Volunteers have always been integral to Denver Botanic Gardens’ success. In fact, our natural history collections</a> are the result of hard work by devoted volunteers. Kathryn Kalmbach and several other volunteers from the Colorado Forestry and Horticulture Association started collecting pressings of both native and cultivated plants for their herbarium in 1943. The collection was moved to the Gardens and formally dedicated as the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium</a> in November 1960. The Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi</a> is named for Dr. Duane “Sam” Mitchel, a medical internist in Denver who had a collection of mushrooms from Colorado. His fungal herbarium came to the Gardens in the 1960s.</p> </picture> </div> </article> Dr. Duane “Sam” Mitchel working on his microscope in the old herbarium space.</span></span></span></em></p> In the early days, Kathryn, Sam and other volunteers were the main contributors of specimens to the collections. They identified, processed and accessioned all their incoming plants and fungi. Over time, the Research & Conservation Department was established to oversee the herbaria as the Gardens was able to hire on some of the herbarium volunteers as staff. Now, the Research & Conservation Department is even more expanded, but volunteers still make up a huge portion of the processing effort for the collection of nearly 100,000 specimens.</p> </picture> </div> </article> Long-time volunteer Eleanor Von Bargen preparing orchid specimens for inclusion in the herbarium when it was located in the Boettcher Memorial Center.</span></span></span></em></p> In fall 2019 we stopped large-scale herbarium processing in preparation for the collections move into the new Freyer – Newman Center for Science, Art and Education. It was the first time that the herbaria were effectively closed to volunteers for any extended period. Volunteers were going to be invited back right after the move, however, while the collections move went smoothly</a>, the return of herbarium volunteers was dealt another blow – a global pandemic. Following safety guidelines, we had to curtail all volunteer activities in the herbarium.</p> </picture> </div> </article> Long-time volunteer and adjunct researcher Loraine Yeatts on a botanical survey collecting plant specimens for the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium.</span></span></span></em></p> The past year and a half have given the Research & Conservation Department staff a chance to reflect on the importance of our devoted volunteers. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them and we can’t keep up with processing without their continued assistance. Volunteers support research happening across the globe by helping us make our specimen data publishable online</a>. They transcribe data, identify plants and fungi, prepare specimens for long-term storage and image specimens so they may be freely accessed by anyone with internet. We miss our wonderful volunteers and can’t wait to invite them back when the world is a little safer. If you’d like to volunteer in the herbarium in the future, please visit our website</a>. </p>
Mention the name “orchid” and most people imagine brightly colored exotic flowers growing in hot, humid rainforests of the tropics. Many Coloradans are surprised to learn that a number of these striking rarities grow within our state’s own borders. In fact, depending on taxonomic classification, at least 25 different orchid species can be found growing in Colorado. </p> Most of our native orchids are more diminutive than their tropical relatives and can be hard to find, but they possess a unique beauty all their own. The reward in spotting these elusive flowers is in their intricacies and the joy of the hunt. Since our native orchids are dormant most of the year, you must know their growth cycles and preferred habitats to spot them in the wild. Most occur in moist, shaded ravines between 8,000 and 11,000 feet in elevation and peak bloom can be from late May through early September depending on the species. </p> Orchids require a very specific environment for healthy growth and will not be happy in most home gardens. Not only is it irresponsible to remove plants from the wild, it is often illegal. If you stumble upon any of Colorado’s native orchids on one of your hiking adventures – step lightly and do not pick any plants or flowers. Do take plenty of photos to share with friends as proof of your botanical expertise. </p>
Once considered a hobby for the elite, new propagation techniques and the mass production of orchids has made the joy of growing these amazing plants accessible to everyone. Not too long ago, the only place to find orchids to purchase was through mail order catalogs. Now, they can be found at almost any garden center, box store or even your local grocer. Unfortunately, orchids have the undeserved reputation of being difficult to cultivate in the home. While this may be true of some orchid species, thankfully there are hundreds, if not thousands, of orchid species and hybrids now available to hobbyist. If you can grow a houseplant in a windowsill, there is an orchid for you. </p> Good Plants for Beginners</h4> One of the best pieces of advice I ever received concerning growing healthy orchids was to research what conditions a plant wants and then provide those conditions. Sounds simple – right? Put another way: Don’t set yourself up for failure. Know what conditions you can provide and choose a suitable plant with those conditions in mind. Some of the best choices for the first time orchid grower are:</p> Phalaenopsis </em>– Perhaps the number one choice for the first-time orchid grower is the Phalaenopsis</em>, or moth orchid. They readily adapt to our home conditions and reward the grower with flowers that can last for months at a time. Phalaenopsis </em>plants prefer warm temperatures, low light levels and need to stay constantly moist (but never soggy). </p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> </p> Paphiopedilum </em>– Another popular choice for beginning orchid growers are Paphiopedilum</em>, or slipper orchids. The flowers can be so ugly they are beautiful – it’s all in the eye of the beholder. Paphiopedilum </em>orchids generally prefer low light levels, warm temperatures and must stay moist but not soggy. Paphiopedilum </em>flowers are also long-lasting.</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> </p> Dendrobium </em>– The genus Dendrobium </em>contains hundreds of species so there are a wide variety of cultural requirements for this group of plants. Most sold in garden centers will require bright light but can dry out slightly between waterings. Some will require a dry rest period in the fall and/or a drop in temperatures to encourage good blooming. You’ll need to research the specific Dendrobium </em>you have.</p> </picture> </div> </div> </article> </p> Now that you’ve successfully grown and bloomed your first orchid, the sky is the limit! With so many species and hybrids to grow, an orchid hobby can last a lifetime. You can expand your orchid knowledge with the hundreds of books available on the subject, by researching online or by joining a local or national orchid society. And be sure to visit our Orchid Showcase</a>. The possibilities are endless.</p> As your friends admire your beautiful orchids they will marvel at your horticultural prowess. I’ll let you decide whether or not to tell them that it really isn’t as hard as they might believe.</p> Please note: The Orchid Showcase will be closed to the public on Sunday, Jan. 29.</em></p>
Does winter have your kiddo dreaming for warmer weather? Get them excited by planning for spring break and summer camps with the Gardens!</p> The Gardens has kids-only camps that are full of garden explorations, games, activities, cooking and plants to take home. Camps take place at York Street and Chatfield Farms and are for ages 6-12. </p> Spring Break Camp</h4> Spring Break Camp is a fun week of exploration and crafts at the Gardens. Kids discover signs of spring in nature and design a miniature garden to take home. Registration opens January 20 at noon!</strong> Spring Break Camp runs March 29 – April 2. </p> Summer Camps</h4> At Garden Camps at York Street, kids discover the world around them through art, science, gardening and outdoor exploration.</p> At Chatfield Farms, they explore nature along Deer Creek, meet our farm animals and learn how to grow their own food while immersed in life on the farm.</p> Summer Camps are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and registration opens March 3 at noon</strong>.</p> </picture> </div> </article> </p> Denver Botanic Gardens is taking all necessary precautions to make sure your child has a safe and fun camp experience while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols.</p> Email gardencamp@botanicgardens.org</a> with questions. Learn more about camps</a> and our COVID-19 policies and get ready to get outside! </p>
