FALL 2020 A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
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FALL 2020 A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
It was probably an illusion, a broad sense that we had a handle on what to expect in the future. Some people map out their life in segments, with very specific benchmarks. Others, like me, are always on the lookout for serendipity. However, for much of our society and within most institutions and businesses, the ability to plan for at least the next few years has been foundational. Even in an era of constant technological and social change, we seemed to know pretty much what to expect. Then came 2020. Many veils have been pulled back, and each of us is contemplating our own role in the world and our obligations to the future. Speculation and even conspiracy theories abound. Only one thing is certain: Our collective action will shape the years ahead, for good or ill. So why not focus on persevering toward a better age? There is something happening at the Gardens every day as visitors arrive, bearing the weight of the world, and then walking lighter as they stroll through tableaus of nature. Maybe this new world will inspire a stronger and more respectful relationship between humankind and our earth. Plants are a great arbiter. The Gardens’ work over the past decade on diversity and inclusion issues has accelerated because of a broad awakening to the need for social justice. We seek to create gardens for all people; why not make that a universal concept? We have experienced shortages and scarcity. Maybe we can take that as a lesson about sustainability. As an example, many take unlimited water availability for granted; while simultaneously more and more people have realized water’s sometimes scarce and precious role. The One World One Water Center, our project with Metropolitan State University of Denver, exists to educate and inspire people all over the globe to protect access to this essential element of life itself. It’s notable that vegetable gardening became a trend during the pandemic, but why not continue to grow more of our food locally and use more public spaces while we are at it? Our Urban Food Initiatives team has been leading that charge for years. The list goes on, and it will be different for each of us, our families, organizations and communities. We have choices every day that truly matter. The more we lean in on work to make the future brighter, the better the chances for it to happen. Brian Vogt Denver Botanic Gardens CEO
ISSUE 4, 2020
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206
September 28 – Mother’s Day 2021,
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., last admission 4 p.m.
Pre-purchased tickets and advance member
passes only.
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Rd.,
Littleton, CO 80128
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., last admission 4 p.m.
Pre-purchased tickets and advance member
Contents passes only.
Contact Us
Center for Global Initiatives .... 2
General Information: 720-865-3500
Plant Portrait ........................ 3 Class Registration: 720-865-3580
Donations: 720-865-3528
Chatfield Farms .................... 4 Gift Shop: 720-865-3595
Membership Services: 720-865-3525
Featured Garden .................. 5 Private Events: 720-865-3551
Trips & Travel ....................... 6 Volunteering: 720-865-3609
Helen Fowler Library: 720-865-3570
Couch Tomatoes ................... 7 Gardening Help from Colorado Master Gardeners
Private Tours ......................... 7 Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium
Special Events ...................... 8-9 Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi
The Shop at the Gardens ....... 9 Editor: Tiffany Coleman
Graphic Designer: Nick Elias
Development ........................ 10 Photographer: Scott Dressel-Martin
Horticulture .......................... 11 The mission of Denver Botanic Gardens is to
connect people with plants, especially plants
Research .............................. 12-13 from the Rocky Mountain region and similar
regions around the world, providing delight and
Exhibitions, Art and Learning enlightenment to everyone.
Engagement ......................... 14-15
Family Corner ....................... 16
Education ............................ 17
The Gardens is grateful for funds from
Tributes ............................... 18 the Scientific & Cultural Facilities
District (SCFD), which enable us to
Donor List ............................ 19 expand services and enhance the
quality of our programs and exhibits.
Trustees ............................... 19
CENTER FOR GLOBAL INITIATIVES
BUILDING
BOTANICAL
BONDS
with Afghanistan
By Sarada Krishnan, Ph.D., Director of Horticulture & Center for Global Initiatives
Afghanistan is one of the few countries that Key factors for this project to be successful
does not have a botanical garden. This and self-sustainable over decades—even
gaping hole was brought to the forefront when centuries—will be in making these botanical
difficulties arose after seeds and saplings from gardens resilient, low-cost and easy to
the Green Legacy Hiroshima (GLH) campaign maintain, even when resources are lacking.
were sent to Afghanistan. The lack of botanical This network of botanic gardens will be
gardens severely hinders Afghan researchers operated by universities, and to date, three
and scientists in their efforts to preserve and universities in Afghanistan have signed up
improve the country’s biodiversity in the long to participate: Paktia University, Bamyan
term. To address this, the Afghan Fellowship University and Kabul University.
Legacy Project (AFLP) of the United Nations An inaugural seminar on botanic garden
Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) networks for Afghanistan was held at the third
along with Emerging and Developing EDEN Seminar at the Shizenkan University
Economies Network (EDEN) Seminars have in Japan on January 31, 2020. Following
formed an initiative to catalyze the creation of that, an international advisory committee was
a botanical garden network in Afghanistan. formed. The committee was to have met in
Assisting with this initiative are experts from Tokyo in May this year, but due to COVID-19,
Denver Botanic Gardens, San Diego Botanic a webinar was held on May 14.
Garden, Botanic Gardens Conservation
International and other renowned botanical These past few months as we have grappled
and conservation experts. with the societal impacts of the pandemic,
the importance of our connection to nature
The initiative’s vision is to form a network of and plants has never been more vital. Looking
botanical gardens dedicated to the research of to the future, we hope through this project
plants relevant to food, medicine, horticulture to connect the Afghani people with their
and ecological integrity in Afghanistan. natural heritage.
Top photo by EJ Wolfson, Unsplash.com. Inset photo by Sarada Krishnan.
