Blog Archives

There's a new high-rise garden in Denver!

5/31/2023

The just-opened elevated promenade at Denver’s RiNo ArtPark is a 400-foot stretch of riverside outdoor space complete with views of the surrounding park and adjacent South Platte River.

The Arkins (RiNo) Promenade, designed by local firm Tres Birds, is a linear park linking a series of outdoor rooms with walking and bicycle access, river theater, gathering and play areas, an elevated walkway along the river, public art, and overlooks with seating.

The steel-based walkway is supported by telephone poles and rises 28 feet at its highest point, where it extends into a 30-foot deck featuring—as used throughout—sustainably sourced lumber.

See all the photos and learn more about this exciting new outdoor space here.

Vertical gardening can be effortless

5/30/2023

Vertical gardening is a way to maximize your gardening space and make a big impact with plants.

Ideas for vertical garden run the gamut, from traditional trellises to DIY pallet gardens. These gardens are a fun way to grow food and plants, are fun and easy for kids, and older gardeners love them because they are easy to reach without bending over.

Wall-mounted planters: Install these 'pocket planters' on a sunny wall or fence. They have individual compartments where you can plant a variety of herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. They are easy to install and can be arranged in various patterns to create a visually appealing display - and you can add as many or as little as you wish.

Trellises and supports: Utilize trellises, stakes, or cages to grow climbing plants. These structures provide support for the plants to grow upward, saving space and allowing the plants to receive ample sunlight.

Pallet gardens: Recycle wooden pallets by attaching landscaping fabric or burlap to the back and sides of the pallet, fill it with soil, and plant your desired plants in the gaps between the slats. Pallet gardens are great for growing herbs or small vegetables.

Tower planters: Tower planters are vertical structures with multiple stacked containers that allow you to grow plants in a compact space. You can buy pre-made tower planters or even make your own by stacking containers of decreasing size on top of each other. These planters work well for growing annual flowers, herbs, or strawberries.

Living walls: Living, or green, walls are vertical gardens that cover entire walls with plants. They can be created using modular systems or custom-built structures. Living walls can be a bit more complex to set up, but they offer a stunning visual impact and can be filled with a variety of plants.

Make sure you have a good water source to keep the plants evenly moist. Use lightweight and well-draining soil mix to avoid excessive weight on vertical structures.

The key to vertical gardening is using plants with shallow roots (annual flowers, strawberries, herbs, veggies like lettuce and spinach). Any trailing or climbing plant can be grown vertically as long as they have the right conditions and proper support.

Other plants to grow include annual vines, sedums and succulents, small ferns, and houseplants.

Need inspiration? Click here for photos of other vertical gardens.

The right way to acclimate garden plants prior to transplanting

5/26/2023

Proper acclimation increases plants' chances of survival, encourages healthy growth, and ensures a thriving garden.

Acclimating garden plants is an essential step in ensuring plants' successful transition from indoor environments, such as greenhouses or nurseries, to the outdoors.

Sudden exposure to harsh sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and different soil conditions can shock plants and hinder, even stunt, their growth.

Timing: Plan the acclimation process during mild weather conditions. Avoid extreme temperatures (especially important if nighttime temps are on the cold side like they've been all spring this year), strong winds, or heavy rains, as these can stress the plants or even kill them.
Gradual Exposure: Start by placing the plants in a sheltered outdoor location, such as a porch or under a shade tree, where they receive limited sunlight. Expose them for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration over a week. This allows plants to adapt to the outdoor climate and sunlight intensity.
Sunlight Intensity: Outdoor sunlight is typically more intense than indoor lighting. Begin by exposing plants to morning or evening sun, gradually increasing their exposure to midday sunlight. If you see signs of sunburn, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, adjust their location.

Important note about acclimating shade plants: keep them in a cool, low-light location while acclimating. Shade plants that go from nursery/greenhouse to sunshine and then back into a shady environment will get confused. Acclimate plants in an environment that mimics their final location. Shade plants don't mind acclimating in a cool, low-light garage, for example.

