When I talk about my work as a scientist in the Research and Conservation Department at Denver Botanic Gardens, I explain how I study the role of genetic diversity in conserving biodiversity. People often ask for examples of this or cite famous stories of disease resistance, genetic rescue or environmental adaptation. Indeed, there are great examples, such as how a lack of genetic diversity led to widespread disease and die-off of potato crops resulting in the 1800s Irish Potato Famine, or the successful recovery of the endangered Florida panther after introduction of new genetic variation from Texas panthers. I want to highlight a few real-world examples that are specific to plant biodiversity conservation. </p> First, adaptation to new environments is facilitated by genetic diversity. Examples of this include colonization of toxic mine tailings by certain grass species (e.g. Anthoxanthum odoratum</em>), adaptation of yarrow (e.g. Achillea borealis</em>) and other species to serpentine (low nutrient, high heavy metal) soils, and existence of new species or varieties of wild sunflowers (e.g. Helianthus petiolaris</em>) in sand dune habitats. These studies of natural phenomena are particularly valuable to understand in the context of conserving biodiversity under ongoing threats of environmental change. </p> Second, genetic diversity can increase ecosystem function. While the mechanisms for this are still debated, there is ample evidence that complementarity, or differential strategies by different species or genetic variants, allows for improved functioning of ecosystems. In grasslands for example, it has been shown that species that utilize above- versus below-ground space in complementary ways results in higher productivity overall. Or in the case of threats such as herbivores and climate extremes, different plant species can protect or facilitate each other via mechanisms such as nurse plant effects. Together, these examples emphasize the role of genetic diversity in plant communities and the importance of conserving it. </p>
In 2018, Denver residents voted to pass the citywide green roof ordinance, sparking excitement about a greener, cooler, livelier cityscape. Many rooftops transformed into gardens, farms, and pollinator havens. But despite their benefits, green roofs are notoriously difficult to establish—especially in Denver’s semi-arid climate.</p> On a rooftop, plants endure full-sun exposure, with substrate temperatures soaring above 90 degrees in summer and plunging below freezing in winter. The shallow, fast-draining engineered soil holds little organic matter. As a result, designers often rely on sod seeded with Sedum species.</p> While sedum roofs offer benefits, they lack the biodiversity, dramatic colors, and rich textures one might see while visiting Denver Botanic Gardens or hiking the mountain trails of Crested Butte in summer. Colorado’s native species are well adapted to such harsh conditions, yet their potential on green roofs remains largely untapped. Recognizing this, Colorado State University graduate student Maria Schonewise partnered with the Gardens’ horticulture research team to develop native seed mixes capable of establishing naturalistic, resilient plant communities on rooftops.</p> Working with Manager of Horticulture Research Michael Guidi, Schonewise designed a mix of 34 wildflowers, grasses and shrubs, varying seed densities to test establishment. Once developed, her mix was then sown into approximately 60 plots across three Denver green roofs: CSU Spur, Community College of Denver and in the Green Roof garden</a> atop Offshoots Café at the Gardens.</p> Throughout the summer, Schonewise tended plots and collected data on species presence, abundance and weed coverage. These findings will help answer pressing questions: Which plants are tough enough to thrive? How can we create biodiverse, low-maintenance communities? What pollinators use rooftop habitats, and what resources do rooftop native plant communities provide urban pollinators? </p> Her research could help improve upon the industry standard sedum mats used in green roofs by creating a reliable, hardy and biodiverse method for establishing plant communities, making them just as colorful and rich as Colorado’s various landscapes. Next time you visit the Gardens, stop by the Green Roof garden above Offshoots Café to see this living laboratory in action.</p> This article was contributed by Horticulture Research Associate Reece Bailey</strong>.</em> </p>
Our research scientists collect a lot of data every summer—and this work can be challenging. From our work in the field, we’ve learned to come prepared to clear one road that is invariably blocked by downed trees. Then there are the hours we spend on our hands and knees keenly searching for and measuring hundreds of individual rare plants. In small plots at study sites throughout each species’ range, we mark every individual and track their fate year after year. </p> This annual data allows us to correlate climate variables to survival and reproduction. We can then estimate the population’s risk of extinction. In addition to the annual demographic monitoring, we are developing methods to efficiently and effectively estimate the total population size</a> of rare plants. Population counts help us estimate the level of genetic diversity within a population. A sufficiently large population can potentially adapt to climate, habitat and plant community changes. Our data serves to address global challenges. An estimated one million species face extinction worldwide. There is a need to prioritize species and put resources to those most at risk. Tools like the U.S. Endangered Species Act</a> and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List</a> rely on population counts and predictions of risk. </p> While we annually collect data all over Colorado on six rare species, all of these help improve and promote effective data collection methods. We are chipping away at the biodiversity crisis by collaborating and sharing expertise with federal and private conservation partners. Our efforts are extended through our participation in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation</a>. </p> The task may be daunting, but I look forward to clearing the way to collect meaningful and impactful data for years to come. </p>
