Set in the heart of Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens stands out as one of America’s premier public gardens. Spread across 24 acres on York Street and an additional 750-acre site at Chatfield Farms, the Gardens offer a stunning range of plant life, peaceful landscapes, and immersive learning experiences. With a strong focus on semi-arid plants native to Colorado and other steppe regions, this urban oasis is perfect for relaxation, exploration, and inspiration—whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or a visitor seeking serenity within the city.

Recommended For

Denver Botanic Gardens is perfect for:

  • Nature lovers who appreciate carefully curated gardens from around the world.
  • Families looking for seasonal activities, garden tours, and wide-open spaces to explore.
  • Botany and horticulture enthusiasts interested in native and drought-resistant plants.
  • History buffs curious about the site’s unique past and cultural significance.
  • Art and wellness seekers drawn to outdoor installations, workshops, and calm retreats.

Location and Sites

  • The Gardens are split between two locations: York Street in central Denver and Chatfield Farms, a 750-acre refuge on the city’s southwestern edge.

York Street Gardens Overview

  • The York Street campus is divided into five themed areas:
    • Gardens of the West – Celebrating Colorado’s native and arid-adapted plants
    • Internationally Inspired Gardens – Modeled after designs from around the world
    • Ornamental Gardens – Best enjoyed in springtime with vibrant floral displays
    • Shady Gardens – A cooling summer retreat rich with pollinators
    • Water Gardens – Focused on aquatic plant life, open from June to September

Highlights of the Gardens of the West

  • Includes 18 unique gardens showcasing year-round beauty in dry climates.
  • Must-see features:
    • Promenade Garden – Low-water plants on steep Colorado slopes
    • Conservation Garden – Home to endangered and rare species
    • Cactus and succulent greenhouse – Featuring 20 species
    • Dryland Mesa – A no-irrigation garden with yucca and agave
    • Plants sacred to the Native Americans of the Four Corners

Internationally Inspired Gardens

  • These gardens mirror plant communities from similar steppe climates around the world.
  • Featured highlights:
    • Ella Mullen Weckbaugh Tea House Garden – Authentic Japanese architecture and ambiance
    • Shofu-en – “Garden of Pine and Wind” with 130 shaped pines
    • Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion – Global bonsai collection
    • South African Plaza – Celebrates floral diversity
    • PlantAsia – Home to Himalayan pines and rare steppe flora

Ornamental Gardens

  • Open year-round but most colorful in spring.
  • Notable spaces include:
    • Fragrance Garden – Aromatic blooms
    • Herb and Rose Gardens – Ideal for leisurely strolls
    • Elegant gazebos, pavilions, arches, and floral walkways

Shady Gardens

  • A popular summer retreat, full of birds, butterflies, and quiet corners.
    • Birds and Bees Walk – Attracts pollinators all season long
    • Oak Grove – Features sturdy oak species
    • Woodland Mosaic – A fairy garden-like setting
    • Shady Lane – A tranquil trail with spring blooms

Water Gardens

  • Open from June through September.
    • Over 450 aquatic plant species on display
    • Four Towers Pool – Rotating aquatic exhibits
    • Monet Pool – Filled with lilies, iris, cattails, and more

Exploring Chatfield Farms

  • A 750-acre sanctuary of native plants and open farmland.
  • Top features include:
    • Wildflower Garden – Displays 150 rare native blooms
    • Lavender Garden – Grows 14 lavender varieties
    • Hildebrand Ranch – Preserved 1860s homestead
    • Working blacksmith shop – Adds historical depth

Historical Significance

  • The York Street site was formerly Mount Prospect Cemetery.
  • Graves were removed in 1893, though occasional remains still surface today.

Innovative Projects

  • Dryland Mesa was the world’s first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, launched in 1986.
  • Shofu-en, built in 1979 by Koichi Kawana, is one of the most unique gardens in the U.S.

Educational Opportunities

  • Programs for all ages and interests:
    • School of Botanical Art and Illustration
    • Family, youth, and adult classes
    • Mount Goliath wildflower hikes and outreach events
    • Therapeutic horticulture sessions available year-round

Nearby Attractions

  • Conveniently surrounded by some of Denver’s best parks and museums:
    • Cheesman Park – Right behind the gardens
    • Congress Park – One block west
    • Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science – Just to the north
    • Country Club Historic Neighborhood – Five blocks south

Planning Your Visit

Plan your visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens

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