Temperature Variation: Indoor environments have more stable temperatures compared to outdoors. Expose plants to cooler outdoor temperatures first, such as during the evening or on mild days, and gradually expose them to warmer temperatures. Protect plants from frost by bringing them indoors or covering them at night, if necessary.
Wind Exposure: It's a lot windier outside than in a nursery. Place plants in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing their exposure to gentle breezes. This helps plants develop stronger stems and roots to withstand wind stress.
Soil Conditions: Soil composition and moisture levels vary between indoor pots and outdoor garden beds. Before transplanting, loosen the garden soil and mix in a good compost. Gently tease plant roots to encourage outward growth. Water thoroughly and maintain adequate moisture levels at all times.
Patience: Acclimation is a gradual process, and different plants may require varying durations for adjustment. Be patient and allow plants the necessary time to adapt fully before exposing them to harsh conditions or planting them.

Tomato 'catfacing' and the easy way to prevent this disfiguration in your tomatoes BEFORE you plant!

5/24/2023

Catfacing is a term used to describe a specific type of tomato fruit deformity or malformation.

The term refers to a condition where the fruit develops unusual and distorted shapes, often resembling a cat's face or having deep indentations and irregular lobes.

The severity of catfacing can vary, ranging from minor cosmetic blemishes to more significant deformations that affect the overall appearance and quality of the tomato.

Catfacing is typically caused by environmental factors that affect tomato plants during their early development. Some common causes include cold air temperatures, too-cold soil, fluctuating temps, and exposure to certain herbicides or stress during flowering and fruit set.

These conditions can disrupt the normal growth and development of the tomato fruit, resulting in irregularities in shape and appearance.

The best way to prevent catfacing in your tomatoes
Don't transplant your tomato seedlings or store-bought tomato plants until the weather is good and warm and expected to stay that way.

Here's a BFGC article on more ways to prevent this issue in your tomatoes.

It's important to note that catfacing is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not pose any health risks. Tomato plants that produce catfaced fruits are still generally healthy and can continue to produce normal tomatoes alongside the affected ones.

Better Homes & Gardens has a great article about this condition here.

Photo credit: N. Bell, 2004 from the Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbook

While catfacing does not affect the taste or nutritional value of the tomato, it can make them less visually appealing and challenging to use in certain culinary applications, such as slicing or presenting them whole. The flavor and texture of the affected tomatoes are usually unaffected, and they can still be used for cooking, sauces, or other processed tomato products.

Preventing, and getting rid of dreaded spider mites

5/24/2023

Spider mites can be a nuisance when they infest your plants or garden. Here are steps you can take to prevent and get rid of these pesky bugs.

1. Identify the infestation: Look for signs of spider mite infestation, such as tiny, reddish-brown or pale-colored mites on the undersides of leaves, fine webbing, yellowing or stippling on leaves, and general plant decline.

Isolate affected plants: If you have multiple plants, move the infested ones away from healthy plants to prevent the mites from spreading.
Prune affected areas: Trim off heavily infested leaves, stems, or branches and dispose of them properly. This can help reduce the mite population and prevent further spreading.
Increase humidity: Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so increasing the humidity around your plants can help control their population. You can mist the leaves with water or place a tray of water nearby to raise humidity levels.
Use a strong stream of water: Regularly spray your plants with a strong stream of water to physically dislodge and remove the mites. Pay extra attention to the undersides of leaves where the mites tend to gather.
Apply insecticidal soap or oil: Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following the instructions on the label. These products can suffocate and kill spider mites. Thoroughly coat the affected plants, including the undersides of leaves.
Try natural remedies: Some natural remedies, like neem oil, can also be effective against spider mites. Dilute neem oil according to the instructions on the product and spray it on the infested plants.
Introduce beneficial insects: Predatory mites, ladybugs, and lacewings are natural enemies of spider mites. You can purchase these beneficial insects and release them in your garden to help control the mite population.
Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resilient to pest infestations. Ensure your plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to boost their natural defenses against spider mites.
Monitor and repeat treatments: Keep a close eye on your plants and monitor for any signs of spider mites. If needed, repeat the treatments or try alternative methods until the infestation is under control.

