**Tickets must be used on the date listed on the ticket. Enter within a one-hour window no earlier than the time selected (enter within 30 minutes if you select the 8pm window).**

If tickets are sold out online, tickets will not be available at the door.

TICKETS: You will receive an email confirmation with a PDF attachment titled “Tickets” . Tickets may be presented on your mobile device or printed. Email confirmations and receipts will not be accepted as tickets. Tickets cannot be resold.

GROUP TICKETS: Groups of 15 or more may purchase tickets at a discounted rate by calling 720-865-3500.

MILITARY TICKETS: Must be purchased onsite with valid ID.

*SNAP discount does not apply to Blossoms of Light entry.*

*Five by Five program does not apply to Blossoms of Light entry.*

The Gardens’ signature event for over three decades, this annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. With fresh and exciting new features, along with some fan favorites, this year’s display will be brighter and more expansive than ever before. Join us for this family-friendly event that has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Front Range families.

To protect our urban forests, which are threatened by pests and pathogens, a greater variety of tree species is necessary.

For our seventh annual conference we will continue to explore the relationships between landscape design, horticultural practices and the use of a greater variety of tree species.

Between them, our speakers this year boast an extravagant depth of experience ranging from worldwide plant exploration to landscape and garden design, promotion of new plant materials, administration of some of our country's most noted horticultural conferences and institutions and hands-on experience with plant testing and data collection.

Public $80, includes all programming and lunch

$70 Promo, includes all programming and lunch

*Promotional price available to all Members of Colorado Tree Coalition and American Society of Landscape Architects

Symposium will be held at Denver Botanic Gardens in Mitchell Hall.

Speaker Lineup

Peter Zale, Associate Director of Conservation, Plant Breeding & Collections, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

Stephen Foltz, Director of Horticulture, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati, OH

Keith Warren, Director of Prfoduct Development (retired), J. Frank Schmidt & Son, Co., Boring OR

Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator and Director of Outreach, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO

Alan Rollinger, Landscaoe Architect & Designer, Denver, CO

Are you a blank slate when it comes to starting your very own garden? Worried about ending the growing season with a pile of dead plants and sad vegetables? Join us at Denver Botanic Gardens for a full day event, packed with answers to all those looming and mysterious gardening questions. Get started on the right foot this year with all of our best beginner’s classes, carefully designed to equip you with all the tools you’ll need to master that garden once and for all!

Classes include:

Garden Planning 101… where do I start?

This beginner’s class will take you step by step through the process of laying out a plan of attack for your garden! Whether you are starting with a blank slate garden or working with an old outdated garden this class will give you the basics on where to start. It will discuss needs and planning tools for raised beds, container gardens and in-ground vegetable gardens. We will discuss the basics of garden locations, sun requirements, water needs, starting from seed, transplanting and the basics of planning the organization of perennials and annuals, trees and shrubs. This class is the perfect fit for anyone needing to understand how the garden works together as a whole.

Soils 101

Soils will always be the first place to start when building a beautiful garden. This class will cover the best management practices for building your soil for in-ground beds, containers and raised beds. It will discuss the basics of composting as well as demonstrate the value of soil testing.

Beginning Vegetable Gardening

If you have never planted edible plants or had little success at growing your own vegetables, our instructor will walk you through the ABCs from planning, soil preparation, crop selection, watering, fertilizing, pest protection, and harvesting your first vegetable garden. We will cover tips on the most popular vegetables to grow, including leafy salad greens, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and more. You'll leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to successfully do each gardening task, and take home a planting guide that will help you through the entire growing season.

Annuals and Perennials for Color in the Garden

Plants provide the backbone of the garden with vibrant colors, textures, and forms that weave together to create your own personal oasis. Learn the basics of perennials, annuals and biennials, how to make the best selections for your garden and how to best maintain your plants throughout the season. From the traditional to the unusual we will explore the limitless varieties of plants and send you into the growing season prepared.

These classes combined usually cost more than $200, but with New Gardener Boot Camp, the event will be $60 members, $80 non-members. Register early as space is limited.