2 | FALL 2020
PLANT PORTRAIT
THE HORTICULTURAL
FORTUNE TELLER
By Sonya Anderson, Horticulture Specialist – Plant Select® & Pollinator Gardens
(Low music plays. The lights are dim.) Now yellow strawflowers at the tips. Definitely
that we have the proper atmosphere, let’s gaze hardy, in full to partial sun, with little
into our crystal ball. What does Plant Select® supplemental water. The plant looks to be two
have for us in 2021...? At first, I see only fog. to three feet high by maybe four feet wide.
But then it clears, revealing a lovely mounding But what is it? Shhh, I can hear something, a
plant covered in dusty pink flowers—so many word. It’s unfamiliar. It sounds like “Hokubetsi.”
I can’t see the leaves! A foot tall and a little Yes, that’s it. Hokubetsi. That must be its name.
wider, it’s in bright sun with very little water.
I’d swear it’s Spanish snapdragon (Antirrhinum So many new plants
sempervirens), but strangely the flowers are revealed for 2021!
pink, not white. This must be something new,
unusual, maybe some kind of folly.
Drew’s Folly™
(Now the fog returns, and moments pass.)
Hardy Snapdragon
I can see something new emerging. Shiny
Antirrhinum
green foliage, about two feet tall. Lots of sun,
sempervirens ‘P020S’
little water. It’s Rocky Mountain penstemon
(Penstemon strictus). I’d know it anywhere.
Well, pollinators are going to love it! But hang
Blanca Peak ® Rocky
on, white flowers? Rocky Mountain penstemon
Mountain Beardtongue
is blue. And the flowers are so big.
Penstemon strictus
The image in our crystal ball is changing… ‘PWWG06S’
Is that Blanca Peak I see in the distance?
Curious... (The fog swirls as more moments
pass.) The clouds obscure Blanca Peak, SteppeSuns®
but then fade. New mountains appear, big, Hokubetsi Helichrysum
but different. Ah ha! The Maloti range in trilineatum ‘P021S’
South Africa. And what’s that? A little shrub
is appearing. Silvery, with dense foliage. It’s
sprawling but upright and tidy, too, with sunny
Top photo by Trevin Rudy, Unsplash.com.
botanicgardens.org | 3
CHATFIELD FARMS
THE FUTURE OF
CHATFIELD
FARMS
By Larry Vickerman, Director of Chatfield Farms
I have had the pleasure of being the Master Development Plan to enhance the
director of Chatfield Farms for the past 15 visitor experience and to provide more
years. During that time, I have seen the insight and education about the site.
exciting transformation of an undiscovered Plans include: better parking with new
gem of a property into a multi-disciplinary visitor services facilities; a new rental
showcase. Few public places combine venue; education center with direct access
agriculture, horticulture and restoration, to the Hildebrand Ranch; and (eventually)
especially where they can be practiced a farm-to-table restaurant. And improved
side by side. That is what makes Chatfield paths will increase access to bird and
Farms so unique. The plant sciences tend
wildlife watching. Currently, a drying
to be divided into smaller study areas
shed for lavender, herbs and dye plants
for more detailed research, but that can
is underway, and we hope to soon add a
sacrifice the synergy of discovery and
still for extracting essential oils.
collaboration. I can think of few places
where you can see well executed larger High-intensity farming techniques will
scale farming, detailed naturalistic continue to improve, and overall water
ornamental landscape plantings and conservation strategies will continue.
small-scale intensive vegetable/fruit More prairie restoration will enhance
farming in the context of a historical farm. habitat for all important pollinators and
Couple that with prairie and riparian other invertebrates. Lastly, one of the most
restoration and you can develop a diverse fascinating projects of the last five years
view of the applied plant sciences. has been the restoration of the hydrology
Just as exciting is that the Chatfield Farms and habitat along the Deer Creek riparian
Committee and staff have spent the last corridor, which will continue to increase
year re-imagining and creating a new water quality and support wildlife.
4 | FALL 2020
FEATURED GARDEN
Selecting
PL ANT
S E L ECT
By Mike Bone, Curator of Steppe Collections and Associate Director of Horticulture, and Jameson Coopman,
Horticulture Research Associate
Every year Plant Select® promotes and anywhere from one to 10 years, most plants
introduces great plants for Colorado and averaging three years before a decision is
similar steppe regions. These plants originate made whether to include it in the Plant Select
from many different places. We receive plants program. Throughout those years, plants are
from local growers. Some come from national subjected to intense Colorado conditions.
plant breeders. Plants even come from the The soil is heavy clay, the plants are
breeding efforts of our own staff. With a watered minimally (sometimes not receiving
watchful eye, a trained horticulturist can spot any supplemental water at all in a season)
mutations and find unique plant traits that and plants are not fertilized. This certainly
add diversity to our gardens. Selecting and provides the opportunity to observe plants in
introducing plants is a global tradition that a challenging environment. Plants that can
Denver Botanic Gardens has been involved in survive this garden will thrive in this region.
for decades. Plant Select is the showcase for
this work. At regular intervals, plants are photographed
to track phenology (the study of seasonal
For a plant to make it into the program it must
changes, such as blooming in the spring
meet certain criteria. The main criteria Plant
and leaf color changes in the fall, which are
Select looks for in potential plants are the
ability to thrive with less water, to grow in a influenced by climate). Observations are
variety of conditions and to have resilience recorded regarding plant size, pollinator
in challenging climates. These plants must visitation, pests and diseases, and if the plant
be unique, resist diseases and pests, provide spreads heavily via seed. That last one is
long-lasting, multi-season beauty and be especially important for plants that don’t come
unlikely to escape cultivation. from Colorado. We make sure they do not
spread via seed or any other method heavily
The trial gardens at Denver Botanic enough to escape cultivation. These trial
Gardens Chatfield Farms is where potential gardens are at the cutting edge of horticulture
introductions are evaluated. This location is in Colorado and the steppe. Keep an eye out
tucked away from public spaces to protect
for all of our exciting advances.
