of 2024. We have the graphic novel adaptation on hand, and its dark illustrations match the original novel’s tones of horror and societal decay perfectly.</li> “Annihilation” by Jeff VanderMeer. This first entry in the Southern Reach series introduces us to Area X and the cosmic horror lurking within. Winner of both the Nebula and Shirley Jackson Awards.</li> </ul> Nonfiction</h3> Finally, for a great nonfiction book that traces the use of plants and gardening in mystery novels, take a look at “Gardening Can Be Murder.” Expert gardener, historian and author Marta McDowell informs the reader on a plant-by-plant basis of which flora have been implicated in murder in which authors’ novels.</p> For more recommendations, come visit us at the Helen Fowler Library! </p>
With cooler, rainy weather and a late June hailstorm punctuating the early weeks of our growing season, the water gardens got off to a slow start this year. Fortunately, aquatic plants are resilient and ours have made a triumphant comeback. August is a great month to take a walk around the water gardens to see them in their full glory. </p> Begin your stroll at the small pool in the Ellipse</strong>, home to the glass sculpture Colorado by Dale Chihuly</a>. A unique plant displayed in this pond is mosaic plant (Ludwigia sedioides</em>). This South American native thrives in warm water, making this pool the ideal spot for it to show off its intricate pattern of tiny floating leaves arranged in a mosaic pattern on the water’s surface. Hardy and tropical waterlilies (Nymphaea</em> hybrids) including ‘Purple Passion’, ‘Paul Hariot’, ‘Black Princess’ and ‘Albert Greenberg’, along with Colocasia esculenta</em> ‘Black Magic’ and Canna</em> ‘Chiquita Punch’, round out the display in this pond.</li> Next, head west to the Romantic Gardens’ pool</strong>, where you will find a display of star waterlilies. These waterlilies are named for the shape of their blooms, which are stellate and held high above the water’s surface. One waterlily species, Nymphaea gracilis</em>, has been used by hybridizers to create cultivars of star waterlilies with flowers in a rainbow of colors. N. gracilis</em> is native to Mexico and has solid white blooms and green leaves. Cultivars displayed in this pond include the pink flowered ‘August Siebert’, ‘Rhapsody in White’ (which boasts white blooms and mottled leaves) and ‘Rhonda Kay’ (which rounds out the collection with purple flowers). A pair of Santa Cruz water platters (Victoria cruziana</em>) surround a recirculating pottery fountain in the center of this pond.</li> Continuing to the west, you will find the Four Towers Pool</strong>. This pond borders the south and west sides of the Science Pyramid</a> and showcases a collection of hardy intersubgeneric waterlilies (crosses between hardy and tropical waterlilies that have proven to be winter hardy here in Denver). Included in this pond are hardy waterlilies, tropical waterlilies and an assortment of marginal plants (plants that typically grow in shallow water around the margins of a pond) including Canna </em>‘Sunrise Trumpeteer’, Canna </em>‘Ra’, red stemmed thalia (Thalia geniculata</em> f. rheumoides</em>), swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus</em> ‘Berry Awesome’), Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex</em>), golden Japanese sweetflag (Acorus gramineus</em> ‘Ogon’) and imperial taro (Colocasia esculenta</em> ‘Illustris’). Water platters (Victoria</em> ‘Longwood Hybrid’) grown from seed each spring in our greenhouse complete this display.</li> The next pond on our walking tour can be found at the west end of the Steppe Garden just as you enter the Annuals Garden</strong>. This pool is home to a collection of taro (Colocasia</em>) cultivars that showcase the range of foliage and stem colors that have been developed in this genus. Colocasia esculenta</em> is also displayed in this pond with an interpretive sign detailing its importance as a food crop in tropical regions. Hardy and tropical waterlilies accent the display along with the feathery foliage of mare’s tail (Hippuris vulgaris</em>) and the thorn-encrusted leaves of gorgon plant (Euryale ferox</em>). </li> As you walk through the Annuals Garden</strong>, you will come to the next ponds on our tour, situated on either side of the walkway at the north side of this garden. The east pool highlights the Rocky Mountain Legacy Collection—waterlilies that have been tested for performance at the Gardens over the years and which have historical significance. This collection includes the hardy waterlilies ‘Colorado’, ‘Denver’, ‘Denver’s Delight’, ‘Joey Tomocik’, ‘Bea Taplin’, ‘Attorney Elrod’ and ‘Cynthia Ann’. Tropical waterlilies in the collection include ‘Stan Skinger’, ‘William McLane’ and ‘Bob Hoffman’. The pond on the west side of the walkway includes showy tropical plants to complement the Annuals Garden. Dwarf Egyptian papyrus (Cyperus papyrus</em> ‘King Tut’) along with Canna</em> ‘Lemon Punch’, Colocasia</em> ‘Diamond Head’, Victoria cruziana</em> and an assortment of colorful tropical waterlilies make the perfect aquatic companions for the annuals in the bed bordering this pond.