Stepping Back Into American History At The Chatfield Botanic Gardens

Many natives and incomers of the Western states find themselves wondering about the history of their local area. Stories of the how the Wild West was conquered are one of the mainstays of American culture, but few of us ever get the chance to get a glimpse of what life was like for the settlers who were part of the true history of state like Colorado.

One of the most important parts of the Chatfield Botanic Gardens is the historic homestead that remains intact, and at which visitors can experience something of the life of the first settlers who made their homes in the Highland Ranch area. The homestead, dating from the 19th century, was built by German settlers. All of the ranch buildings have been kept intact, and the atmosphere of a true ranch is provided thanks to the chickens, sheep and goats that wander around the homestead. The working beehives are the most interesting insight into the life of the homestead, especially when you consider how rare anything as sweet as honey would have been back when the area was first settled. The Chatfield garden is also part of a community supporting agriculture initiative that grows fresh produce for local families who purchase shares in the program.

In addition to the homestead, there is an old 19th century schoolhouse, with just a single room. This is particularly popular with children, as they get a chance to see how they would have spent their days if they had been born a couple of centuries earlier.

There are many other things to see and do at the gardens, and there are regular events throughout the year, often designed to provide a day out for the whole family. As well as the homestead, there are some cultivated ornamental gardens, which include a selection of native species, and a large area of preserved grassland. Hidden among the cottonwoods is Deer Creek, which feeds some of the ponds where waterfowl are often seen. Visitors can sit and keep watch for birds and other wildlife from the observation area, or head out onto the nature trail to hunt down some interesting creatures. A children's play area, complete with a treehouse, offers another opportunity for the younger members of the family to burn off some of their energy while their parents take a break nearby.

Chatfield plays host to a number of concerts in the Denver Botanic Gardens summer concert series, which is held every year here and at the York Street Gardens. Halloween is also celebrated every year at Chatfield, with a chance to see how big the pumpkins have grown in the Pumpkin Patch and to get lost in the Maize (Corn) Maze. There are also regular art exhibitions and educational events, which in the past have included a selection of Henry Moore sculptures and a chance to see some life size dinosaurs.

The Chatfield gardens are a chance for residents of Homestead Ranch to learn about their local history and to see some of the native plants and animals. This is a side of Colorado that many people miss out on, since it is not visible in the cities and densely populated areas. Out at Chatfield, it is possible to imagine oneself back in the days when there were no cities in Colorado, and to truly understand the challenges that faced the first settlers who reached the West.