Stroll Into Spring: Plants of the Garden Programs
by Asya L. Simons, Park Guide & School Programs Coordinator, Garden of the Gods Park
Spring and summer have officially arrived (not necessarily in that order), and to celebrate we are spending June learning about the plants of the Garden. I know, I know – plants aren’t as exciting as the rocks and bighorn sheep – except they are! And our guides can’t wait to introduce you to their dramatic lives and histories.
On June 3rd at 10 am Asya will introduce you to the human uses of native plants. Come explore the ways humans have interacted with, benefitted from, and influenced the plant life in the Garden of the Gods for thousands of years. Which plant has been used to treat hair loss? Where might you get a red or green dye (without collecting from the Garden because we want to keep our rangers happy)? Come find out!
If wildflowers are more exciting to you, join Luann on June 17th at 10 am to explore these colorful parts of the Garden. Which flowers can be found in multiple colors? Which ones are blooming now, and which ones do we have to wait to find until fall? This fantastic tour will answer these questions and more as you head into the central garden.
Finally, join Amber for a broad introduction to the flora of the Park and its many dimensions. On June 25th at 11 am she’ll discuss how plants are the building blocks of entire ecosystems and their connections to both wildlife and humans. And of course, you’ll also get to learn which plants don’t belong here at all!
If you’ve ever considered dipping your toes into the world of botany, this is the month for you. The flowers are blooming, the bees are pollinating, and the Garden is coming alive in the most wonderful ways. We hope to see you soon!