</li> North of Sacred Earth’s pond and our outdoor café, the Hive Garden Bistro</a>, Monet Pool</strong> stretches west to the border of the Japanese Garden and is our largest display pond and the final stop on our tour. This water garden features the always-popular water platters (Victoria </em>‘Longwood Hybrid’, Victoria amazonica</em> and Victoria cruziana</em>) as well as hundreds of hardy and tropical waterlilies, water-loving Canna hybrids, aquatic Iris </em>and other marginal plants including pickerel plant (Pontederia cordata</em>), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus</em>), powdery thalia (Thalia dealbata</em>) and common rush (Juncus effusus</em>). Stands of lotus (Nelumbo</em> cultivars) can be found throughout the pond as well. These begin blooming in mid-July and continue into August before dropping their petals to reveal showy, decorative seed pods. </li> Be sure to find the display of Australian waterlilies at the southwest end of Monet Pool near Le Potager garden</strong>. These tropical waterlilies need consistently warm water and sunny days to thrive and can be a bit finicky in our unpredictable climate. Their impressive size and beautiful, giant blooms make them worth the effort and worthy of a few final photos.</li> </ul>
Do you have a family recipe that connects you to your roots? Maybe it’s a recipe that each time you smell it sizzling in the pan, you’re transported to your grandmother’s kitchen. Or maybe it’s a recipe you’ve taught to younger generations so they can continue the tradition. </p> For my family, that recipe is krautburgers. These delicious, hand-held pocket sandwiches are stuffed with sauerkraut and beef, and they arrived in Colorado with a small group of immigrants who came to the United States from Russia but were originally from Germany. Each winter, my dad uses an old family recipe to whip up a huge batch of krautburgers. Eating one feels like tapping into the generations of love and wisdom that made me, me. </p> You can explore the deep personal significance of foods and family recipes in Nourished: Works by Jazz Holmes</a>, opening in the Freyer – Newman Center on Saturday, September 27. Artist Jazz Holmes connects to her Creole background through paintings that celebrate traditional Southern recipes like hoppin’ john, étouffée, bananas foster and more. Discover the surprising history behind staple ingredients and the stories of love and labor that go into making and preserving cherished family recipes. </p> Feeling hungry after seeing art about delicious food? Scan QR codes in gallery to access recipes by Jazz Holmes or stop by the interactive recipe-share station to leave a copy of your favorite family recipe for others to try. No matter where your family is from, food has the power to nourish and connect, so share the love! </p> Article contributed by Curatorial Coordinator Katie Foster. </strong></em></p>
Botanic gardens can change the world. Our former CEO Brian Vogt used to say this regularly as he spoke with people about the power of Gardens. There is no better time for botanic gardens to confirm his point than now. </p> As cultural institutions deeply connected with our communities and the natural world, we sit in a place where we can do both the hard work of understanding shifts in our biological landscapes and educate our audiences about these changes and their repercussions. The Gardens’ scientists engage in projects tracking plant and fungal diversity, collecting seeds, producing seeds, understanding genetic influence on restoration success, assessing tree health and long-term population trends. </p> Collaboration is an essential component of our success. As federal policy, regulations and funding availability are shifting, our work is impacted. Now, more than ever, working with others will be required to restore burned and degraded landscapes, conserve species and track shifting species dynamics as invasive species and warmer temperatures change habitats. We need to find new and creative ways to carry our work forward. Leadership around plant conservation is needed now, and Denver Botanic Gardens has a seat at the table.</p> To do this work we partner broadly with public and private entities. Federal policies and regulations shape experimental design and drive our data collection. We aim to understand plant population dynamics and the factors that influence rarity in many of our plants protected under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act. </p> Based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we are leading the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation in partnership with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Through federal funding we are building an alpine plant atlas to track the location and conservation status of North American alpine plants and are collecting seed of rare species for safeguarding against a warming climate. As federal policies, regulations, and funding have been changing dramatically this year, it creates uncertainty in our work on these projects. </p> In mid-August, I had the opportunity to attend the Plant Conservation Leadership Summit</a>, an event hosted at Atlanta Botanical Gardens and organized collaboratively by the Center for Plant Conservation</a>, the American Public Garden Association</a>, Botanic Gardens Conservation International – U.S.