Denver Botanic Gardens
Gardens have long been the focus of poets and people of all walks of life, from the grand gardens surrounding castles and estates, to the humble vegetable gardens and flower gardens which fill our family tables and lives with a variety of food and beauty. That passion for gardens was the beginning for an “oasis in the middle of a city” in 1951 with the establishment of the Botanical Gardens Foundation of Denver and 100 acres in City Park. While the location proved unsuccessful, the idea of a Botanic Garden in the city couldn’t be stopped and so by 1958, the City and County of Denver along with private citizens, realized the dream of “one of the country’s largest and finest botanic gardens” in their present location of 10th and York Street.
Located in the middle of the Mile High City, Denver Botanic Gardens was one of the first gardens in the country to
emphasize native plants and to champion environmentally responsible practices, such as water conservation and biological control of pests. Today, Denver Botanic Gardens continues this tradition at three unique sites: Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street), Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield and Mount Goliath (Mt. Evans Scenic Byway). Each of these locations demonstrates the varied ecosystems of Colorado.
Denver Botanic Gardens offers spectacular plant displays, unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning and research that help preserve Colorado’s precious natural resources. They have a mission to connect people with plants, helping them to gain enjoyment and productivity from the gardens they plant. To that end, they offer classes, public lectures, Rocky Mountain gardening certification programs, conservation and research information, gardening resources and advice, tours, art exhibits and special events year round.
A special sales and use tax known as SCFD (Scientific & Cultural Facilities District) provides needed funding and support to cultural organizations in the Colorado Front Range communities. The Denver Botanic Gardens are a Tier 1 organization along with the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Center for Performing Arts and the Denver Zoo. The SCFD helps make Colorado a great place to live, work and play. It’s through this program that the Denver Botanic Gardens can offer free days and other programs to Colorado residents.
Where are the Botanic Gardens Located?
- Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York Street – Denver, CO 80206 (Info Desk 720-865-3585) - Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road – Littleton, CO 80128 (Info 303-973-3705) - Mount Goliath – Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Clear Creek County, CO
Info Desk 720-865-3585 at Denver Botanic Gardens
