Denver Botanic Gardens
Category: Botanical Gardens [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Southeast, Congress Park1005 York St
Denver, CO 80206 (303) 370-8040
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Wed-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: Yes
20 Reviews for Denver Botanic Gardens
I have been going here for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, Grandma tortured me by dragging me by the hair (actually minor threats and her "Fear-My-Wrath" glare pretty much did me in) to the Botanic Gardens. She would take a squillion photographs while I stood there acting like I was dying from boredom.
Now, I go there to sit on a bench in Monet's Garden and watch the dragonflies flit here and there landing on water lilies and snap my own photographs that will never rival the 100's of beautiful photos Grandma left me.
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So wedding season is upon us, and that might be a great opportunity to sneak into the botanic gardens without paying. Even if you pay full price, it is a nice place to take that special lady friend for a stroll through the garden.
That is, if you can hold up to hours of staring at virtually every variety of flora that can be kept alive in Colorado by either natural or artificial means.
No, there's some really cool stuff to see, and you might even learn something. On the latest trip I learned that Bansai trees are cool and that I should mow my lawn and water my grass more often.
I also learned that backing into a Yucca can really hurt.
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Back in December, a friend of ours gave us two tickets to the Botanic Gardens' "Gardens of Light" (or whatever it was called) winter event. Two pairs of 3-D glasses were enclosed in the little gift envelope. "Don't forget to wear them," she told us,"it's so cool!"
My husband (grudgingly, and only occasionally) wears prescription glasses, so when he left them behind in the car, I questioned him accordingly. "Don't you want to be able to see?"
"I can see just fine." Uh huh... tell it to the people, squinty.
Assuming he didn't want his prescription specs to mess with his 3-D ones, I didn't say another word. At least, not then. But once we'd entered the gardens (purty!) and donned our cardboard eyewear, it was clear that something was amiss.
"Wow!" I exclaimed, "check out all the snowmen!" Each and every tree, plant, and bush was absolutely covered in twinkly little Xmas lights of every color imaginable, and something magical within the thin plastic lenses of my cardboard glasses was turning every last point of light into a smiling, waving, three-dimensional snowman. Dizzying, but cool!
"Snowmen?" My husband sounded confused. "Really?"
"What, you don't see them?"
"I see... something. But it doesn't look like a snowman!"
"Seriously? Wow... do you want to go back to the car and get your glasses? Because there are snowmen everywhere! I can't believe you don't see them!" There was a full moon that night, and even its bright glow was transformed into a giant, multi-dimensional sky snowman.
"I don't need my glasses! It's still cool. It just doesn't look like snowmen to me."
I let the matter drop (temporarily), and we continued to wind our way through the shimmering, twinkling, psychedelic world of glowing snowmen (or whatever it was HE was seeing). Every now and then, when the armies of snowmen got to be too much to handle, I'd remove the 3-D glasses and take in the sights with my naked eyes. It was just as cool... and slightly less disorienting. For the record, you don't NEED the 3-D glasses... and they cost an extra buck to buy them at the gates. Kids would probably dig them, though.
As we crossed underneath a trellis just DRIPPING with red, glowing snowmen, I remarked again to my husband, "I can't believe you can't see the snowmen! Here... let me see your glasses."
We switched pairs, and suddenly it was so obvious!
HIS pair caused each pinpoint of light to transform not into a smiley snowman, but into a circle of letters reading "HAPPY NEW YEAR."
Oh. Duh.
He couldn't exactly READ the message without his prescription specs on, but he could see enough to know it damn well wasn't a snowman!
And for the record... when wearing MY 3-D glasses, he saw the snowmen just fine. Cool.
Bonus: if you're a member of AAA, just show your card to receive $1 off admission. It's only a dollar but hey... in this economy, every dollar counts!
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The gardens are beautiful and educational. I really love the place. It's a great spot for a romantic date. I'm actually getting married and having my reception at the DBG. There have been some snags with the wedding planning though.