With leaves falling outside, temperatures getting lower and Halloween creeping closer, it’s the perfect time to curl up inside with a good mystery, thriller or horror novel. If the book is plant-related, that’s even better!</p> The Helen Fowler Library</a> has a great selection of fiction works, and we invite you to browse our offerings this spooky season. </p> Mystery</h3> Mystery books make up a good portion of our fiction collection, including puzzling and atmospheric works like:</p> “Thyme of Death” by Susan Wittig Albert. The first entry in the China Bayles series introduces the mystery-solving herb shop owner who stars in 29 books to date.</li> “Garden of Shadows” by local author Amy Marie Turner. Set in 19th century Spain, botanist Linnea Wren must navigate political intrigue, romance and more while solving a murder. </li> </ul> Thriller</h3> Thriller books in our collection include:</p> “Goldilocks” by Laura Lam. A science fiction thriller set in space with the survival of humanity on the line. The Goldilocks Zone is supposed to be just right for human life but getting there won’t be easy.</li> “The Slime Mold Murders” by Ellen King Rice. A unique ecological pandemic thriller set at Halloween time where the lead character’s expertise on Myxogastria slime molds proves crucial in saving lives.</li> </ul> Horror</h3> Horror works we have lean toward cosmic and ecological horror, which can be really terrifying. Check out these selections:</p> “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler. A dystopian novel with ecological horror elements written in 1993 and set in the then-distant future year of 2024. We have the graphic novel adaptation on hand, and its dark illustrations match the original novel’s tones of horror and societal decay perfectly.</li> “Annihilation” by Jeff VanderMeer. This first entry in the Southern Reach series introduces us to Area X and the cosmic horror lurking within. Winner of both the Nebula and Shirley Jackson Awards.</li> </ul> Nonfiction</h3> Finally, for a great nonfiction book that traces the use of plants and gardening in mystery novels, take a look at “Gardening Can Be Murder.” Expert gardener, historian and author Marta McDowell informs the reader on a plant-by-plant basis of which flora have been implicated in murder in which authors’ novels.</p> For more recommendations, come visit us at the Helen Fowler Library! </p>
Do you have a family recipe that connects you to your roots? Maybe it’s a recipe that each time you smell it sizzling in the pan, you’re transported to your grandmother’s kitchen. Or maybe it’s a recipe you’ve taught to younger generations so they can continue the tradition. </p> For my family, that recipe is krautburgers. These delicious, hand-held pocket sandwiches are stuffed with sauerkraut and beef, and they arrived in Colorado with a small group of immigrants who came to the United States from Russia but were originally from Germany. Each winter, my dad uses an old family recipe to whip up a huge batch of krautburgers. Eating one feels like tapping into the generations of love and wisdom that made me, me. </p> You can explore the deep personal significance of foods and family recipes in Nourished: Works by Jazz Holmes</a>, opening in the Freyer – Newman Center on Saturday, September 27. Artist Jazz Holmes connects to her Creole background through paintings that celebrate traditional Southern recipes like hoppin’ john, étouffée, bananas foster and more. Discover the surprising history behind staple ingredients and the stories of love and labor that go into making and preserving cherished family recipes. </p> Feeling hungry after seeing art about delicious food? Scan QR codes in gallery to access recipes by Jazz Holmes or stop by the interactive recipe-share station to leave a copy of your favorite family recipe for others to try. No matter where your family is from, food has the power to nourish and connect, so share the love! </p> Article contributed by Curatorial Coordinator Katie Foster. </strong></em></p>
Botanic gardens can change the world. Our former CEO Brian Vogt used to say this regularly as he spoke with people about the power of Gardens. There is no better time for botanic gardens to confirm his point than now. </p> As cultural institutions deeply connected with our communities and the natural world, we sit in a place where we can do both the hard work of understanding shifts in our biological landscapes and educate our audiences about these changes and their repercussions. The Gardens’ scientists engage in projects tracking plant and fungal diversity, collecting seeds, producing seeds, understanding genetic influence on restoration success, assessing tree health and long-term population trends. </p> Collaboration is an essential component of our success. As federal policy, regulations and funding availability are shifting, our work is impacted. Now, more than ever, working with others will be required to restore burned and degraded landscapes, conserve species and track shifting species dynamics as invasive species and warmer temperatures change habitats. We need to find new and creative ways to carry our work forward. Leadership around plant conservation is needed now, and Denver Botanic Gardens has a seat at the table.