Photo credit Garden Design plus added info on spider mites here.

BONUS INFORMATION: How to deal with Aphids

Remember to follow the instructions on any products you use and consider using organic and environmentally friendly options whenever possible.

Memorial Day Garden and Sales Events

5/24/2023

Memorial Day Garden Events and Nursery Sales

Dutch Heritage Gardens Spring Open House May 27 - 29. Register here. Bring a truck and some patience - this is a well-attended event.
Colorado Garden Consultants (located in Bayou Hills) list of plant seedlings for sale (small pots veggies, tomatoes, herbs $4; large tomatoes $10).
Home Depot Memorial Day sales
Big Tool Box (ACE Hardware) sales
Lowes sales
Front Range Landscape and Nursery
Sprucery

Other local garden and plant nurseries are not planning special events or plant sales for the holiday weekend.

Upcoming local garden events

5/18/2023

Black Forest Garden Club May event is THIS Saturday May 20, 2023

Topic: Tour of Colorado Garden Consultant's gardens and greenhouse. There will be plants for sale!

Time: 10am

Location: 4982 Bayou Hills Road, Parker

Bring a lawn chair for the presentation. There will be plants for sale (tomatoes, flowers, herbs), and alpacas and goats to meet.

Colorado State University Extension Office is hosting an early evening workshop on soil, soil testing, and how to use it to your advantage in growing your garden.

You'll be provided with a light dinner (free), and are welcome to bring a cup of your own soil for testing if you wish.

Call or email Heather to register, as space is limited. 303-218-2622

When: June 1, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Douglas County Fairgrounds Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Road in Castle Rock

Tagawa Gardens is hosting the flowering Iris show with Mountains and Plains Iris Society on June 4th. Details here.

Fairmount Annual Heritage Rose Sale

This annual rose sale is NOT to be missed. High Country Roses, grown right here in the Denver area will be available – scores of varieties to choose from!

When: Saturday June 10th 8am (go early before they sell out)
Where: In the Chapel in the Pines in Fairmount Cemetery, 430 South Quebec Street Denver, CO 80247

Additional details here.

Park Hill Garden Walk

Featuring 8 gardens. You will get a sense of the personality and interests of the homeowners and experience “urban farms” complete with chickens, bee hives, veggies and herbs as well as areas to entertain or just relax. And as water becomes more and more precious, xeric and earth-friendly yard designs are a highlight. Pergolas, dining areas and outdoor kitchens are just a few more examples of the design elements you will get to explore.

When: June 11, 2023
Where: Park Hill area of Denver
Tickets: www.parkhillgardenwalk.org Purchase in advance $15, Seniors $12, children under 12 free.

High Altitude Rhubarb Farm Once Yearly Sale

This rhubarb picking event is in the Black Forest between Parker and Colorado Springs. High Altitude Rhubarb is an organically certified, family operated, pick-your-own farm. The public harvest is a festive event and normally occurs the first weekend in June (this year they are estimating it will happen the weekend of June 10-11 .

No appointment is needed to participate in the public harvest. No admission is charged. The farm offers numerous varieties of organic rhubarb, rhubarb plants, horseradish plants, rhubarb seeds, rhubarb cookbooks and unfiltered Colorado honey. Picnic tables and mowed grassy areas are available.

When: est. June 10 - 11 (the rhubarb is slow to grow this year due to weather - we will update you if the dates change).
Where: 7275 Wildridge Rd. Black Forest, CO 80908

Note: this is for rhubarb picking only - all plants are already sold.

Art in Bloom - garden, art, and culinary tours

5/18/2023

Fuel your wanderlust with an Art in Bloom Garden Tour

Art in Bloom garden and culinary tours offer amazing experiences to a “growing” community of garden and art enthusiasts. They are currently offering a tempting tour of P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas in October of 2023.

The tours are designed for small groups of like-minded travelers and offer intimate experiences in art, gardens, architecture, and local cuisine.

