As summer is starting to wind down and field season is largely wrapping up, work in the alpine continues. The alpine field season, being higher in elevation, is delayed compared to the flowering season of our plains and montane areas. </p> Seed Conservation Research Associate Alex Seglias has been trekking to the alpine throughout the last several weeks scouting tiny alpine plants trying to time it just right in order to collect seed of some rare ones. While her work is part of a few different studies, it all contributes to the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation</a>.</p> Born out of a continental desire to protect our rarest habitats, we have published the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation in collaboration with the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado. The strategy, modeled after the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Plant Conservation, lays out a comprehensive framework for documenting and conserving alpine plants and their habitats. </p> Collectively we aim: </p> To understand and document alpine plant diversity </li> To conserve alpine plants both in situ and ex situ</li> To promote an understanding of the alpine and the protection efforts needed to conserve these fragile systems </li> To expand our capacity to take action </li> </ul> Alex’s work assessing how species will respond to warming temperatures</a> will improve our understanding of protection efforts needed in alpine systems. And the seed collection, while linked to a Center for Plant Conservation project funded through the IMLS (MG-245983-OMS-20), also contributes to our active ex situ conservation efforts for the alpine. Horticultural work linked to our Rock Alpine Garden and Mount Goliath also further our knowledge and conservation of alpine plants and their habitats. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Photo by Alex Seglias. Townsendia rothrockii</em> thriving in a population not documented in more than 50 years. </p> Simply spending time in the alpine can lead to new discoveries. Just a few weeks ago our team stumbled upon a large population of the rare Townsendia rothrockii</em>, the Rothrock Townsend-daisy. After returning from the field, the team learned that this population had not been documented since 1970—that’s more than 50 years! We are now able to update these records furthering our knowledge of where this species lives. </p> Conservation strategies bring together diverse groups focused on a common goal. In 2022, we will focus efforts on expanding our partnerships to incorporate those working in alpine regions across North America. Through these expanded collaborations and focused work on achieving our targets, we can have a positive impact on conserving our fragile alpine ecosystems. </p> </picture> </div> </article> Photo by Alex Seglias. Boreas pass, Colorado, Townsendia rothrockii</em> habitat. </p>
Every summer and fall, when Colorado’s plants and mushrooms are in peak season, scientists at Denver Botanic Gardens rush outside to collect new specimens for the herbaria, as well as ecological data. </p> Springtime, before the start of field season, is always buzzing with excitement and anticipation of the busy months ahead. Before scientists do any collecting, they must gain proper permissions, as it is illegal to pick wildflowers and mushrooms without a collection permit. Once the green light to collect is on, researchers make sure they have enough collecting materials for the season. Mushrooms are placed in wax baggies and tackle boxes in the field to keep track of the specimens and their corresponding labels. For plants, researchers use newspaper, cotton blotter paper and cardboard all smashed together inside of a wooden press frame. Plant presses get put into a drying oven for several days at around 100°F. Mushrooms don’t get pressed, as this would squish them beyond recognition, but they are dried at the same temperature. </p> </picture> </div> </article> Incoming mushroom specimens from the 2020 field season.</p> By midsummer, most plants are either in fruit or flower which is when they are most identifiable. Botanists take advantage of this peak time by making specimen collections and conducting ecological surveys. These surveys include taking data metrics such as species richness and species abundance, which are used to help answer different questions about the landscape. Once the ecological data collection starts, it’s a race to the finish!</p> Scientists want to control for as much environmental variation as possible, which means minimal time should elapse between the beginning and end of the sampling period. In addition to the ecological data, scientists take a voucher specimen of every plant they see — creating a tangible record of the survey for deposit in the herbarium.</p> Once all the plants and mushrooms are back at the Gardens and the field season has ended, scientists spend the winter identifying specimens and writing up field notes to create specimen labels. Volunteers can then help process specimens in the herbaria — arranging plant specimens, affixing these to paper and identifying and boxing mushrooms. All plant and fungal specimens are databased, labeled, barcoded, imaged and ultimately filed away into the herbarium cabinets. An image of each specimen and the corresponding label data is available online to anyone wanting to search through our plant</a> and fungal</a> collections. Ultimately, these collections help us better understand the floral and fungal biodiversity in Colorado and the Southern Rocky Mountains. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> The plant drier full of wooden presses containing incoming 2021 plant specimens.</p> The paper bags on the bottom shelf contain pinecones. </p>