potential proprietary plants. These plants
are established in rows and observed for
Photos by Mike Bone.
botanicgardens.org | 5
SAVE THE DATES TRIPS & TRAVEL
Garden of the Gods: A Springtime Botanical Wonders of Brazil’s
Journey to the Greek Islands Estrada Royal
April 22 – May 3, 2021 October 3-11, 2021
Greece in spring is a magical experience. This trip to Brazil offers a rich cultural and
It’s the time of the year when the entire country botanical experience, exploring 17th-19th
becomes a vast natural garden. Greece is century architecture, local cuisine, natural
home to a stunning number of plant species, history, art, culture and landscapes.
comprising the richest flora in Europe. More The journey will trace the Estrada Real, which
than 6,000 species thrive in the country, opened in the 18th century to support gold
of which about 10 percent are endemic and mines. It was officially declared a tourist route
can be found nowhere else in the world. in 1999 and is the most important tourist
On this springtime journey we will witness destination in Minas Gerais, encompassing
the beautiful display of wildflowers that cover historical cities, woodland parks, mountains,
the land among ancient sites, old villages rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Tour leader
and notable islands. Tour leader is Dr. Sarada is Nick Snakenberg, curator of tropical
Krishnan, director of horticulture and the collections and associate director
Center for Global Initiatives at the Gardens. of horticulture at the Gardens.
Celebrate La Guelaguetza Immerse yourself in the culture and
in Oaxaca traditions of Día de los Muertos
in Oaxaca
July 18-24, 2021
Join us next summer for the most important October 28 – November 3, 2021
festival in Oaxaca – the annual celebration Denver Botanic Gardens and Reefs to Rockies
of La Guelaguetza. Guelaguetza comes offer another unforgettable trip to Oaxaca,
from the Zapotec word guendalezaa, which Mexico, during its most important celebration
means to give or share, or offer a service of the year – Día de los Muertos. This eight-
to someone. This annual celebration brings day journey takes you to Mexico City, Puebla
together the most diverse communities in the and Oaxaca. Combining these three cities
state to showcase music and dances as well offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore
as exhibitions, concerts, and other events the rich history and long-standing traditions
of cultural importance. Tour leader of this beautiful celebration. Tour leader
is Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, community is Dan Johnson, associate director
relations manager. of horticulture and curator of native plants.
LEARN MORE
Photo by George Hiles, Unsplash.com.
6 | FALL 2020
NEW SERIES
KETCHUP
(or catch up)
PRIVATE TOURS
WITH COUCH at York Street,
TOMATOES
By Erin Bird, Communications Manager
Chatfield Farms or
Plains Conservation
Check out our new Instagram Stories Center
series of witty, bite-size interactive
Looking for a special experience
science lessons about plants, fungi and
for your group of five or more? Schedule
their associated animals. Join Vanessa a private guided tour at York Street,
Callahan, learning engagement Chatfield Farms or Plains Conservation
assistant (aka the Nerdy Naturalist), Center with at least three weeks’ notice.
as she chases bees, pets fuzzy plants, For more information, contact
tackles plant reproduction and looks info@botanicgardens.org or 720-865-3500.
at hidden plant parts under the Includes admission.
microscope. Every Wednesday, see a Docent-led: $14 per person, $5 student
new episode and get to know a few Staff-led: $17 per person, $5 student
plants up close (or even under the lens). Plains Conservation Center: $10
botanicgardens.org | 7
SPECIAL EVENTS
CORN MAZE VIRTUAL FALL
PLANT & BULB SALE
Fridays – Sundays,
September 18 – October 31
September: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.,
September 25-27
last entry 6 p.m.
The key to a colorful spring garden is planting
October: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., bulbs in the fall! This year, our online sale will
last entry 5:30 p.m. feature hundreds of flowering bulbs, garlic
Must pre-purchase tickets; no tickets sold onsite.
and Grown at the Gardens plants, as well as
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Corn Maze! new offerings including unique seed mixes and
Wind your way through seven acres of corn, Plant Select® selections. Shop online from the
view the maze from two 15-foot-tall bridges comfort of your home, then pick up your order
and for those ages 10 and under, explore in person at the Gardens. Online store will be
the mini maze. In October, pick the perfect
open September 25, 10 a.m. – September 27,
pumpkin in the 10-acre pumpkin patch.
5 p.m., (subject to close if supplies run out).
Pumpkin patch hours: Order pick-up is October 1-3.
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
must pre-purchase Chatfield Farms general
admission tickets
Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
must pre-purchase Corn Maze tickets
GLOW AT THE
Note: Due to COVID-19 constraints, there will
not be a Pumpkin Festival this year. GARDENS ™
October 20-25, 6-9:45 p.m.
VIRTUAL DÍA DE
Member ticket presale: October 2-4, 10 a.m.
Public tickets on sale: October 5, 10 a.m.
LOS MUERTOS
Reimagined for 2020, enjoy an eerie evening
at the Gardens surrounded by luminous
displays and live performers. Wander a
CELEBRATION
Join the Gardens’ annual celebration of Day
one-way path through a spooky, illuminated
landscape as musicians, dancers and
performing artists bring spirits and specters
of the Dead with online workshops, virtual to life. Bring your face mask and a macabre
programs and entertainment providing at-home mood for this enchanted autumnal experience.
learning and celebrating for students, families Tickets must be purchased in advance and are
and the entire community. expected to sell out; don’t wait to get yours.
