One of Denver’s crown jewels, the Denver Botanic Gardens opened in 1951 in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in the heart of Denver. It is celebrating almost 70 years of existence. and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States, listed as #6 of attractions in Denver on TripAdvisor.
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Gardens’ living collections feature specimens from the tropics to the tundra, showcasing plants chosen to thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. This 24-acre urban oasis offers unique garden experiences, as well as world-class education and plant conservation research programs. The Gardens is a unique living museum where horticulture, plant conservation and preservation, mycology, art, education and special events come together to engage and document human relationships with plants and the larger environment.
The Gardens would seem almost unrecognizable to those who first visited in its early years and have not returned until now. Considered one of the finest Botanic Gardens in the nation, this lush and varied paradise, with both indoor and outdoor areas, three dining options, as well as a delightful 3-acre children’s area (which opened in 2010) easily takes at least 2-3 hours to fully experience and enjoy.
Featuring 18 arid, climate-conscious Gardens of the West, such as Bristlecone Border, Sacred Earth, Dryland Mesa and Ornamental Grasses, visitors can meander from one to the next, then move on to the ‘Internationally Inspired Gardens,’ such as the South African Plaza and the Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion and Tea Garden, and then venture to the Ornamental Gardens, especially delightful in the warmer months, which include many favorites, such as roses, daylilies and irises.
One of my personal favorites is the Sensory Garden, which employs architectural features and sensory plantings to enable people of all ages and abilities to interact with plants. Specialized gardening techniques and structures help to minimize physical barriers and maximize people’s abilities. Another crowd pleaser is the Ellipse, next to the Romantic Gardens, with its splendid array of roses from May Bonfils Stanton collection, as well as the beloved Dale Chihuly blown glass sculpture, "Colorado."
On September 26, the Gardens opened the Freyer-Newman Center, the final installment of its four-phase, 13-year Master Development Plan which began in 2007. The Center is designed to showcase the Garden’s celebration of both science and art. Ground was broken in May, 2018 for the LEED GOLD building and opening was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. “This is the pinnacle of our Master Plan,” says Erin Bird, Communications Manager.
The building, with its airy, Scandinavian modern vibe, is built with sustainable woods, bamboo, tile, and artistic details such as arching beams and enormous windows providing ample sunlight. It provides more accessible and enriching public engagement, including an auditorium, four art galleries, the expansive Helen Fowler Library, six classrooms, a coffee shop operated by Copper Door Coffee Roasters (accessible to the public without admission to the Gardens) and 144 staff parking spots. Important plant science research and conservation efforts will grow with more advanced laboratories and larger herbaria for vascular plants, mushrooms and slime molds. All signage is bilingual in English and Spanish, along with Braille postings.
“As one of the first 2017 General Obligation Bond-supported projects to break ground, the Freyer - Newman Center is an outstanding example of how these community approved investments can move a project to reality and enhance our world-class museums and culturals,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Institutions like Denver Botanic Gardens provide opportunities for our residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds to learn, have fun and explore together.”
The art galleries in the Freyer-Newman Centerwill have temporary exhibitions with these three in place for now:
Ghost Forest: Works by Melanie Walker
Through December 6, 2020
Melanie Walker’s works on fabric offer reflections on the memories that connect us to wild places, and to one another. Walker is a Colorado-based artist whose work draws on analog photographic processes, digital art and mixed media.
Raíces y ramas | Roots and Branches
Through February 28, 2021
Tony Ortega’s artwork celebrates identity and tradition to form a bridge between cultures in Mexico and the United States. Raíces y ramas explores the Chicano experience in U.S. culture, highlighting the role of place and landscape in connecting communities.. Inspired by his journeys across languages, cultures and ideologies[,] He is the recipient of the Colorado Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts and the Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.
Prima Lingua: First Words of the Earth
Through March 14, 2021
Jody Guralnick explores the intersection of science and art, bringing to light the microscopic and often unnoticed structures of lichens, mushrooms, molds and more. For her, these tiny organisms are comparable to the first words of the earth—building blocks for nature’s language.
For more information:
Denver Botanic Gardens is gradually re-opening to the public. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street is open with limited capacity and timed tickets. Tickets will be available two weeks at a time. Tickets will not be available onsite.
Adult daily admission is $15, children 3-15 $11.00, seniors 65+ and military
$11.50. Winter hours are 9-4 daily, Mondays 9-5