Articles by Elaine

Just got back to the office from a breathtaking hour at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I had never been to their annual spring plant sale and let me tell you: worth the walk (you won’t be parking anywhere near the entrance). They have a huge selection of plants, the gardens are beautiful this time of year, and the myriads of volunteers are extremely helpful–and continuously putting out more plants as they get snatched up by hundreds of happy garden aficionados.

The sale is very well organized, with maps and info booths on every corner, tents packed with plants (all clearly marked), and 16 check-out lanes (all staffed with at least two volunteers–much quicker than my grocery). They even have a “plant valet” so if you have really gone overboard and want to leave your stash, you can run and get your car and pull up to load all of your new annuals, perennials, veg, flowers, herbs, pots…you get the idea.

Be sure to bring a box to carry your treasures around, shopping carts are very limited. Plan on parking at least a couple blocks away. There are so many crowds of very focused gardeners here that I would seriously consider leaving the kids at home. You can go online and check out some of the plant selections, as well as plan your shopping with the site map.

This will be a perfect weekend to shop at the Gardens. Members get 10% off, and you can sign up on the spot…there is a booth near the check-out lanes. I’m already planning for next year!