8 | FALL 2020BLOSSOMS TRAIL OF LIGHTS
OF LIGHT ™ November 27 – December 13,
Fridays – Sundays
November 20 – January 3, December 18 – January 3,
5-9:45 p.m., Closed nightly; 5-9 p.m.
Thanksgiving Trail of Lights returns to Chatfield Farms!
Member ticket presale: November 6-8, 10 a.m.
Walk a wintry, winding path glistening with
Public tickets on sale: November 9, 10 a.m.
lights that illuminate the Colorado countryside,
Ranked for several years as one of the best illuminated antique and model tractors on
holiday light shows in the nation, Blossoms display, seasonal decorations and hot,
of Light once again illuminates the chilly non-alcoholic drinks and kettle corn available
winter nights at our York Street location. Enjoy for purchase. Tickets must be purchased
majestic displays of light and color as you in advance.
stroll a mile-long path through a twinkling
winter wonderland that brings delight to
visitors of all ages. Tickets must be purchased
in advance and are expected to sell out;
don’t wait to get yours!
SHOP ONLINE NOW
Start your holiday shopping today at the online Shop at the Gardens! Find artisan bath & body
products, locally made home and garden décor, gift box sets, educational items and more.
Gardens members save 10% on purchases.
botanicgardens.org | 9DEVELOPMENT
Cultivating a Vision:
THE SUMMERHOME GARDEN
By Johanna Kelly, Director of Development
In the Washington Park neighborhood, you and adaptive plants. When volunteering, Lisa
will find a gem. SummerHome Garden is the routinely works in the Josephine Street gardens
vision and creation of Gardens’ member and and has even used many of the same plants in
volunteer Lisa Negri, Horticulture Specialist the “hell strip” in front of her own home. This
Kevin Williams and Horticulture Specialist- further inspired her vision with the question:
Plant Select® & Pollinator Gardens Sonya “What is better than a garden?”
Anderson. This garden is a response to the One of the benefits of being a significant
increasing density there and throughout donor to the Gardens is the opportunity to
our city. have a consultation session with a member
Lisa was inspired to create SummerHome of the horticulture team. Through this benefit
Garden when a property contiguous to hers Lisa and Kevin collaborated on the design of
became available last year. In considering and plant selection for SummerHome Garden.
the ongoing building around her she asked Lisa says that Kevin’s philosophy is to expand
herself, “How can I help?” people’s visions of a garden – to let it be wild
and see where it goes. She wanted to bring
Having worked as a volunteer with Kevin and this vision into her community to demonstrate
other members of the Gardens’ horticulture the benefit of these native and adaptive
team, she is very familiar with the different plants. The plantings include redbud trees, red
gardens on the York Street campus. Most sage, California bluebells, yucca and agave,
familiar to her are the Steppe Garden and the among many others. SummerHome Garden
streetscapes Kevin and others designed and was finished in early August; once established,
planted along Josephine Street using native the plantings will thrive with natural rainfall.
Photo by Kevin Williams.
10 | FALL 2020FEBRUARY
JUNE
HORTICULTURE
Envisioning THE SUMMERHOME GARDEN
by Kevin Philip Williams, Horticulture Specialist
Through the Gardens’ collaboration with The layout itself has been modeled on an
Lisa, we set out to provide planting and instance of graffiti found on a public utility
landscape design to create an example box. Using this wild, open-source example of
of dynamic horticulture for the Washington composition and expression as a jumping-off
Park neighborhood. point for planting helps to alleviate the heavy-
handedness of the designer and encourage
The naturalistic plantings of SummerHome
acceptance of a wandering and competing
Garden, implemented through a combination
plant community.
of planting and seeding, highlight the beauty
and xeric utility of shrub steppes, bringing a Although we may not know the shape
Western colorscape of silvers and blue-grays of gardens to come, they will certainly need
to the forefront with seasonal shocks of hot progressive vision, guidance and the support
hues rippling across the garden. Additionally, of a diverse community to manifest. We are
a crevice garden for cacti and succulents, hopeful that through creative examples
natural stone benches, meandering pathways, and thoughtful experimentation, the Gardens
pollinator hotels, sculptures and fountains are can continue to be a helpful steward
spread throughout the immersive plantings. of future gardens.
Photos by Kevin Williams.
botanicgardens.org | 11RESEARCH
SCIENCE AT
THE GARDENS
Expanded Opportunities
By Jennifer Ramp Neale, Ph.D.,
Director of Research & Conservation
Examining fungal spores under
microscopes, cutting DNA into
thousands of pieces to then
make millions of copies, growing
plants in test tubes, cleaning
and counting millions of seeds,
carefully dissecting floral parts
to describe a species—these are
some of the scientific activities
taking place in the Freyer –
Newman Center for Science,
Art and Education.
With the opening of the
Center, we are expanding
and enhancing our scientific
capabilities. Scientific study is
the pursuit of knowledge through
documentation, observation and
experimentation. Our team of
staff scientists are engaged in
documenting and observing the
natural world, specifically plants
and fungi.
12 | FALL 2020The common thread in our work is the goal of enhancing our
knowledge of the natural world. Whether our end goal is a report
to a grant funder or publication in a scientific journal, we design
our studies with transparency and replicability top of mind. Between
2015-2019, Gardens staff published more than 45 papers in
scientific journals. Publishing our studies as an article in a peer-
reviewed scientific journal adds weight and validation to our work.
The facilities provided in the Center expand our capacity to pursue
scientific knowledge. The herbarium houses our natural history
collections: the Kathryn Kalmbach Vascular Plant Herbarium and the
Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi have nearly 100,000 combined
plant and fungal specimens representing biodiversity of the Southern
Rocky Mountain region. Funding from an Institute for Museum and
Library Services grant (award #: MA-30-18-0410-18) provides
ample cabinet space allowing for 50 years of continued growth.