</a> and Atlanta Botanical Gardens</a>. More than 50 conservation and garden leaders from across the country attended in person with another 50 online. The two-day summit presented opportunities to brainstorm, strategize and learn together. We shared approaches for unconventional funding opportunities, policy needs and how to make a good pitch. We talked about the value of storytelling and how we need to do more to put plants back in the national mindset. </p> Three Denver Botanic Gardens’ staff attended, and we all walked away energized and committed to not only enhancing the role that the Gardens plays in our local conservation landscape, but on a national and international stage as well. Many opportunities are on the horizon, and we are ready to use our expertise to lead. Despite the uncertainty that has hit our field and our funding this year, I am inspired and hopeful about our future and the opportunities to conserve plants. </p> So, in alignment with what Brian would say, botanic gardens are poised to save the world—or at least make a really good effort to protect it together. </p>
A new school year has arrived, the light is changing, and the final days of summer are coming to an end, which means autumn is around the corner. When people think about autumn in Colorado they think of the hillsides covered in brushstrokes of gold, but there is so much more to the changing of the seasons here if you take a closer look. There is no better place to see these colors in a landscape than at Denver Botanic Gardens. </p> Luminescent Perennials</h3> Begin on the path in the O’Fallon Perennial Walk and notice the luminescent color of the Salvia azurea</em> var. grandiflora</em> (pitcher sage) which shines amidst a backdrop of our native Juniperus scopulorum</em> (Rocky Mountain juniper). Within this garden, you will see many other perennials and grasses donning their yellows and oranges of the season.</p> Follow the path to the Fragrance Garden and search for the Buddleja alternifolia</em> (fountain butterfly bush). This shrub begins stunning our visitors in the spring with fragrant, lilac-purple flowers, but the weeping, fountain-like shape and the soft green and grey leaves are just lovely. A cool fall day is the perfect setting for a mindful stroll through this garden. </p> Unexpected Color</h3> Keep walking west and you won’t have to go far to see the unexpected colors of the late-blooming dahlias in the bed on the south border of the Four Towers Pool. This garden has many blooms that may offer you a warm feeling, but nothing says “pumpkin spice latte” like Dahlia </em>‘Brown Sugar’. This garden is another perfect spot to enjoy some solitude, listen to the sound of the fountain and reflect on the goodness gardens have to offer. </p> Gorgeous Grasses</h3> Right next door you will come across the Ornamental Grasses Garden, which offers a pleasing palette year-round. During the autumn months the colors and seedheads of the grasses are works of art that shine the brightest. A few that will catch your eye first are Helictotrichon sempervirens</em> ‘Saphirsprudel’ (blue oat grass), Deschampsia flexuosa</em> (wavy hair grass) and Calamagrostis </em>× acutiflora </em>‘Avalanche’ (feather reed grass). Mixed among the grasses is another masterpiece called Sedum </em>‘Dark Magic’ (dwarf stonecrop). This stonecrop is a lovely contrast to the grasses and is easy to find with its purple-black foliage and deep pink flowers. Not only do all of these plants provide seasonal interest, but they also offer food for wildlife. </p> Living Art</h3> Make sure to look through the oversized gold frame on the corner and you can imagine this landscape as an Impressionist painting. This frame is one of several at the Gardens and is part of our Blue Grass, Green Skies: American Impressionism and Realism</a> exhibition. If you want the perfect social media photo op, this is the spot! To everything there is a season and just like the disappearing blooms and falling leaves of autumn, the exhibit ends on September 14 and the frames will be removed over the following weeks. </p> International Inspiration</h3> One garden that inspires you to slow down and enjoy autumn is June’s PlantAsia just down the sidewalk. This garden is full of trees and shrubs that offer up an endless display of colors and textures; from the beautiful evergreens like Pseudotsuga menziesii</em> (Douglas fir) and Pinus nigra</em> (Austrian pine) to the colorful maples. Wander past the ting, a Chinese pavilion, and find the Acer japonicum</em> ‘Vitifolium’ (full moon maple) as it begins to turn yellow and red throughout the coming months. </p> Maybe you need inspiration for your own home landscape, or you would like an invitation to be more mindful. Whatever it is, the Gardens has a lot to offer this autumn – cozy, colorful and comforting.</p> </p>