What is compost? Just about everyone knows that compost is a beneficial soil amendment, but all compost is not created equal. The highest quality compost is a product of your garden’s environment. </p> When you are spreading compost in your garden, you may think you are adding nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. However, compost is much more than a fertilizer. Yes, compost gives nutrients to your plants, but not in the way you might think. A high-quality local compost introduces native microbiology, which digests and delivers nutrients to your plants. By adding compost, you’re boosting the ecosystem within your soil. </p> Local microbiology is the most important ingredient in a high-quality compost. Compost incorporates the bacterial and fungal networks that make nutrients within the soil accessible to our gardens. By using native biology (weeds, grasses and tree branches) in our compost, we boost the micro-organisms that are already thriving in our environment. For this reason, the highest quality compost for a farm or garden needs to be created on site, or with native biology. </p> </picture> </div> </article> Compost is a living, breathing part of your garden. By spreading local compost, you are cultivating the life that is already in your soil, and, with the right care, that life will expand. For that reason, small-scale, local compost is better for your garden</strong> than any commercial compost on the market. </p> At Chatfield Farms</a> we have been building a small compost system to enhance our soil health with ingredients sourced from right here at our farm. Next time you are at Chatfield, come by and take a look! </p> </p>
Every Friday morning this summer, I’ve had the pleasure of imagining future ecologies with several of the Gardens’ teen volunteers</a>. Whether on purpose or by accident, people are involved in all the ecosystems of the planet; the least we can do is ponder ways to make those relationships positive. As food for discussion, we’ve read diverse authors writing about how to be better neighbors and collaborators with the natural world. We’ve found inspiration from Native American storytelling, African American sci-fi, and a story where mushrooms are the protagonist instead of people. Here are some highlights from our reading list that you can find at the Helen Fowler Library</a>.</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Braiding Sweetgrass</a> by Robin Wall Kimmerer</p> </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Parable of the Sower</a> by Octavia E. Butler</p> </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> The Mushroom at the End of the World</a> by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing</p> </p> The Helen Fowler Library has a diverse collection of resources for the novice and expert in gardening or environmental justice or the many interrelated topics. The library collection continues to grow in the depth and diversity of subjects as we endeavor to connect people to plants. Graphic novels, BIPOC authors, stories of influential events and individuals, cookbooks, kids’ books and more may all be found on the shelves and, if you are a Gardens member, checked out. Use one of the Special Searches</a> to browse for titles. </p>
Do you want to take a deeper dive into our gardens or galleries? We offer guided tours indoors or out on a range of topics, from container gardens to seasonal blooms to art. Sign up online for these small-group conversations that give you the opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, experience perennial favorites and uncover lesser-known spaces. </p> We have a Japanese-inspired tour this fall that lets you spend some time indoors with Yoshitomo Saito’s exhibition Of Sky and Ground</em></a> and then takes you outside to Shofu-en Japanese Garden, featuring character pines that are hundreds of years old. </p> </picture> </div> </article> Yoshitomo Saito, Cheikh Lo</em>, bronze, 2020. © Yoshitomo Saito</p> If you want to plan an outing for your group of eight or more friends, co-workers or community members, you can schedule a tour for a date and time that is convenient for your group by contacting tours@botanicgardens.org</a>. We have a variety of tour options you can choose from based on your group’s needs and interests. You can even schedule a tour of Chatfield Farms</a> to gain a glimpse into the past. Discover historical buildings that date to the 1800s and observe how Chatfield Farms’ agricultural focus continues today with its current food-growing operation. And, just let us know ahead of time if your group has specific language or other needs so we can accommodate those. Learn more</a> about these private tours.</p> </picture> </div> </article> </p> Docent-led Tours</h4> Container Gardens </strong> Explore the variety of fun and unexpected container gardens at the Gardens, and learn how to create your own edible, fragrant or pollinator-attracting containers.</p> August 15 and September 10 at 5 p.m.</p> $16, $12 member (includes admission to the Gardens) </p> Exploring Exhibitions</strong> Enjoy the current gallery exhibitions with a guide. Learn about the current and upcoming</a> art exhibitions.</p> Select Dates at 9:15 a.m. </p> $16, $12 member (includes admission to the Gardens) </p> </picture> </div> </article> Of Sky and Ground</strong> Join an indoor-outdoor exploration of Yoshitomo Saito’s exhibition Of Sky and Ground</em> and Shofu-en Japanese Garden.</p> Select Dates and Times</p> $19, $15 member (includes admission to the Gardens) </p> Seasonal Discoveries</strong> Embrace the exuberance of summer’s end. Enjoy gardens filled with late summer blooms such as blanket flowers and sages. </p> August 22, September 5, 11 and 19 at 2 p.m.</p> $16, $12 member (includes admission to the Gardens)</p> </picture> </div> </article> </p> Register online for docent-led tours</a> and enjoy more of the Gardens the next time you visit! We hope to see you soon.</p> </p> </p>
