In winter, Denver Botanic Gardens connects us to the wild in a way that no other season can. Stripped of the froth and finery of summer, it feels more rugged and spontaneous, as if some things are just the way they happen naturally. Our imagination becomes freer to believe the dead tree trunk angled through a grove in Gates Montane Garden or the waterfall tumbling nearby into a pond are unplanned, and we are drawn to the very things we seek out in the wild – contemplative places and expansive views.</p> Come with me on a snowy day as we wander side paths and explore the nooks and crannies of the Gardens in search of a cultivated wild. I’ll share some of my favorite vignettes and features that on a quiet winter day may just transport you to an untamed faraway place.</p> The stonework in the Steppe Garden</strong> is home to treasures and one of my favorites is a trickling fountain sandwiched between two big slabs of buff rock. Crouch down at the opening and imagine you’re as tiny as a Lilliputian then take in the grandeur of this pint-sized chasm. </li> In Dryland Mesa</strong>, just before the main path curves north toward Monet Pool, you’ll find a side path that leads up rustic steps through an outcrop of boulders. Hunker down at the bottom and look up toward a weathered Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma</em>) and you could be deep in the Rockies on a hike.</li> Walk the southernmost path in the Rock Alpine Garden</strong> and look down a meandering brook across a rugged vista of boulders, shrubs and trees. On a cool winter’s day, you can almost taste mountain air. Of course, one reason we love vistas is that they exceed our expectations and even though this one is small, it’s exhilarating.</li> Trees are what give the Gardens its sense of grandeur and in winter the evergreens anchor us most in nature. Stand at the base of the giant yellow cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis</em> ‘Pendula’) in the southwest corner of the Rock Alpine Garden</strong> and look up. Its upcurved branches draping down with green foliage feel as if they command the sky.</li> According to scientific theorists, humans are soothed by fractal patterns in nature, those that repeat at different scales, and now is the time when these patterns pop at the Gardens. Evergreen succulents and subshrubs stand out against a neutral palette of spent perennials – from large spiraling rosettes of Adam’s needle (Yucca</em>) in Roads Water-Smart Garden</strong> to the geometric wonder, prickly thrift (Acantholimon</em>), in the Steppe Garden</strong> – nature’s little geodesic dome.</li> In the wild, hikers often talk of feeling recharged by wind blowing around them and through the landscape, and in the Ornamental Grasses Garden</strong>, a similar feeling can be had. The grasses here are almost always in perpetual motion. The tiniest waft of air can send the delicate seed clouds of sand love grass (Eragrostis trichodes</em>) quivering or the wands of silver grass (Miscanthus</em>) swaying as gently as feathers.</li> </ul>
Together, we do so much more.</p> Denver Botanic Gardens is excited to announce Colorado Gives Day coming up on Tuesday, December 6</strong>. For 24 hours, Colorado comes together to raise funds for local nonprofits, and we’re excited to be part of the day! On Colorado Gives Day, we’ll be celebrating. We’re celebrating you, because without our supporters, the Gardens would not have had the success we’ve had over the past year. </p> Your support on Colorado Gives Day enables work that impacts lives and communities. Denver Botanic Gardens’ mission and values inspire us to serve a personal purpose for each visitor, bringing delight, enlightenment, healing and perspective. From top issues such as water scarcity to regenerative agriculture to creating a relevant and accessible public garden for all, we don’t shy away from the hard work at hand. </p>
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is the primary law protecting rare and imperiled species and their habitats in the United States. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is responsible for adding or removing species from the list, planning and implementing recovery actions, and managing interagency cooperation to restore and protect healthy plant populations and their environments. For these tasks, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service must use the “best available science.” </p> Luckily, Denver Botanic Gardens’ research staff and dedicated volunteers are out every year collecting data on rare and imperiled plant populations across Colorado. Two main ways we contribute to increasing scientific understanding of rare species is through long-term monitoring and genetic analyses. </p> We conduct annual or biannual censuses on three rare species reviewed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and have also contributed to population genetic data on two listed mustards from northwest Colorado. </p>
Glittering cottonwoods twinkle overhead while cheery lights drape a charming barn and adorn Chatfield Farms like a glistening frost. In the distance the foothills of the mountains are still visible against the twilight sky. It’s just the right kind of chilly—that crisp Colorado winter evening brisk—and as you sip decadent hot cocoa and marvel at the stunning light display, a few flakes of snow start to drift down.</p> Inside the barn, a merry party is in full swing with delightful décor—snowflakes, evergreen garlands, poinsettias and pinecones—and scrumptious appetizers, melty fondue, chef-made charcuterie, creative entrees and heavenly desserts. </p> Sound like a postcard-perfect holiday party? It is! Host your own holiday party at Chatfield Farms</a> this winter and experience the magic of the season. Booking options are offered every day of the week, with discounted prices Monday through Thursday, and room to accommodate 50 to 500. Daytime and evening spots are available, so whether you want to throw a brunch bash or a nighttime soiree, options abound. </p> This winter we partner with Biscuits & Berries catering</a>, which offers seasonal winter packages. They also have a full-service menu for larger parties wanting to have a more formal holiday sit-down event. With menu items such as toasted pistachio arancini, smoked pumpkin risotto, dulce de leche butter cookies, Stranahan’s whisky bread pudding and hot chocolate with toffee you won’t be disappointed. </p> Add on tickets to Trail of Lights</a> and give your guests a truly unforgettable holiday experience! Follow a winding path glistening with lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside, see lights synchronized to music, singing Christmas trees, light tunnels and illuminated antique and model tractors on display. </p> Contact our private events team at Chatfield Farms today to book your date. Call 720-865-4339 or email chatfieldrentals@botanicgardens.org</a>. </p>