Things like: If you have a dinner event there, you must to use their caterer. If you want to bring your own food you must pay $5 per person. It's pretty difficult to get the facility rental staff on the phone. In order to get your reservation you have to fax or email your request at a certain time on a certain day...and hope and pray that no one gets their request in before you! I also think they charge too much for concerts.
That being said, if you want to plan an event there, you'll need a lot of patience and money. If you're looking for a relaxing or romantic afternoon, check it out.
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I love the botanic gardens and have been going to them for 15 or so years now. I love them so much I decided to get married there. The gardens are ecclectic. They range from rain forest, Japanese, African, romantic and urban gardens. Each area of the gardens are unique.
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I am so glad I was able to spend some time here before heading to the airport...even though sadly, there wasn't much in bloom. This did not stop me from appreciating the design aesthetic of each garden.
I recommend setting aside enough time to relax and enjoy the serenity this place has to offer, especially in the rain forest.
The Denver Botanic Gardens are a must see. From the moment I was welcomed by the very sweet lady at the ticket booth, I knew this was going to be a great day. I walked in and just started strolling. The gardens were very well organized and had some interesting features. There were pieces of an art exhibit everywhere, called "Urban Nature", exploring the intersection of nature and urban culture (like street art with a nature theme). Extremely cool. There was a Monet Garden where I sat on a wooden chair by the pond and just read and pondered life. Next I explored the Japanese portion of the gardens with a teahouse (unfortunately closed), a koi pond, stepping stones, and other features. Very tranquil. Another favorite part of mine was the Scripture Garden (kind of funny considering how non-religious I am). It had some interesting stonework with various relgious symbols carved into it, and a set up of benches around a stone rectangular small pool. There was an interesting waterfall nearby, and also nearby were some other interesting artwork regarding individuals and nature. The center of the gardens is a big field that slopes downward where people were sitting, reading, picnicing, or just hanging out. Very peaceful and very beautiful. A great place to just go and walk, or sit and reflect on the wonder and beauty of this amazing earth we are privileged to inhabit.
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What a better way to spend a Sunday morning than digging in the dirt, up close and personal to some pansies, in the sunshine sweating with new friends? I have a love for the gardens and the artists that create them, as I know firsthand all of the work that goes into keeping DBG the inspiring, magical place it is. I used to volunteer there every Sunday morning and I have seen it evolve and change year-round. It is dynamic and alive, go there anytime of the year and something will strike you. Visit it multiple times a year and you will have an appreciation for all of the work that does go into it.
I have seen gardens in other cities, and Denver's blows them away.
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I like to go both in the spring and fall, although the lights in winter are gorgeous. I loved the sculpture exhibit they had last year. My only issue is how difficult it is to get tickets to concerts. The whole membership thing bothers me and I know that basically the more you pay, the easier it is to get tickets to shows.
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Haven't checked out the gardens yet but I did see a few shows during the Summer Concert Series there. I strongly recommend attending one or two of the shows. Bring a picnic basket and your favorite beverage. Or if you are like me and my lovely friend you will bring 3 bottles of wine.
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Wonderful place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver. Plan to spend several hours perusing the different gardens.
Lots of seating areas and semi-hidden nooks are scattered around the gardens so you can sit and chat, read a book, or lay back and relax. If you're into photography, definitely take a camera.
Not many people were visiting the gardens on the summer weekday that I attended, which was quite nice having many spaces "to myself".
Make it a point to visit the Botanic Gardens at least once a year especially if you live in the city. It's a natural, peaceful oasis and a definite stress reliever. And, it could be a great date location for you and your significant other! (hint for the guys)
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The gardens are beautiful both on their own and for the concerts and events they bring to Denver. I'm yardless right now- which is a bad way to be- so I'm in love with the Botanical Gardens where I can satisfy my plant cravings. Of course, then I go home and try to grow plants indoors again, which always ends in one animal or another eating them- phooie.
For adults, the current main attraction is a collection of stone carvings from the Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe. These sculptures may mimic ancient styles of art- Easter Island almost comes to mind- but all are recent, made in the last 50 years, and depict the sorrows and celebrations of Zimbabweans struggling with the social issues facing all of Africa. It is very moving to see three generations of sculptors' lives literally set in stone.