The heat of summer is finally here and with it comes the peak time to enjoy our extensive collection of aquatic plants. You will find diverse water gardens throughout our 24-acre York Street location. The walking tour below will guide you through each of these, beginning at the main entrance and working your way west to our largest water feature, Monet Pool.</p> Crossroads Pedestal: </strong>As you enter the Gardens from York Street, a pre-formed pond is displayed atop the pedestal in the Crossroads Garden. A colorful mix of tropical plants including Canna</em> ‘Bengal Tiger’, Canna</em> ‘Lemon Punch’, Canna</em> ‘Cleopatra’, Colocasia</em> ‘Black Coral’, Colocasia esculenta</em> ‘Elena’, Cyperus papyrus </em>‘Dwarf Form’ (compact giant papyrus) and Asclepias curassavica </em>(tropical milkweed) are surrounded by floating leaved Ludwigia sedioides</em> (mosaic plant) in this pond. Floating water lettuce (Pistia stratioites</em>) and Lysimachia nummularia</em> ‘Aurea’ (golden creeping Jenny) complete this small stand-alone feature, giving you a taste of the aquatic displays to come.</p> Ellipse Garden Pool: </strong>Strolling south from the Crossroads Garden, you will see Chihuly’s Colorado</em> sculpture towering in the distance. A mix of hardy and tropical waterlilies and petite marginal plants such as Canna</em> ‘Chiquita Punch’ and Colocasia esculenta</em> ‘Black Magic’ are displayed in the small pond at the base of this piece, complementing the sunset shades of the glasswork. Mosaic plant (Ludwigia sedioides</em>), a South American floating-leaved aquatic plant, also thrives in the warmth of this pool.</p> Romantic Gardens Pool:</strong> Continue west from the Ellipse garden and you will arrive at the Romantic Gardens, where a formal round pool displays a colorful array of “star waterlilies.” These tropical day-bloomers boast star-shaped flowers that are held high above the water’s surface. Hybrids displayed include Nymphaea </em>'Rhonda Kay', 'Carnea' (aka 'Orchid Star'), and 'Rhapsody in White'. Night-blooming water platters (Victoria</em> ‘Longwood Hybrid’) highlight the center of this pond.</p> Four Towers Pond (east side): </strong>Directly west of the Romantic Gardens, the Four Towers pond abuts the Science Pyramid on two sides. Intersubgeneric hardy x tropical waterlilies are displayed at the east end of this pond. Once thought to be an impossible cross, multiple hybridizers have now successfully created these hybrids which boast purple or bright magenta flowers on winter-hardy plants.</p> Four Towers Pond (west side): </strong>Continuing around the Science Pyramid pond, a variety of marginal aquatic plants including Canna</em> 'Blueberry Sparkler', Thalia geniculata</em>, Cyperus prolifer</em> and Hibiscus moscheutos</em> hybrids can be found growing in the west side of the pond along with Australian waterlilies and Victoria</em> ‘Longwood Hybrid’ plants.</p> Reflections pool: </strong>A display dedicated to taro (Colocasia esculenta </em>and hybrids) can be found in the next small pond to the west of the Steppe Garden. These water-loving marginal plants are commonly grown for their starchy edible corms. Many hybrids have also been developed for ornamental use and have leaves that range from deep, glossy black to chartreuse with splashes of deep purple. A mixture of hardy and tropical waterlilies are also grown in this pool surrounding the stone sculpture titled Reflections</em>.</p> Annuals Garden pools:</strong> Hardy and tropical waterlilies in the “Rocky Mountain Legacy Collection” are displayed in the next pond on our walking tour. This collection includes hybrids such as ‘Joey Tomocik’, ‘Colorado’, ‘Denver’s Delight’ and ‘Denver’ which were all tested for hardiness and performance in Denver’s unique climate and named by our former curator of aquatics. Marginal plants including White Rush (Schoenoplectus </em>‘Albescens’), Canna</em> ‘Belinda’, Lobelia</em> ‘Pacific Beauty’ and Hibiscus </em>‘Cherry Cheesecake’ also highlight these pools.</p> Monet Pool:</strong> Once you finish admiring the Annuals Garden and its ponds, stroll north until you reach Shady Lane. Head west on this path and you will come upon our largest display pond, Monet Pool. Victoria</em> 'Longwood Hybrid' waterlilies encircle a large red-stemmed thalia in the center of the pond. A wide variety of hardy and tropical waterlilies and marginal plants including lotus (Nelumbo</em> hybrids) are displayed in this pond as well.</p> Le Potager pool:</strong> We end our tour at the small pond connected to Monet Pool that sits in the middle of our Le Potager garden. Edible aquatic plants are displayed in this pool including lotus (Nelumbo</em>), water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis</em>), gorgon plant (Euryale ferox</em>), Santa Cruz waterlily (Victoria cruziana</em>), ornamental rice (Oryza sativa</em> ‘Black Madras’) and taro (Colocasia esculenta</em>).</p> If you live in the area, be sure to drop by throughout August and September to watch our tropical waterlilies and water platters grow in size and reach peak bloom!</p>