The Bill and Alice Collister Herbarium Workspace offers abundant
space for botanists, mycologists and botanical illustrators to work
side by side opening opportunity for future collaborations.
The science labs, located on the second floor, more than double
our capacity to pursue scientific observation and experimentation.
The Ecology Lab provides space for mycological processing,
seed cleaning, microscopy, biomass and soil studies. We are
leading experimental studies at Chatfield Farms working to restore
the habitat along Deer Creek. Samples collected there are then
processed in the lab. The Genetics and Tissue Culture Lab is a sterile
lab where genetic relationships among fungi or plants are assessed
and population genetic assessments are pursued. Horticultural
research assesses genetic diversity in key crops and wild relatives
and develops new tissue culture protocols for propagation.
The numerous spaces allow for research to continue with social
distancing efforts well in place. Teaching and mentoring now take
place in a virtual landscape, using the collections and labs as the
backdrop to create a rich experience for students of all kinds. New
scientific discoveries will arise from our work in the Center. We look
forward to sharing these, as well as our physical research spaces,
with the public in time.
botanicgardens.org | 13EXHIBITIONS, ART AND LEARNING ENGAGEMENT
Visit the new indoor galleries in the Freyer – Newman Center with
LEARN MORE
these inaugural exhibitions. Included with Gardens admission.
FROM THE VAULT GARDEN & HAVEN
Wonders and Oddities Botanical Art and
from the Gardens’ Illustration
Collections September 26 – November 8
In honor of its 40th anniversary, Denver
September 26 – November 8 Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art
From the Vault presents some of the most and Illustration highlights gardens as places
beautiful, interesting and unique objects in of sanctuary and renewal through a special
the Gardens’ collections, most exhibited for juried exhibition of works created by the
the first time. The Gardens is home to much school’s students and graduates. Garden &
more than living plants; its collections also Haven celebrates the capacity of the natural
include paintings, pressed plants, rare books, world to remind us that even through times
dried fungi, historical photos and other of sadness and fear, spring and renewal will
objects. Highlights include a giant puffball always return.
fungus named Fred and a botanical illustration
GHOST FOREST Works
created during the time of Shakespeare.
PINK LEMONADE HOPE by Melanie Walker
Works by Koko Bayer September 26 – December 6
Melanie Walker’s works on fabric are a
September 26 – December 6 contemplative reverie on our origins in nature
Denver artist Koko Bayer installs printed and the landscapes that continue to sustain
images throughout Denver’s urban landscape us. Ghost Forest offers a space to reflect on
with wheat paste, making them naturally the memories that connect us to wild places,
ephemeral. Pink Lemonade Hope is part of and to one another. Walker is a Colorado-
Bayer’s “Project Spread Hope”—a series based artist whose work draws on analog
of installations created in response to the photographic processes, digital art and
COVID-19 crisis as a reminder of the power mixed media. This exhibition is organized in
of hope. collaboration with Walker Fine Art, Denver.
14 | FALL 2020© Tony Ortega. Photo courtesy of Tony Ortega.
Tony Ortega, Los Trabajadores, 2019. Artwork
Jody Guralnick, how they grow, 2019.
RAÍCES Y RAMAS | PRIMA LINGUA
ROOTS AND BRANCHES First Words of the Earth
November 21 – February 28 December 19 – March 14
Tony Ortega’s artwork celebrates identity and Jody Guralnick explores the intersection
tradition to form a bridge between cultures of science and art, bringing to light the
in Mexico and the United States. Raíces y microscopic and often unnoticed structures of
ramas explores the Chicano experience in lichens, mushrooms, molds and more. For her,
U.S. culture, highlighting the role of place and these tiny organisms are comparable to the
landscape in connecting community. Inspired first words of the earth—building blocks for
by his journeys across languages, cultures nature’s language. Her works seek to make
and ideologies, Ortega’s work combines visible the links between the human world and
the realm of fungi and microbes, encouraging
expressionist colors with urban and rural
stewardship of the environment by highlighting
environments of the U.S. Ortega holds a MFA
the spaces that we share with microorganisms.
in drawing and painting from the University
Guralnick is based in Aspen, Colorado where
of Colorado and is currently a professor at
she collects, interprets and creates with natural
Denver’s Regis University. He is the recipient
materials. She holds a BA from the St. Martin’s
of the Colorado Governor’s Award for
School of Art in London, a MA from the Boston
Excellence in the Arts and the Mayor’s Award Museum School of Fine Arts, and a MFA from
for Excellence in the Arts. His artwork can be the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Her works
found in the collections of museums including have been exhibited throughout the U.S., and
the Denver Art Museum and the Los Angeles she has been the recipient of numerous awards
County Museum, and his works have been and fellowships, including a Ford Foundation
exhibited throughout the U.S., Latin America Grant and a Colorado Council for the Arts
and other parts of the world. This exhibition is Visual Arts Fellowship.
organized in collaboration with William Havu
Gallery, Denver.
botanicgardens.org | 15FAMILY CORNER
PLANT PRESS
FAMILY
ACTIVITY
By Chelsey Bardgett, Family and Children’s Program Instructor
1
There are many things we do in the moment Cut cardboard into three 4” x 4”
that have future results. It might be planting squares. The cardboard acts as firm
a seed and watching it grow to get a flower support to flatten the plant specimen.
or designing a space to develop the perfect
2
Place at least two sheets of paper or
garden. At Denver Botanic Gardens, our
newspaper on two pieces of cardboard.
instructors work today to grow the future.
