I was incredibly impressed with the Denver Botanical Gardens located in York Street, Denver, Colorado, when I had the privilege of visiting the USA in July. I had no idea a Botanical Gardens could have such a variety of activities and opportunities available. I thought if I ever lived in Denver someday, I would love to work at this place! The love of all things Botanical is tangible.
Four Towers Pool next to Science Pyramid
Denver Botanic Gardens Facilities
Typically, people spend 2.5 hours at the Denver Botanical Gardens and it is not surprise why - there is so much to see! The Gardens not only provide a wide variety of incredible plants to view and enjoy (exploring the gardens is amazing) but they also host Art Exhibitions; a Science and Research Centre is connected to the Gardens; the Helen Fowler Library offers books related to horticulture; there is a school of Botanical Art and Illustration; a coffee shop and they even screen movies!
The Gardens established Denver Botanic Films in 2021 to create yet another powerful bridge between people and the rest of nature. By telling stories about the special relationship between humans and plants, we hope to educate and inspire.
You really do feel inspired after a visit to this place and I love how they focus on education and the appreciation of art. I really enjoyed the art exhibitions that were on display.
Orangery
Exploring the Gardens
The Gardens have a large selection of interesting spaces to explore - it would be best to consult the map and decide which areas you want to prioritize. I started from the Visitors Centre and moved in an anti-clockwise direction trying to take in as much as I could. This includes Gardens of the West, Internationally inspired Gardens, Ornamental Gardens, Shady Gardens and Water Gardens. Every area you walk into is a sensory delight. Colours, textures, sounds and sculptures combine to create memorable and beautiful moments. Water is also present throughout the Gardens adding movement and creating a sense of calm and serenity.
Water runs throughout the Gardens
There are bees and butterflies throughout the garden - I spotted this dragonfly who was happy to be photographed
I think this was my favourite part of the Garden (a tough decision) - The Monet Pond. Before I took the photos the water was perfectly still and reflected the sky, beautifully ordained with colourful waterlilies.
The Monet Pool is our largest water garden and features a stunning collection of aquatic plants including hardy and tropical waterlilies, Victoria waterlilies, pickerel plants, cannas, iris and more. Peak bloom occurs from June through September each year. An annual Water Blossom Festival is held in early August.
Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory
This enormous greenhouse makes you feel like you are in a tropical rainforest. I spotted several plants I recognised that are commonly grown in the Lowveld with its tropical climate, including Heliconia (Lobster Claws) and several orchid varieties.
Dedicated in 1966 and awarded Denver Landmark Status in 1973, the Tropical Conservatory is one of the world’s most unique displays of exotic plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Midway on a circular path is a fabricated two-story banyan tree that offers a multi-layered view of the indoor tropical forest.
Helen Fowler Library
I really wanted to highlight this aspect of the Gardens as I think it is such an important contribution and really admire the connection of the Library to the Gardens and the legacy that Helen Fowler left. How I would love to have access to a facility like this!
The Helen Fowler Library holds a significant collection of botanical and horticultural materials about the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world. The library supports research at the Gardens as well as community interests. The collection of approximately 25,000 titles includes subjects such as:
Gardening, horticulture, botany, agriculture and landscaping
Colorado native plants and world flora
Botanical art and illustration
Medical botany, ethnobotany, plant lore, plant pests and diseases
A large selection of children’s books, fiction and DVDs
Visitors are encouraged to peruse the shelves, research within the Helen Fowler Library and ask questions of library staff and volunteers during open hours. (all text in italics taken from website)
If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Denver Botanical Gardens, I would highly recommend it!
For further information visit www.botanicgardens.org
~ G.S
