Flora, Mountains and Music: Taking A Stroll Through The Denver Botanic Gardens

The three sites that make up the Denver Botanic Gardens provide a lot more than just a beautiful place in which to wander on a sunny day, although they are a wonderful space in which to enjoy the fresh air or take a stroll with the family. The York Street, Chatfield and Mount Goliath gardens are a hub of activity in the Denver area, holding cultural, botanical and educational events.

The gardens often hold exhibitions and events, including a program of activities specifically designed for families and children. One of the highlights of the year for many residents of Highlands Ranch is an evening listening to music among the flowers during the annual series of summer concerts, which mark their 30th year during the summer of 2010. The concerts include a range of different performers and styles, from bluegrass to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and from Natalie Cole to Jamie Cullum. Concerts are held at both the Chatfield and York Street sites, and are usually sold out by the day of the concert, so it is essential to book a ticket in advance.

The gardens even offer a helping hand to anyone who wants to start their own garden in the Highlands Ranch area. Choosing the right plants to grow in the local climate and at such a high altitude can be difficult, particularly for anyone who has little experience working under such conditions. The Denver Botanic Garden website has a database of plants that are ideal for gardens in Colorado, including photos posted by local gardeners.

It is worth visiting the gardens just to look around, even without attending any of these events. Each site provides its own unique experience, ranging from a peaceful cultivated garden to a glimpse of the wilder side of Colorado.

The York Street garden holds a diverse collection of species from around the world, although the most useful and interesting areas for local gardeners are those which showcase some of the native species that thrive in the Western states. The highlight for non-gardeners is probably the chance to sit on Denver's only public green roof and look out over the city.

Chatfield is the perfect place for a family day out, combining a chance to get closer to nature with some interesting local history. The nature preserve consists of some beautiful areas of grassland, with cottonwoods growing along the banks of the creeks, and wild birds flitting around secluded ponds. Children will enjoy climbing into the treehouse and exploring the play area, while their parents will appreciate the educational exhibits and the historic 19th century schoolhouse. There are facilities for watching the local birds and wildlife, and there is even the chance to see some working beehives.

Mount Goliath, located in the Arapaho National Forest in the Mount Evans area, is ideal for nature lovers, hikers and families with older children. A trail can be followed through the mountains, among some of Colorado's most magnificent scenery. Alpine and subalpine wildflowers flourish on Mount Goliath, and the Denver Botanic Gardens provide free guided wildflower hikes along the trail when the flowers are blooming in the summer. These hikes are suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and children over ten years of age.