Summers in Colorado are typically filled with extremes: extreme heat and extreme drought. This has been the year of extreme moisture; an unusual but welcome addition to the tolerant Colorado garden. Typically, once summer approaches and the heat of the high desert kicks in, the snow melt and precipitation diminish leaving a thirsty landscape with no significant moisture until the following winter.</p> Unfortunately, the unusually wet year we’ve had so far is not something to get used to, only a symptom of the continuing climate crisis. As climate change worsens and water becomes scarcer, being wise about plant choices becomes more important than ever. Choosing plants that do not need excess water to survive the extreme Colorado summers makes gardening easier on us and saves us money on watering, while helping conserve water as a precious resource. </p> There are a variety of plants that thrive in the Colorado climate, from regional natives to faraway exotics from a similar climate zone. These plants can tolerate hot, dry conditions and keep color and texture in your garden once the spring blooms have faded. The perennials listed below are great options to fill the garden with summer blooms that keep coming back year after year.</p> Some wonderful natives are wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa</em>), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa</em>), blazing star (Liatris spicata</em>), bearded penstemon (Penstemon barbatus</em>) and tufted evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa ssp. marginata</em>). </p> The following exotics are fantastic as well: TANAGER® gazania (Gazania krebsiana</em>), upright sedum (Hylotelephium spectibile</em>) and torch lilies (Kniphofia uvaria</em>). </p> All these plants provide an array of colors from July through September, while withstanding temps reaching the triple digits and needing little water. Not only does the summer garden bring us joy as we push through the peak heat of the year but helps keep pollinators fed as the seasons change by providing nectar and pollen. Being climate friendly doesn’t mean having to cut out color, lushness or plants. There are plenty of plants that thrive in the extreme Colorado climate, it’s just a matter of choosing wisely and being conscious as we plan our gardens.</p> For inspiration on climate friendly gardens, explore the Carol Gossard Colorado Native Plant Garden</a>, the xeric gardens by the silo and “water-smart avenue” in front of Deer Creek Schoolhouse at Chatfield Farms</a>. </p> This article was contributed by Horticulturist Ashley Strait</strong></em>.</strong></p>
As Mother Nature preps us for the fall season with immense downpours and crashing thunderstorms, volunteer services’ Teen Volunteer Program finishes strong. This year, our teen volunteers contributed a total of 1,500 hours. We couldn’t be more grateful for their time and efforts toward taking care of our guests and the Gardens. They’ve done a great job! </p> Every summer, teens participate in two types of shifts: horticulture and guest engagement. Horticulture shifts involve upkeep of the Gardens via planting, weeding, harvesting and more. Guest engagement shifts, on the other hand, include leading activities for visitors to engage in and assisting them with wayfinding and waste sorting for Evenings al Fresco and the Summer Concert Series.</p> Teens also participate in Lavender Festival, which takes place at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms during the middle of July. This year, teens worked as children’s craft table assistants and pollination table exhibitors, educating and entertaining over 12,500 guests—the most attendees Lavender Festival has had yet! In the Volunteer Services Department, we enjoy having our teens work with children because we feel that they can inspire and set great examples for little ones.</p> Although my internship at the Gardens is soon ending, I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with a great group of teens. Before this, I had barely any experience managing groups, or even individuals—to have their support and encouragement while I navigated this new role is something that I am very grateful for and is something I will take with me as I continue in my professional career. I hope that the teens can say the same about their experiences this summer.</p> This article was contributed by Katelyn Thach</strong>, who is the Volunteer Services Department intern as part of the Diversity in the Arts (DITA) Internship Program.</em> </p>
The holiday season is a time for showing appreciation and gratitude toward the people in your life. Celebrate your colleagues and accomplishments at a fabulous end-of-year party. </p> For an unforgettable holiday party experience look no further than Denver Botanic Gardens. We have multiple outstanding spaces</a> that are sure to impress your attendees. Our rental sites are always amazing, but they are extra special during this time of year with Blossoms of Light</a>, our incredible light extravaganza. And the best part is that your guests get tickets to the big show! They can walk through this top-rated light display as a bonus to your event. </p>