The paper acts as an absorbent layer to
A special activity to do today that will have help the plant dry quicker.
future results is pressing a plant. This activity
3
Using your fingers, carefully arrange
creates a long-lasting dried specimen that the plant specimen on top of one of the
might have sentimental meaning, be a piece papers so that the leaves are separate
of art or be used for scientific purposes. from each other but still connected to
At the Gardens, we keep our dried specimens the stem. You may turn one leaf over
in a special space called an herbarium. to show the other side. Once you are
Check out how our own scientists collect plant happy with your arrangement, place
specimens. the other paper on top of the specimen
Now is a great time for families to practice and a piece of cardboard on top of
their own trips into the “field.” Take a journey the paper. You just made a specimen
through an outdoor space, your neighborhood sandwich! Repeat the process to create
or even your backyard. Look for a specimen another layer.
4
that is either on a plant you can safely collect Wrap rubber bands around the press,
from or already on the ground. one in each direction so all parts are
After working in the “field,” you can begin bound together. The rubber bands
the process of preserving your collection by assist in exerting pressure on the
plant specimens. You can increase the
creating a small DIY plant press.
pressure by placing heavy objects on
Materials: plant specimens, cardboard (an old the plant press. It can take over a week
cardboard box works), paper or newspaper for a plant to dry completely, so keep
and rubber bands. practicing patience during this project!
This project takes a little time, but it is well worth the wait for our family naturalists! Want a
crafty version of a DIY plant press? Purchase this Botany in a Box Family Activity Kit.
16 | FALL 2020EDUCATION
PANDEMIC PROGRAMMING PIVOT
By Matthew Cole, Director of Education; with contributions from Kirsten Bell, School and Camp Program
Coordinator; Katelin Gaeth, Assistant Manager of School and Camp Programs; Chelsey Bardgett, Family &
Children’s Program Instructor; Helena Sizemore, Family & Children’s Program Instructor; and Catharine McCord,
Adult Program Coordinator
The Education Department prides itself on Therapeutic Thursdays, was introduced to
providing strong hands-on experiences for help people appreciate and connect to plants
learners of all ages, through schools, in family through the technologies that were available.
groups and for adults wanting to connect
Participants returned, new students joined,
with plants in many ways. The pandemic has
and our reach expanded beyond Denver and
challenged this, and as educators, we’ve had
Colorado; it almost begins to sound like virtual
to be extra creative to reach audiences. learning shows us the future. But we’re also
“Basically, we had to pivot,” says Kirsten. seeing that attention span and time are limited
“And I feel we did it well because, in online. Zoom fatigue is a reality. As people
conversation with other organizations, become confident in their ability to go out
we were ahead of where they were. We safely, online classes seem less appealing.
were able to do it fast and make it fun and “What was so vital in the early days of the
engaging, all from our homes.” pandemic may now just be yet another thing
we do on a screen,” Catharine adds.
It took a team effort to make new things
happen without being physically together. What’s the lesson for the future of classes
Through a combination of modifying onsite at the Gardens? Past years have shown that
programs to work in an online learning we need not just a match between people’s
environment and developing new video interest and the class content, but in the
components to enhance the classes, the pieces format of the class. Currently, some students
started to come together. “We began to feel are comfortable being in public spaces while
we can make this work; we have engaging others are not. It’s clear that to serve our
audiences the best we can, we need to have
content,” Katelin says.
the greatest variety of formats that we can
School programs, toddler classes and adult sustain. Please check our program offerings,
courses all transitioned online, modified to both online and in person, to see what is open
fit Zoom. The result, educators note, was that for registration now.
people were grateful: “What we realized
was that the pandemic was so new and so
unsettling that online classes helped people,” LEARN MORE
says Catharine. A new weekly offering,Honor/Memorial Contributors
Gifts Received 05/01/2020 – 07/31/2020
IN MEMORY George and Sally Fosha Bev Hill Deborah Preschler
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Freyer Christine Klein Gordon Trafton
In Memory of Buddy Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller Ann Klaiman Mark Trafton
Donna Duffy
The Garden Club of Denver Judy Larson Larry E. Wielgot
In Memory of Kenneth R. Blum Ms. Cecily Grant and Joan Lebow
Ina Cherington Kurt Smitz Vicki Lepore In Memory of
Elisha and Nina Gray James K. Lillyman Alison L. Winslow
In Memory of Cecil Broyles
Jane Wainwright Mrs. Frederic C. Hamilton Harry Lindmark Lane Baird
Heidi and Michael Hammell Toni and Arthur Newhall Richfield High School Band
In Memory of Don Brunnett Meghan Harney Judith and Jack Pottle Boosters Inc.