If you are an avid alpine hiker or have been traveling to alpine areas for decades, I’m sure you have noticed that it is quite a bit warmer up there than it was. You probably seldomly need to bring all the layers you once did. You might even find yourself hiking in a t-shirt and shorts in peak summer, and snow fields that used to last into fall are disappearing come July. </p> Well, you’re not the only one who has noticed these changes – the plants and animals that call the alpine home are experiencing drastically different conditions than they have been used to for hundreds to thousands of years. Alpine ecosystems are particularly at risk from warming temperatures because the plants and animals cannot migrate to higher elevations to escape the heat. And as it continues to warm, organisms from lower elevations will migrate up the mountain and compete with those who have built a home in the alpine for centuries. </p> Rare plant species often require very specific conditions for survival and therefore may have a hard time adapting to warming temperatures. A grant from the Colorado Native Plant Society</a> has allowed me to study the response of two rare alpine species to experimental warming. I will install open top chambers that raise the temperature by ~1.5° in populations of Physaria alpina</em> and Saussurea weberi</em> in the mountains outside of Fairplay, CO. This year I am focusing on collecting baseline data of individuals in the population – such as height, flower and fruit production – to understand how the plants respond to multiple years of warming. Seeds will also be collected from the plants inside the warming chambers each year to understand how offspring may adjust germination requirements to match change in temperature. </p> This study will allow us to understand the impacts of increased temperature on some of the rare alpine plants of Colorado and be better able to prioritize species and populations for in-situ and ex-situ conservation. These actions are directly applicable to the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation, which Denver Botanic Gardens recently published in collaboration with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens</a> in Vail, CO. The strategy outlines objectives and targets to protect alpine plants and ecosystems in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with a focus on the role and efforts of botanic gardens, including research, conservation and outreach. </p> Climate change can be daunting to think about, and sometimes it feels like there may not be any hope. But we need to remember that alpine plants are resilient, and various organizations are working toward their conservation so that we don’t lose our beloved alpine treasures. </p>
</p> I like the fact that bronze can look like stone, mineral, wood, fabric or plastic. It can become something else. -Yoshitomo Saito</strong></p> </p> Tokyo-born artist Yoshitomo Saito started working in bronze in 1983 while living in San Francisco. Based in Denver, Saito is inspired by natural forms with delicate lines and textures. The craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail in his sculptures are an expression of the artist’s reverence and profound respect for the natural world. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Yoshitomo Saito, millionyearseeds</em> (detail), bronze, 2011-2021. ©Yoshitomo Saito. </p> Seeds are among the natural forms that fascinate Saito. His installation millionyearseeds</em> includes a variety of seeds, as well as banana peels, peppers, acorns and other small natural elements. In rendering these tiny pieces of nature, he celebrates the wisdom of life that is contained within each one. Seeds may be small and common, but each has a purpose for the creation and expansion of life. </p> In his work, bronze appears as a featherweight medium. The fine texture of the original object is evident, highlighting the care and attention given to each piece. This high level of detail is achievable through the process of lost-wax casting. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Yoshitomo Saito, Cheikh Lo</em>, bronze, 2020. © Yoshitomo Saito. </p> Lost wax casting </h4> The lost wax casting process, in use since 3,700 BCE, remains essentially the same today. The artist creates a “negative” plaster mold of the object they want to cast. The object is removed, wax is poured into the mold and dumped out, leaving a thin, hollow layer of wax around the perimeter. The artist adds thin wax sticks to the perimeter of the wax reproduction, creating channels for the metal to flow through and trapped gasses to escape. This wax form is then encased in a plastic or ceramic mold, and the wax is melted away.</p> Bronze is melted down at a temperature of 1,675 ˚F and poured into the plaster mold. This step requires safety precautions including goggles, a face shield, respirator, coveralls, apron, insulated gloves and shoe coverings. When the bronze has cooled, the plaster mold is removed or destroyed to reveal the cast bronze. The supports are removed and typically a polish or patina is applied. A patina can be created naturally through the oxidizing effect of the atmosphere or the artificial application of chemicals. Saito often uses patinas to emulate an object’s natural color – browns for trees and acorns, green for peppers, red for pomegranates and so on. One notable exception to Yoshi’s patination process is Gateway</em>, which is both painted and patinated. </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> Yoshitomo Saito, Gateway</em>, bronze, 2019. © Yoshitomo Saito.</p> Watch this video</a> about Saito’s bronze casting method.</p> Of Sky and Ground</em></a> is on view in the Freyer – Newman Center’s Kemper Family Gallery from July 24 – November 28, 2021. </p> </p>
