Beauty In The City - Denver Botanic Gardens
Lisa’s Point of View had the opportunity to visit Denver Botanic Gardens in May 2019. I was beyond impressed to see this beautiful expansive botanic gardens in the heart of the city of Denver. It was a beautiful May day and all throughout the gardens the lush green landscape and the blooms of the flowers were beginning.
The York Street gardens span 24 acres of meandering pathways to explore plants, foliage and water ways of horticulture which can adapt to the always changing climate of the varying seasons of Denver. I enjoyed the layout of the gardens as it reminded me of visiting different villages.
Yet at times you can be in different areas and see the metropolitan skyline of the neighboring homes and high rise buildings surrounding the gardens.
During my visit there was an incredible art exhibition: “Figures from the Craig Ponzio Sculpture Collection”. The sculptures added a unique aspect with the gardens as the back drop. Each sculpture seemed to have its own personality telling its own story.
More info on the collection from the website: “…explore the human form in both classical and abstract styles, from the early 20th century to today. Featured artists hail from around the world and include Eric Fischl, Jacques Lipchitz, Sassona Norton, Beverly Pepper, Auguste Rodin and Manolo Valdés.
From sculpture to selfies to dance, the power of the human figure conveys and conjures a range of emotions. Human | Nature shares the expressive capacity of the human form against the backdrop of the Gardens’ diverse botanical environments.”
The Gardens of the West is filled with Western North American Native plants. It includes 18 arid gardens including plants that thrive in Colorado and provide spectacular color year round. More information on their website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/gardens-west
There is also the Internationally Inspired Gardens. The design that inspired the gardens included replicating what you would find in Japan, China, South Africa and the Tropics. The plants and flowers and have similar soil and climates throughout the year. More information on the website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/internationally-inspired-gardens
The Ornamental Gardens include some of my favorites and flower lovers’ favorites including iris, daylily and roses. Springtime brings a bounty of beautiful blooms. More information on the website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/ornamental-gardens
The Shady Gardens is like walking through a tropical lush green forest. It is a perfect escape on hot days to be among the beautiful vast green landscape. You can sit on one of the benches and just marvel at the natural beauty. I also enjoyed observing the variations of plants within the greenhouse. More information on the website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/shady-gardens
The Water Gardens are fascinating. If you are a fan of water lilies it is a must visit area of the gardens. The wonderful aspect of the design and layout of this botanic gardens are the waterways weave throughout the layout of the facility. More information on the website: https://www.botanicgardens.org/york-street/water-gardens
Be sure to check out the seasonal plant displays in the Orangery and Marine’s Pavilion.
There is also an area specifically designed for children, the Mordecai Children’s Garden. It is located on the third floor of the parking garage. It includes over 3-acres for children to explore and to learn about the plants and landscape including the 6 ecosystems in Colorado. With Colorado’s ever changing seasons, it offers an opportunity for different opportunities to learn throughout the year.
Click on the link below for their website to learn more on all the events and information on the Denver Botanic Gardens: https://www.botanicgardens.org/
