Denver Botanical Gardens

Everyone who knows us, knows how much we like arboretums and botanical gardens.  This past weekend, we had the opportunity to visit Denver’s Botanical Gardens (thanks Ashley, Derek and Holden) in the city’s Cherry Creek neighborhood—a neighborhood of what look like million dollar homes on well-manicured and landscaped yards, so the drive to the garden is attractive and interesting.

We went to the Garden with not very high expectations, as we did not have much information about it and had not done any investigation.  Well, we were blown away.  It is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens that we have visited. 

Oh to be able to have a  perennial border like this.

 Saturday was a bright, warm (almost hot) day, with a blue, cloudless sky.  The bright sunshine, reflecting on the many water features and on some of the many extraordinary grasses, was almost blinding at times.  Fortunately, there are lots of shady areas and plenty of places to sit, rest and reflect. Adding to the experience was a temporary installation of beautiful bamboo sculpture by the artists Tetsunori Kawana and Stephen Talasnik.

The grasses were incredible--beautiful, unusual, and so varied!

Some of the bamboo sculpture featured at the Gardens.

All of us, Grant, Bryn, Larry, Sue & Charlie, were so impressed.  Building and maintaining such a large, diverse, and multifaceted garden is an incredible commitment by the city of Denver and its citizens.  We saw an exhibit outlining its history and cost—and the whole facility has cost more than $80 million over the time since it was first moved to its current location in 1959. But what a wonderful gift for the community!

Charlie, Bryn, Grant & Sue--wishing you could enjoy this
wonderful place with us.

Larry in his natural element.

Besides that special experience, we have been enjoying Grant’s smokin’ expertise—literally.  His parents got them a smoker for an anniversary present and Grant is quickly becoming an expert.  Bryn can whip up some incredible side dishes to go with the ribs, wings, whole chicken…whatever is smoked and we are the beneficiaries. Wish you could join us.

Oma's favorite person in the whole world--Charlie Llafet--and the feeling is mutual.