</p> To do this work we partner broadly with public and private entities. Federal policies and regulations shape experimental design and drive our data collection. We aim to understand plant population dynamics and the factors that influence rarity in many of our plants protected under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act. </p> Based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we are leading the North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation in partnership with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Through federal funding we are building an alpine plant atlas to track the location and conservation status of North American alpine plants and are collecting seed of rare species for safeguarding against a warming climate. As federal policies, regulations, and funding have been changing dramatically this year, it creates uncertainty in our work on these projects. </p> In mid-August, I had the opportunity to attend the Plant Conservation Leadership Summit</a>, an event hosted at Atlanta Botanical Gardens and organized collaboratively by the Center for Plant Conservation</a>, the American Public Garden Association</a>, Botanic Gardens Conservation International – U.S.</a> and Atlanta Botanical Gardens</a>. More than 50 conservation and garden leaders from across the country attended in person with another 50 online. The two-day summit presented opportunities to brainstorm, strategize and learn together. We shared approaches for unconventional funding opportunities, policy needs and how to make a good pitch. We talked about the value of storytelling and how we need to do more to put plants back in the national mindset. </p> Three Denver Botanic Gardens’ staff attended, and we all walked away energized and committed to not only enhancing the role that the Gardens plays in our local conservation landscape, but on a national and international stage as well. Many opportunities are on the horizon, and we are ready to use our expertise to lead. Despite the uncertainty that has hit our field and our funding this year, I am inspired and hopeful about our future and the opportunities to conserve plants. </p> So, in alignment with what Brian would say, botanic gardens are poised to save the world—or at least make a really good effort to protect it together. </p>
A new school year has arrived, the light is changing, and the final days of summer are coming to an end, which means autumn is around the corner. When people think about autumn in Colorado they think of the hillsides covered in brushstrokes of gold, but there is so much more to the changing of the seasons here if you take a closer look. There is no better place to see these colors in a landscape than at Denver Botanic Gardens. </p> Luminescent Perennials</h3> Begin on the path in the O’Fallon Perennial Walk and notice the luminescent color of the Salvia azurea</em> var. grandiflora</em> (pitcher sage) which shines amidst a backdrop of our native Juniperus scopulorum</em> (Rocky Mountain juniper). Within this garden, you will see many other perennials and grasses donning their yellows and oranges of the season.</p> Follow the path to the Fragrance Garden and search for the Buddleja alternifolia</em> (fountain butterfly bush). This shrub begins stunning our visitors in the spring with fragrant, lilac-purple flowers, but the weeping, fountain-like shape and the soft green and grey leaves are just lovely. A cool fall day is the perfect setting for a mindful stroll through this garden. </p> Unexpected Color</h3> Keep walking west and you won’t have to go far to see the unexpected colors of the late-blooming dahlias in the bed on the south border of the Four Towers Pool. This garden has many blooms that may offer you a warm feeling, but nothing says “pumpkin spice latte” like Dahlia </em>‘Brown Sugar’. This garden is another perfect spot to enjoy some solitude, listen to the sound of the fountain and reflect on the goodness gardens have to offer. </p> Gorgeous Grasses</h3> Right next door you will come across the Ornamental Grasses Garden, which offers a pleasing palette year-round. During the autumn months the colors and seedheads of the grasses are works of art that shine the brightest. A few that will catch your eye first are Helictotrichon sempervirens</em> ‘Saphirsprudel’ (blue oat grass), Deschampsia flexuosa</em> (wavy hair grass) and Calamagrostis </em>× acutiflora </em>‘Avalanche’ (feather reed grass). Mixed among the grasses is another masterpiece called Sedum </em>‘Dark Magic’ (dwarf stonecrop). This stonecrop is a lovely contrast to the grasses and is easy to find with its purple-black foliage and deep pink flowers. Not only do all of these plants provide seasonal interest, but they also offer food for wildlife. </p> Living Art</h3> Make sure to look through the oversized gold frame on the corner and you can imagine this landscape as an Impressionist painting. This frame is one of several at the Gardens and is part of our Blue Grass, Green Skies: American Impressionism and Realism</a> exhibition. If you want the perfect social media photo op, this is the spot! To everything there is a season and just like the disappearing blooms and falling leaves of autumn, the exhibit ends on September 14 and the frames will be removed over the following weeks. </p> International Inspiration</h3> One garden that inspires you to slow down and enjoy autumn is June’s PlantAsia just down the sidewalk. This garden is full of trees and shrubs that offer up an endless display of colors and textures; from the beautiful evergreens like Pseudotsuga menziesii</em> (Douglas fir) and Pinus nigra</em> (Austrian pine) to the colorful maples. Wander past the ting, a Chinese pavilion, and find the Acer japonicum</em> ‘Vitifolium’ (full moon maple) as it begins to turn yellow and red throughout the coming months. </p> Maybe you need inspiration for your own home landscape, or you would like an invitation to be more mindful. Whatever it is, the Gardens has a lot to offer this autumn – cozy, colorful and comforting.</p> </p>
