The Denver Botanic Gardens is a great place to relax away a day, either at the main location in Denver or the Chatfieldlocation in Jefferson County. I loved both locations and found them to be the ideal spot for a picnic and a book.
I stopped at the Chatfield branch first and quickly fell in love with walking the tree-covered paths. I wandered for hou
rs through the area enjoying it more with each step. The working bee hives, the working farm and the thoughts of going through the corn field maze this fall made me excited for autumn.
rs through the area enjoying it more with each step. The working bee hives, the working farm and the thoughts of going through the corn field maze this fall made me excited for autumn.I also enjoyed the history of the area with the Frank and Elizabeth Hildebrand Ranch. Nestled ina corner of the gardens, just off the main parking lot, is the ranch. The land and cabin was purchased by the couple in 1866, only a few years after Denver was founded, and grew as their family did. They even had to hire seasonal help in order to keep it running.
The Deer Creek School is also nearby. It was one of four one-room school houses in the Platte River Valley in 1874. Only 25 students attended from the first to the eighth grades. And in 1975 it was moved to its present location in Chatfield and restored for historical purposes.
The York Street location in Denver is incredible. The care and work that’s put in creating the different areas of the park is evident and definitely appreciated. The flowers and other plants there are obviously well cared for and maintained. It’s quite spectacular.
I particularly enjoyed the Japanese manicured area, although was disappointed that the tea 
house was not open. Other areas include a tropical conservatory with roof top garden, a South African plaza and, of course, an All-American section. There’s even a birds and a bees walk, but, in truth, that still didn’t help me figure anything out.
house was not open. Other areas include a tropical conservatory with roof top garden, a South African plaza and, of course, an All-American section. There’s even a birds and a bees walk, but, in truth, that still didn’t help me figure anything out.Another branch, Mt. Goliath, is right on the highway leading to the top of Mt. Evans. My friend and I recently stopped there on our way to the top of the mountain, but took no notice of anything to do with the Denver Botanic Gardens. There were signs there for different things, but it appeared to solely be in relation to the ranger station there, which was closed during our stop.
After all three of my stops at the gardens, which have free days on occasion, I must say they are worth the price of admission.
Jason's Travels 
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