Each tour is based in a location where a multitude of gardens, galleries and gastronomic delights will be experienced each day. They feature learning, hands-on experiences, and renowned, local horticultural expert guides.

Destinations from the coast of Maine to the Western Seaboard are on offer.

For details on the P. Allen Smith garden tour, click here.

An outstanding privacy shrub that blooms and blooms

5/18/2023

Sonic Bloom Pink Reblooming Weigela is known for its profuse and recurrent pink blooms.

Weigela is a deciduous shrub widely cultivated for its attractive flowers. It makes for a great hedge when planted en masse but is beautiful on it's own as a specimen plant too.

Deer resistant and easy to grow. Loads of hot pink flowers in May are followed by waves of blooms until frost. No deadheading is needed to see strong reblooming through summer and fall.

The Sonic Bloom Pink variety is particularly notable for its reblooming ability and produces flowers multiple times throughout the growing season. This characteristic sets it apart from traditional Weigela varieties that typically bloom only once in spring.

The reblooming feature of Sonic Bloom Pink Weigela is attributed to its unique genetics, which allow it to produce flowers on both old and new wood.

The pink trumpet-shaped flowers appear in clusters along the branches and are known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage is a rich green and forms an attractive backdrop to the vibrant pink blooms. Also comes in red and light pink.

When it comes to care, Sonic Bloom Pink Weigela thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering. Pruning can be done after the spring bloom to shape the shrub and encourage additional blooming later in the season.

The shrub generally reaches a height and spread of about 4-5 feet, making it a suitable choice for any garden or as part of a mixed border.

Photo credit and additional details: Proven Winners

Growing tomatoes on your patio or deck

5/18/2023

Growing patio tomatoes can be rewarding and enjoyable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow tomatoes on your patio.

Start by selecting tomato varieties specifically bred for container or patio gardening. These are often compact plants that can thrive in smaller spaces. Some popular varieties include Patio, Tiny Tim, Tumbling Tom, and Pixie.

Cherry tomatoes (i.e. Sweet 100) are not patio tomatoes because they have large, sprawling vines that require pruning and support.

Choose a large container with drainage holes to ensure proper drainage. A container with a capacity of at least 5 gallons is ideal. Make sure the container is sturdy won't easily topple over from the weight of the plant when it's fully grown.

Sunshine and water are everything to tomatoes! Place your pot in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you can position the pot up against a south or southwest facing wall that gives back warmth at night, even better.

Use a high-quality potting mix or a blend specifically formulated for container gardening. Avoid using garden soil alone, as it tends to be heavy and may not provide adequate drainage. A mix of garden soil and container soil with some rich compost and sand mixed in is ideal. You definitely do not want a 'heavy' soil - tomatoes like light soil. Fill the container with the potting mix, leaving a couple of inches of space from the top.

Plant your tomato seedling or plant into a deep hole in the pot, making sure to cover the roots and the bottom two or three inches of stem completely with soil (up to the first/bottom leaves of the plant is good). Pat the soil gently around the plant.

Water the tomato plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and ensure good root contact. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Feed your patio tomato plants with a balanced tomato fertilizer. Fertilize your tomato plants just before or during planting, and again around two weeks before bloom begins, and again when the first tomatoes are small.

Support and Pruning: As the tomato plant grows, it may require support to keep it upright. Place a stake or tomato cage near the plant and gently tie the main stem to the support. Prune the tomato plant by removing the suckers (small shoots) that develop in the leaf axils. This encourages better airflow and helps focus energy on fruit production.

Keep an eye out for common tomato pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. If necessary, use organic pest control methods or insecticidal soaps to manage the pests. Monitor the plant for any signs of diseases like blight or wilt, and promptly remove and destroy any affected leaves or plants to prevent further spread. Here's a pdf all about tomato diseases and disorders.

Harvest tomatoes when they reach their desired color and firmness. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the plant, being careful not to damage the stem or other fruits.