Mrs. Deb Dowling Leslie Hill Dawn Rhine
In Memory of Sue Cannon Mr. Preston H. Hill Diane and George Sawczyn In Memory of Marion Woods
Denver Master Gardeners Mrs. Erin Hornstein and Dr. Jay Y. Want and Dr. The Denver Foundation
Association Mr. Joe Hornstein Martina Schulte Mrs. Thomas E. Taplin
Taylor Hughes Stephanie Selesnick Thomas and Beatrice Taplin
In Memory of
Nancy K. Cantrell Jane M. Hamilton Charitable Geri Shaffer Fund
Mary Littman Fund Leigh Ann Simpson Ms. Megan Walsh
Dr. Jan Kennaugh and Patti Towell
In Memory of In Memory of Peter Young
Mr. Chip Horne In Memory of
Patricia Cervantes Dr. and Mrs. Richard P. Diane Bleday
Ms. Dorothy Lessem Ann Marie Muenzberg Brian and Amy Masselink
Koeppe Angie M. Andrade-Foster
In Memory of Waudene Cohen Leslie Hill Charitable Fund Maria Young
Mrs. Philip Boardman
Jeffrey and Doreen Clevenger Susan and James Long Mr. John Calderhead
Anne and Jeffrey Lowdermilk IN HONOR
In Memory of Jean Cole Noreen Gima
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Ms. Mervi M. Hjelmroos-Koski In Honor of The Bliss Family
Ms. Ashley Cole Seidman
Marsters Ms. Jill H. Lazatin Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Bliss
In Memory of Mr. Stephen Miller
Margaret Mary Conway Charles McGlothlin
National Philanthropic Trust In Honor of Anita Cox
Heather, Billy, Lilli, and Karen D. Peters
Karen D. Peters Dr. Victoria Ekstrand
Juno Gregg Pamela S. Rathke
Honorable Penelope G. Mrs. Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd In Honor of Mary Gastelle
In Memory of Rex Crook Redington Kristine Shoemaker Debbie Daehnick
Arron Elmore Melissa and Jeffrey Riemer
Schwab Charitable Fund In Memory of Eileen Percival In Honor of Alice Henderson
In Memory of Lynette Emery Claire R. Opel
Timothy Smith Elizabeth Cobble
Richard and Joan Wohlgenant
Tish and Paul Szurek In Memory of Ted Prythero
In Memory of Walt Felcher In Honor of
Jennifer Tallmadge Ms. Nancy Carlisle
Larry May and Patricia May Mr. Brian R. Vogt Johanna Elizabeth Kelly
In Memory of Joseph Rybicki Mike Brewer and Ben Kemena
In Memory of Sue Gawler Anna Lee Wahls
David and Fleur Wright Brewer-Kemena Fund
Jackson Bouchard Carol Whitaker
In Memory of Community Foundation Boulder
In Memory of Doris Gerecht In Memory of Dorothy Hiatt
Joyce Ann Sander County
Nancy Kaproth Jennifer Darling
Al and DeAnna Lemieux
In Memory of John Hickey, Sr. In Honor of
In Memory of Evelyn Ginkich In Memory of Richard Siegel
Michael D’Agostino Heather, Billy, Lilli, and Mary Lynne Lidstone
Lois Siegel
Juno Gregg Mr. James Lidstone and
In Memory of Judy Grant In Memory of
In Memory of Lorraine Higbie Ms. Alaina Reilly
Anonymous LaVeryn M. Talmage
Mr. H. Gregory Austin and H. David and Karen In Honor of Peter A. Martin
Dr. Marilyn Talmage-Bowers
Mrs. Deanna Austin Lansdowne Robin and Scott McDougal
Mr. Dennis Baldwin In Memory of Steve Trujillo
In Memory of Harman Kang In Honor of
Ms. Leslie Baldwin Roger Bailey
Rawan Eltayeb Mike and Heather Miller
Wendy Bangs In Memory of David Tucker
In Memory of Tommye King Greater Kansas City
Caroline Benoit Wyatt Traina
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas King Community Foundation
H. Perry Boyle Jr and
In Memory of
Lisa Ryan-Boyle In Memory of Robert and Sally Uhlmann
Maddie Turner-Shaw
Hilary Burrall Christine Lindmark Advisory Fund
Ms. Amy Turner
Hilary Carlson and Bliss Beasley Sally Uhlmann
Ingrid Barrier Sandy Calvert In Memory of Elsie Vomvas
Ruth Champion Mr. Emanuel Vomvas In Honor of
Jane and Tim Davis
The Denver Debutante Ball Jane Dahlroth Maurine Howell Moody
In Memory of Joy B. Ward
Deb Deverell John Desmond Mr. Robert Moody and
Robert F. Ward
Elisha and Nina Gray Gift Nancy Dobbs Ms. Karen Tierney
Fund Penelope Freire In Memory of
Andrea “Jodi” Westcott In Honor of Ted Rapp
Mr. Bayard Ewing and Martha Filson
John Westcott Anonymous
Ms. Pauline Green Lenay Gore
Mira J. Fine and Anita H. Karen Gross In Memory of Virginia Wielgot In Honor of Rebecca Thomas
Rouse Susan Haning Andrea Huston Mr. and Mrs. Tom Allen
18 | FALL 2020Donors of Distinction 2020 Board
Gifts Received 05/01/2020 – 07/31/2020
of Trustees
Citizens of the Scientific & Ms. Maureen Fitzgerald Optum
Cultural Facilities District Chelsea and Bill Flagg Mr. Paul R. Ost and OFFICERS
Weldon Abbott Flowe Foundation Mr. Will Biles Ms. Kathy Hodgson,
Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis and Ms. Gina Fratarcangeli and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Owen Board Chair
Mr. Anthony Davis Mr. Richard Nahabedian Lorraine Parker and Mr. Mike Imhoff, Vice Chair
American Online Giving Ms. Cory Freyer Elizabeth Starrs Ms. Allyson Mendenhall,
Foundation David and Chris Fullerton Dr. Kevin Patterson and Secretary
Eccles Family Charitable Barbee Futrell Riehl and Ms. Ann Hovland Mr. Abe Rodriguez, Treasurer
