Iris blooming in the Japanese garden around the 4th of July. The colors are repeated in the Chihuly Ikebana boat. Iris are believe to have the power to purify and protect.Lotus are also a very important Japanese flower. There is usually one plant flowering in the garden to show the season. The Sho Fu En (Wind in Pines) is dominated by 135 character Ponderosa Pines, native plants originally from Arapaho National Forest.Floating Walla Wallas by Chihuly to give homage to his native Washington State.The snow lantern was a gift from Takayama, Japan – Denver’s sister city.This stream leads to the Japanese tea house (constructed in Nagano, Japan), surrounded by fall color. Reichenbach Balls, mirrored inside are like bubbles.It is docent time. I was awarded a national Presidential pin for volunteering over 250 hours in 2013. The real reward is spending time at the gardens surrounded by good friends and mentors as well as fascinating visitors.A beautiful summer evening.Do you have a favorite? The fascinating aspect is that the sculptures change with the light, with the surrounding plants and with all the other climate factors. The sculptures were usually always fun to photograph. I would treat myself by arriving early before leading a tour to have the early morning light and the solitude of the garden to prepare myself.Consistently the Rock Alpine Garden was captivating with the changes of blooms. These Neodymium Reeds seem to meander like a stream through the garden.Outstanding: rising above the pink muhuly grass! I had to take this picture in the middle of leading a tour.The bee resting on the cone flower seems oblivious to the reeds.Niijima floats was the most colorful installation. For me it evoked smiles, beach balls and summer fun. The reflections were fantastic and the water lilies added so much interest.A picnic dinner with wine and friends in the garden made for a perfect and memorable September evening.Poppies and Perennial FioriOrnamental Alliums and Perennial FioriPolyvitro Crystal Tower seemed to change colors – this time to mimic that Colorado blue sky.The Polyvitro reflectionsThe Red Reeds in the Porter Plains Garden seem to evoke the vast distances of the prairie and sky in this photo.The Red Reeds with native Mexican cone flower. This garden is burnt every 3 or 4 years to rejuvenate the seeds. The Red Reeds represent that to me.Love the color contrast!The new Ellipse Garden by the Waring House with the cattails, reeds, and floats.SerenityBlue Icicles before a summer stormAs long as we are looking up – the Yuccas were looking so magical.Yucca Rama with Chihuly glass Saguaros and reeds.Yuccas and Summer Sun go together!This was my post for the opening night gala and I could not believe my luck…I only had the phone but still got the coveted picture: Dale Chihuly and his wife. Gotta love the boots!
This sun really glowed at night! Over 1900 pieces of glass, 14 foot diameter, over 20 feet tall and weighs more than the MINI.White Tower in the Romantic Garden with the conservatory. Chihuly loves glass houses – well he loves glass!Turquoise Reeds mounted in Douglas Pine from Baily and Marlins in between. The long vista, reflections, and shadows on the Luis Barragon style red wall were always interesting.Persians in el Pomar WaterwayReaching for the sky…What will the future bring?
