Dalea candida, White Prairie Clover
On Saturday morning, I headed down to Kendrick Lake Park in Lakewood to participate in our local rock garden society’s annual fundraiser, the members’ sale. I always donate some plants, and I always come home with some, too, though I vow not to! It’s also a great time to catch up with friends and fellow members of the Rocky Mountain chapter of NARGS (N. American Rock Garden Society), many of whom are exceptionally knowledgeable, talented, experienced and enthusiastic horticulturists, botanists, propagators, and gardeners.
After the sale was completed, I stayed to tour the recently revived water-wise display garden, which I hadn’t visited in about 15 years. Consisting of ten artfully designed large beds planted in 2002 and 2003, the garden now features mature specimens of many Plant Select introductions, especially trees and shrubs, and other low-water plants. In its early years, many Plant Select contenders were trialed there, as well as selections already introduced. The garden thrived under the care of Greg Foreman for a number of years, until an injury forced his retirement and the garden received less attention. Recently, the garden has been nicely cleaned up and it looks like some new perennials have been added. It’s inspiring and instructive to see how the gardens have evolved and thrived in spite of many years without care. I would really like to know just how much water is being applied there, as the Blue Sage (Salvia azurea grandiflora) and Ironweed (Vernonia sp.), both prairie plants, were huge and lush.
My next stop was Denver Botanic Gardens in late summer glory. I headed straight for the areas of native plantings, where re-creations of various western prairie, plains, foothills and mountain landscapes have replaced older, more contrived plantings. What I really enjoyed in these spaces was that moving through each one was a distinct experience. Many of the other gardens, though colorful, showy, and full of novelty, are ‘pictures’ to be viewed from the outside. In truth, I love it all – even the formal vegetable gardens.
Both of these wonderful public gardens are well worth a visit at this time of the year. Get out there and get inspired!