Fund Dan Riehl Lise Pederson Mr. Richard Clark,
June & Sylvan Stool Family Garden Club of America Jennie Peterson Immediate Past Chair
Charitable Fund Gelatt-Gephart Foundation Inc Karen E. Pfeifer
American Public Gardens Mr. and Mrs. Brent Gephart Patricia Powell TERM TRUSTEES
Association GH Phipps Construction Prologis Rabbi Joe Black
Andrisen Morton Co Companies William D. Radichel Mr. Richard Clark
Anonymous Linda Good Wilson and Foundation Mr. Andrew Cullen
Robert Applegate and Michelle Mark A. Wilson Lindsay Reimers Mr. Papa M. Dia
Moorman Applegate Greater Kansas City Hugh L. Rice and Ms. Melissa Eliot
Liz Armstrong Community Foundation Mary B. Schaefer Sen. Rhonda Fields
Mrs. Laura Barton and Robert and Sally Uhlmann Jim and Joanne Richardson Ms. Cory Freyer
Mr. William Matthews Advisory Fund Mr. Kenneth M. Robins and Ms. Kathy Hodgson
Richard and Anne Bell Hays Charitable Remainder Mrs. Judy Robins Ms. Dorothy Horrell
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Bliss Unit Trust S&P Global Ms. Ding Wen Hsu
Bonnie Brae Liquor Leslie Hill Ms. Judy Santambrogio Mr. Mike Imhoff
Ms. Nancy Carlisle Steve and Elizabeth Holtze SavATree Ms. Wy Livingston
George and Christina Caulkins Ding W. Hsu Becky and Brian Schaub Mrs. Judi Newman
Charles Schwab Michael and Kaye Hurtt Mr. and Mrs. Barney Schotters Ms. Jane O’Shaughnessy
Mary Lee Chin and James Mr. and Mrs. Michael Imhoff Mr. Scott Richards
Mrs. Jane Schultz-Burnett and
Wagenlander Mark G. Jennings Ms. Yrma Rico
Mr. Bart Burnett
Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Clark Susan and Brad Johnson Mr. Abe Rodriguez
Schwab Charitable Fund
Mrs. Sheila Cleworth Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Kany Ms. Marianne Sulser
The Moe Family Charitable
Robert and Leslie Colwell Michael and Michele Karas Mr. Charlie Woolley
Fund
Community Foundation Boulder Bob and Wendy Kaufman
Terri and Richard Slivka
County Laurie and Peter Korneffel
Sparkjoy Foundation MAYORAL TRUSTEES
Brewer-Kemena Fund Janet and Stuart Kritzer Ms. Vicki Eppler
Ms. Ann Sparks and
Considine Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Ladd Ms. Catherine Hance
Mr. Douglas Sparks
Mr. William Cook and The Ladd Foundation Ms. Allyson Mendenhall
Kathryn Spuhler
Mrs. Nancy Cook Christopher K. M. Leach and Ms. Caroline Schomp
Ms. Laurel Stadjuhar
Ms. Judy Crawley Chad Skrbina
Stanley Smith Horticultural
David & Laura Merage Lockton Companies, LLC LIFE TRUSTEES
Foundation Hal and Ann Logan Trust
Mr. Edward P. Connors
Dianne and Dale Dawson Lyft Teammates Commercial
Mrs. Thomas E. Taplin
DBC Irrigation Supply Mrs. Sandra Maloney and Interiors
Joey Terriquez
Denver Department of Public Dr. J. Michael Maloney TRUSTEES EMERITI
Health and Environment Marczyk Fine Foods Sally Uhlmann
Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis
The Denver Foundation Mr. and Mrs. J. Landis Martin United States Botanic Garden
Ms. Dawn Bookhardt
Imhoff Family Foundation Kathy and Alex Martinez Vine Street Pub & Brewery Ms. Mary Lee Chin
Fund Dr. William Mauldin and Mr. Brian R. Vogt Mr. Al Gerace
Thomas P. Owen Family Fund Ms. Margie Mauldin Ms. Carol Waddell and Ms. Janet Mordecai
Joy and Chris Dinsdale Mrs. Jan Mayer Ms. Julie Junkin Ms. Nancy Schotters
Donna Duffy Mrs. Eileen Honnen McDonald Wadsworth Control Systems Ms. Cynthia Scott
Mr. Peter D. Durst and and Mr. Ed McDonald Inc Mr. Harold Smethills
Ms. Ellen Seale David and Laura Merage Ms. Evelyn Waldron and
Dilek and Mathew Eccles Metropolitan State University Mr. Lloyd Waldron EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Gretchen Edwards of Denver Welby Gardens Company, Inc. Ms. Christina Caulkins
Missy and John Eliot Barbara Miller The Wells Fargo Philanthropy (President, Denver Botanic
Emerson Bruce W. Miller Fund Gardens Endowment, Inc.)
Emerson Charitable Trust Dr. Mark Mills The Karen E. Pfeifer Ms. Happy Haynes (Ex. Mgr,
Estate of Jane Coughlan Hays Gene and Dee Milstein Charitable Gift Fund Parks & Recreation Dpt.)
Estate of Thomas H. Melton Barbara and Paul Moe Ms. Elaine Williams Mrs. Meg Nichols (President,
Ms. Teresa A Ferguson and Mrs. M. Elizabeth Morton and Marla Williams Garden Club of Denver)
Mr. Kelly Ferguson Mr. Dudley Morton Mr.and Mrs. James S. Wilson Ms. Jeanette Pryor,
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Juan and Nancy Munoz Xcel Energy (President, Denver Botanic
James and Marian Lokey National Philanthropic Trust Wallace and Cynthia Zellmer Gardens Guild)
Charitable Fund Leslie Hill Charitable Fund Mr. Shawn Zinnen and Mrs. Margie Soileau (Colo.
FirstBank Holding Company Robert and Judi Newman Mrs. Lisa Maier Federation of Garden Clubs)
botanicgardens.org | 19Stay connected to the Gardens! Use #MyDBG botanicgardens.org
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