2011 ANNUAL REPORT - Denver Botanic Gardens

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CORE VALuE 2: TRANsfORmATiON
Denver Botanic Gardens was one of six uS botanic gardens to partner in the creation of a National
Botanic Garden in Haiti. Director of Horticulture Sarada Krishnan presented at an international workshop
in Haiti on the horticultural aspects of a botanic garden and the role it plays in the community.
Our first Front Yard Makeover was installed in September 2011. This was a collaborative project
with Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association working with the selected neighbor. Plants
were donated by green industry partners. The dramatic transformation highlighted the Gardens’
focus on water-smart design.
There were approximately 100 people in attendance at the reception for the grand opening of the
Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center in late September. During the reception the Connors Family Trail
was unveiled to Ed Connors and family members in honor of his long time commitment to Denver
Botanic Gardens. The Sinnamon Visitor Center provides a clear welcome to Chatfield and muchneeded
offices for Chatfield administration.
Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA) at Chatfield more than tripled its production in only its second
year of production. At almost four acres, it had 151 subscribers enjoying fresh, local produce weekly over
the summer and early autumn months. In addition to vegetables, the CSA began offering subscribers fresh
cut bouquets and Colorado-grown fruit shares from Ela Family Farm. Overall, the CSA produced 45,000
lbs of vegetables in 2011, with 4,000 lbs donated to various charity organizations.
Working in tandem with the Exhibitions Department, our operations staff transformed the landscape
of the Gardens, removing the Henry Moore sculptures during especially harsh winter conditions. A
few months later, the staff was busy installing the works of Allan Houser for 2011’s Native Roots |
Modern Form exhibition.
While the artistic transformation was visible to all, just below the surface we created a new
research lab at the Gardens. The state-of-the-art lab is designed specifically for our needs and
increases our capacity to delve into new projects. It also provides additional space for the evergrowing
Research and Conservation Department.
The most advanced scientific work requires the best people. In 2011, the Research and Conservation
Department bolstered its scientific capacity by increasing its staff to 11 people. Collectively, the Research
www.botanicgardens.org 2011 Denver Botanic Gardens Annual Report
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