Of course, the Botanic Gardens are beautiful on their own merits, even when not playing host to stunning touring exhibits. You will find locals walking the Gardens on every day and evening of the week. This is one spot that not only attracts out of town visitors, but fascinates its own neighbors day in and day out.
The knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer questions and help you expand your plant knowledge. I always learn something when I visit. When I finally am given the chance to start a garden of my own, I will be prepared to garden with gusto, thanks to the Botanic Gardens and its army of plant lovers who always have the time to chit-chat and tell you what, exactly, that flower over there is.
As for the kids, if you get down to the Gardens on weekends, between 10 and 11 AM the munchkins can enjoy storytime. The Children's Secret Path, which is the Gardens' special kiddie area, hosts a storyteller who reads engaging and educational tales of plants, animals, and nature each Saturday and Sunday. The Secret Path itself is pretty cool, too- it's hard to beat for pure toddler entertainment value the Soil Station, where parents and kids are encouraged to get dirty by exploring different types of soil!
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I don't have a whole lot of other Botanical Gardens to compare Denver's to (none, in fact).. but they're gardens. Come on now, it's kind of hard to do pretty flowers and ponds with fountains badly.
The Botanic Gardens are, in fact, beautiful. I especially love all the water features, and the peaceful Japanese style garden. I try to get here at least once a year (it's a bit pricey to go very often).
I hear they have concerts and other events here as well, though I've never been to one. Huge grassy center indented field thingy in the middle of the place for that, so good venue I'd say. It's pleasant just to go for a stroll solo or with a friend, and it's doubly awesome if you need landscaping/gardening ideas. Give yourself a good couple hours at least to get a good view of the entire park.
Lovely gardens to walk through. When I last frequented, it felt like it was all centered around a Japanese theme. If you feel like a snack while finding relaxation and a get away from the daily bump and grind, bring your own.
College student? Bring your ID to save a few bucks.
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Anytime I miss the plants I had growing in my backyard in Mexico, I just walk into their Tropical Conservatory and remember gardening with a machete. But their Cloud Forest Tree is unlike anything I've ever seen. (My poor potted orchid, I should release it to live in there with the other epiphytes.) I try to go as much as I can, year-round, because it changes all the time. Plus, I can get inspiration for my new Denver backyard (no machete required)!
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Botanic Garden to awaken your spirit. And by spirit I mean sensuality. And by awaken, I mean, like, an Awakening.
Porquoi?
Because. I once shot a film here (student). AND it was totally called, "The Awakening." AND (it is true!) There is something about this botanic mumbo jumbo that just stirs those sensitive heart strings--I swear. The majority of my film was shot outside, as cameras are strictly forbidden indoors without a permit BUT those sweeties DID allow me to briefly film inside AND it was awesome. The rest was filmed in a bathtub. And these plants are REAL. So check it out! That is about all I have to say, but behold, The Denver Botanic Gardens.
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Relax and unwind under the stars at this blooming botanical paradise, one of the best places in the city to stop and smell the roses, while listening to some of the top musical acts in the country during the summer concert season -- which is getting close!
You can pack a picnic, bring a bottle of wine and a blanket, and stretch out on the grass while bending your ear to the likes of the Indigo Girls, Judy Collins, B.B. King, and Bruce Cockburn. The line-up is usually announced in mid-April, and the concerts run May-August.
In case you're scouting a place to get married, consider doing it here. It's a fabulously romantic place to say your "I Dos."
What can I say I love it so much I am getting married here! The gardens are beautiful. I absolutely love the romantic garden, that's where our ceremony will be. The other great perk of hosting your wedding at the garden is you get to go for free the year of your wedding and also all your guest get in for free. All they have to say is that they are part of the wedding. Just perfect!
This is a very well done botanic garden. The design and specimens are wonderful--I truly enjoy the assemblage and the overall vision.
Nice gardens, but mainly must see the space age moon colony style main structure. (You may recognize it from Woody Allen's movie, Sleeper)
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