Denver Botanic Gardens

Two weeks ago, Ruby, my mom, my sister, Indio and I got on a plane and headed west, to Denver. I was going to attend the Society of Ethnobiology conference, and my entourage went to visit with Bubba and family and watch Ruby while I was away. My conference was held at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and during a lull in the talks, I took the opportunity to stroll around the gardens grounds. And I was beyond inspired! I loved the gardens so much, I made my family come the next morning to see them for themselves.
As a succulent/agave/cactus enthusiast, I really loved the collection of spiky plants.

The Pulsatilla vulgaris or Pasque flower also caught my eye. It was so beautiful!

I had no clue I loved lilac as much as I do. But honestly, a fragrant flower blooming in purple ombre? Yeah, I should have known. They had a whole hill dedicated to lilac bushes. And I was there at the perfect time to really enjoy it.

But mostly, I was most inspired by the unmanicured, informal, totally accessible and very enjoyable design of the garden. I felt like at every turn I was shown a new plant grouping, hardscape idea, or design concept that just kept me going deeper into the garden. I took over 200 pictures at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I will try and refrain from posting them all...
Entrance to a sunken courtyard sitting area with small reflecting pool.


Orange wall, reflecting pool, fountains, and large cobalt pots = win!

Agave, evergreens, salvias, grasses, and tulips. Awesome.



And finally, rock partitions.

Now, when I dream up the idea of taking large slabs of rock and erecting them in the yard, I will know where the crazy idea came from... (and it's not Stonehenge...)