Remember to check the specific care instructions for the tomato variety you choose, as different types may have specific needs. With proper care and attention, you can have a successful patio tomato garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Happy Mother's Day gardening friends!

5/14/2023

“Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.“ – George Cooper

Invite beneficial bugs to your yard

5/6/2023

By establishing your landscape, you've created an ecosystem, and many of the insects that live there serve a purpose.

There are those of us who don’t relish contact with insects and worms while working in the yard, but many of them are actually quite beneficial.

Ladybugs and lacewings prey upon damaging aphids and whiteflies. Ground beetles eat caterpillars and Colorado potato beetles, so they may serve an important function in your garden.

If pests are damaging your plants, you can bring in more of those beneficial insects.
If you find exotic plant species like bindweed, knapweed, or Canada thistle wreaking havoc on your landscape, you can even call in the Department of Agriculture for insect assistance.

The Department of Agriculture's Request-a-Bug service operates an insectary that provides biological pest controls — aka, bugs — that prey upon those invasive plants. They have 11 different programs (scroll to the bottom of Request-a-Bug page to see all of them).

Colorado residents may request the biocontrols for a fee, and if supplies are sufficient, the Department of Ag will ship them to you, along with instructions for releasing them in your landscape.

Fees currently run around $30 depending on the request. Supplies are limited and vary year to year. Consequently, the Insectary may not be able to provide beneficial bugs for every request per season.

The advantages of biological controls include lessening or eliminating the use of pesticides and establishing useful populations of predatory insects.

As with other treatments, more than one control might be required.

By establishing your landscape you’ve created an ecosystem, and many of those insects serve a purpose.

Four simple things to do now to make your lawn lush in just a few weeks

5/5/2023

What you do now will pay off all season long.

Early spring maintenance means less work later on when the party’s over and you’re ready to relax.

#1 - Wake up your lawn with a soak—not a splash—of water. Since the past winter has been very dry, we need to apply water like Mother Nature does during an ideal springtime. Spring rains, that soak in and rain again in seven-day to ten-day cycles, are great for the lawn. Soak the lawn well and allow the top ½ inch of the soil to dry out. Then soak it again.

#2 - Aerate. After an early soaking, aerate the turf with an aeration machine. The moisture makes the ground soft for the aerator to pull out good-sized plugs from the turf and roots. The holes left behind let water, air and nutrients into the root zone where they do the most good. Water again soon after aerating as the holes will make the ground dry out faster than before.

Leave the plugs on top of the grass. The lawnmower will have them all broken up before the party—and they’ll add nutrients in the meantime as they dissolve.

#3 - Fertilize. After aerating is the best time to fertilize because the aeration holes have made way for nutrients to head straight down to the roots. Spring is when grass builds the roots that will support the lawn all season long. Think about those roots gobbling up fertilizer, and know they’re doing their job to get ready for the party.

#4 – Un-welcome the weeds. Nothing detracts more from an otherwise beautiful lawn than yellow dandelion flowers or other weeds. Get after these party-crashers early, and you will have fewer weeds to deal with as the season goes on.

Long-lasting flowers to grow or purchase for bouquets

5/4/2023

Seven gorgeous flower choices to grace every room of your home.

Grow or purchase bunches of flowers and mix and match for many different bouquet combinations, or use one large bunch per vase per room for dramatic effect.

Tip: add three or four drops of bleach to the vase water before cutting and arranging for even longer lasting blooms.

The flowers listed below should be long-lasting in a vase as long as the water is changed regularly (every couple of days keeps harmful bacteria from getting up flower stems and wilting leaves and blooms):

-- Orchids

-- Alstromeria

--  Mums/Chrysanthemums

--  Carnations

--  Zinnias

--  Alliums

--  Lillies - esp. Oriental Lilies

Article credit: BHG.com and for details with photos of each, click here.

Reminder about May events and dates

5/4/2023

May, 2023 local garden events

May 6, 2023 - BFGC will sell plants and give away seeds at the Hilltop Fair. Come visit us from 10 - 3p.

May 13 - Free raspberry plants dig from 9 - 11am. 8996 Motsenbocker Road, Parker. Bring small containers and a shovel or long trowel - plants aren't large. Soil is also provided for free.

May 14 - . Mother's Day - our gift recommendations here and here.

May 20 - Black Forest Garden Club monthly event - tour and plants/herbs sale at Colorado Garden Consulting's homestead in Bayou Hills. See home page for details.

May 27, 28, 29 - Dutch Heritage Garden Open House. Details here (registration required).

Fertilize your peonies now!

5/4/2023

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your peonies will thrive and last for many years.

Growing peonies that last for decades, which is certainly possible, requires proper planting, care, and maintenance. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Planting: Choose a site with well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. Peonies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Plant bare-root peony roots in the spring or fall, about 2 inches deep and 3 feet apart. You can plant potted peony anytime during the growing season. That said, Fall is the very best time to move peony plants as they are not actively growing and are preparing to go into dormancy. If transplanted in September or October the roots will have time to settle in while temperatures are cooler but before frost sets in.

Soil preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Watering: Peonies need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring when the shoots start to appear. Repeat the application after the peonies bloom.

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, around the base of the plants. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites, thrips, and botrytis blight. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as necessary.

Pruning: In the fall, cut back the peony stems to ground level to prevent disease and promote healthy growth in the spring.

Want more detailed information on choosing, planting, and growing peony in Colorado? Click here.

Give new life to your outdoor wood pieces and protect them too

5/4/2023

High-altitude sun is hard on more than the plantings in our landscapes and gardens. It can quickly dry out and fade anything made of wood, making them look tired and dingy.

Tried and True's Original Wood Finish (made in the USA) is perfect for giving your wood raised garden boxes a new glow, and also works well on fences, wooden planters, and outdoor furniture.

Original Wood Finish is made of a blend of linseed oil and beeswax to provide excellent protection against water and liquids and bonus (!) it is food safe. This wood finish is long lasting, durable, and presents no risk to your health because there are no solvents or metallic driers used.

Instructions for use say it is for interior woodworking projects, but we've found it to work beautifully for outdoor wood projects too. We used a wide brush to apply instead of a cloth and the paint went on smoothly and evenly. The product is water-resistant, not waterproof, so use it on wood items that won't experience standing water for long periods of time.

One gallon provides up to 1000 square feet of coverage. Remember to stir it really well before use and apply on a sunny day when rain is not in the forecast (needs 24 hours to dry).

Frequent users of Original Wood Finish recommend three to four coats to deepen the shine and increase protection.

Product FAQs are here.

To purchase, go to Woodcraft of Denver (Centennial) or Rockler Woodworking and Hardware (Colorado Boulevard), or order online from any of these retailers:

Instead of a high glossy look as seen with most conventional wood finishes, this product will cure to a beautiful satin sheen that is meant to highlight the natural beauty and grains of the wood.

Image credit: Tried & True

The top three causes of wildfires in Colorado

5/3/2023

Colorado Springs Fire Marshal Brett Lacey recently spoke to Out There Colorado about the origins of 85% of wildfires in Colorado.

The top three causes are men, women, and children.

Whether through apathy, ignorance or plain old stupidity, humans are the cause of 85% to 90% of wildfires in the United States, according to the U.S. Forest Service and the National Interagency Fire Center.

"People are negligent when building campfires, handling barbecue grills, discarding cigarette butts, disposing of ashes, letting metal drag from vehicles, welding outdoors and just plain messing around with fire", Lacey said.“We're in a populated area, and we have people that are careless with fire and tons of combustible fuel sources,” he said.

When dry, hot, windy weather conditions exist, and persist, as over the past month, fire is on every Coloradan’s mind.

In Colorado, about half of the state’s 5.8 million residents are said to live in areas at risk for wildfire.

Credit: Out There Colorado

The nation saw 66,255 wildfires in 2022, which burned 7.6 million acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Of those fires, the agency lists 61,429 as human caused.

Nature and garden inspired Summer Camps for kids

5/1/2023

Denver Botanic Gardens has a variety of summer camps for kids this year, broken into two categories: Farm and Garden.

From Seeds of Civilization to Life on the Farm, these camps are sure to be a ton of fun and a something for the kids to look forward to being a part of this summer.

Choose from a variety of different week-long camps held at both the York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. Ages 6 - 12.

Choose from a variety of different week-long camps held at both our York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. Ages 6-12.

See the camps list and descriptions here.

Each camp contains a variety of activities that allow you discover the world of plants through art, science, cooking, gardening and outdoor exploration.

There's a new high-rise garden in Denver!

The just-opened elevated promenade at Denver’s RiNo ArtPark is a 400-foot stretch of riverside outdoor space complete with views of the surrounding park and adjacent South Platte River.

Vertical gardening can be effortless

Vertical gardening is a way to maximize your gardening space and make a big impact with plants.

The right way to acclimate garden plants prior to transplanting

Proper acclimation increases plants' chances of survival, encourages healthy growth, and ensures a thriving garden.

Tomato 'catfacing' and the easy way to prevent this disfiguration in your tomatoes BEFORE you plant!

Catfacing is a term used to describe a specific type of tomato fruit deformity or malformation.

Preventing, and getting rid of dreaded spider mites

Spider mites can be a nuisance when they infest your plants or garden. Here are steps you can take to prevent and get rid of these pesky bugs.

Memorial Day Garden and Sales Events

Memorial Day Garden Events and Nursery Sales

Upcoming local garden events

Art in Bloom - garden, art, and culinary tours

Fuel your wanderlust with an Art in Bloom Garden Tour

An outstanding privacy shrub that blooms and blooms

Sonic Bloom Pink Reblooming Weigela is known for its profuse and recurrent pink blooms.

Growing tomatoes on your patio or deck

Growing patio tomatoes can be rewarding and enjoyable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow tomatoes on your patio.

Happy Mother's Day gardening friends!

Invite beneficial bugs to your yard

By establishing your landscape, you've created an ecosystem, and many of the insects that live there serve a purpose.

Four simple things to do now to make your lawn lush in just a few weeks

What you do now will pay off all season long.

Long-lasting flowers to grow or purchase for bouquets

Seven gorgeous flower choices to grace every room of your home.

Reminder about May events and dates

May, 2023 local garden events

Fertilize your peonies now!

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your peonies will thrive and last for many years.

Give new life to your outdoor wood pieces and protect them too

High-altitude sun is hard on more than the plantings in our landscapes and gardens. It can quickly dry out and fade anything made of wood, making them look tired and dingy.

The top three causes of wildfires in Colorado

Nature and garden inspired Summer Camps for kids

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The just-opened elevated promenade at Denver’s RiNo ArtPark is a 400-foot stretch of riverside outdoor space complete with views of the surrounding park and adjacent South Platte River.

Vertical gardening is a way to maximize your gardening space and make a big impact with plants.

Proper acclimation increases plants' chances of survival, encourages healthy growth, and ensures a thriving garden.

Catfacing is a term used to describe a specific type of tomato fruit deformity or malformation.

Spider mites can be a nuisance when they infest your plants or garden. Here are steps you can take to prevent and get rid of these pesky bugs.

​ Memorial Day Garden Events and Nursery Sales

Fuel your wanderlust with an Art in Bloom Garden Tour

Sonic Bloom Pink Reblooming Weigela is known for its profuse and recurrent pink blooms.

Growing patio tomatoes can be rewarding and enjoyable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow tomatoes on your patio.

By establishing your landscape, you've created an ecosystem, and many of the insects that live there serve a purpose.

What you do now will pay off all season long.

Seven gorgeous flower choices to grace every room of your home.

May, 2023 local garden events

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your peonies will thrive and last for many years.

High-altitude sun is hard on more than the plantings in our landscapes and gardens. It can quickly dry out and fade anything made of wood, making them look tired and dingy.

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Memorial Day Garden Events and Nursery Sales