Lunch included with registration

Are you a blank slate when it comes to starting your very own garden? Worried about ending the growing season with a pile of dead plants and sad vegetables? Join us at Denver Botanic Gardens for two evenings packed with answers to all those looming and mysterious gardening questions. Get started on the right foot this year with all of our best beginner classes, carefully designed to equip you with all the tools you will need to master that garden once and for all!

This series occurs on two evenings, two boot camp classes will be covered each evening.

Classes include:

Garden Planning 101 - Where do I Start?

This beginner class will take you step by step through the process of laying out a plan of attack for your garden! Whether you are starting with a blank slate garden or working with an old outdated garden this class will give you the basics on where to start. It will discuss needs and planning tools for raised beds, container gardens and in-ground vegetable gardens. We will discuss the basics of garden locations, sun requirements, water needs, starting from seed, transplanting and the basics of planning the organization of perennials and annuals, trees and shrubs. This class is the perfect fit for anyone needing to understand how the garden works together as a whole.

Soils 101

Soils will always be the first place to start when building a beautiful garden. This class will cover the best management practices for building your soil for in-ground beds, containers and raised beds. It will discuss the basics of composting as well as demonstrate the value of soil testing.

Beginning Vegetable Gardening

If you have never planted edible plants or had little success at growing your own vegetables, our instructor will walk you through the ABCs from planning, soil preparation, crop selection, watering, fertilizing, pest protection, and harvesting your first vegetable garden. We will cover tips on the most popular vegetables to grow, including leafy salad greens, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and more. You'll leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to successfully do each gardening task, and take home a planting guide that will help you through the entire growing season.

Annuals and Perennials for Color in the Garden

Plants provide the backbone of the garden with vibrant colors, textures, and forms that weave together to create your own personal oasis. Learn the basics of perennials, annuals and biennials, how to make the best selections for your garden and how to best maintain your plants throughout the season. From the traditional to the unusual we will explore the limitless varieties of plants and send you into the growing season prepared.

These classes combined usually cost more then $200 but with New Gardener Boot Camp event will be $60 members, $80 non-members. Register Early as space is limited.

Are you interested in growing and selling vegetables but don’t know where to start? Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University Extension partner to deliver a certificate program that will introduce you to the ins and outs of becoming a successful market farmer on five acres or less.

By participating in this program, you will attend eight core curriculum lectures that will cover everything from planning your farm to selling at market. You will apply what you have learned in the classroom through six hands-on workshops on working farms. Finally, you will have the opportunity to choose up to three advanced, elective classes that cover innovative topics such as seed saving and season extension. Lectures and electives take place on Tuesday evenings 6-9pm, dinner provided, and workshops take place on Fridays.

Staff from our program will work with you to help find hands-on experiences at local farms. This may take the form of a regular volunteer shift, an internship or an apprenticeship. If you have your own farm already up and running, DBG or CSU Extension staff can work with you over the growing season on any issues or questions that arise.

Core Curriculum All lectures will take place at

Colorado State University-Denver Extension office

6-9pm

888 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver, CO 80210

Introduction to the Realities of Farming: Design, Record Keeping, Site Selection and Land Acquisition January 14, 2020

This course serves as the introduction to the Beginning Farmers program. We will cover the skills and knowledge necessary to design a farm that meets your goals and discuss how good record keeping can help you stay in business.

Plant Families and Basic Botany and Physiology January 28, 2020

A discussion of the growth patterns, maintenance requirements and pest issues encountered by each of the crop families.

Soils, Fertility and Plant Nutrition February 11, 2020

It all starts with the soil! In this class, you will learn how to identify soil type, troubleshoot potential problem soils and manage your soil to ensure healthy plants.

Crop Planning and Scheduling February 25, 2020

In this class, you will learn how to plan for a successful three-season harvest.

On Farm Food Safety March 10, 2020

Learn how to design and run your farm to minimize the risks associated with foodborne diseases.

Labor and Sales March 24, 2020

Managing people and customer expectations can be difficult; hear tips and tricks from local farm experts on managing labor and selling in a variety of markets.

Vegetable Crop Insect Pests April 7, 2020

In this class, you will learn how to identify and manage the major vegetable insect pests.

Vegetable Crop Plant Pathogens and abiotic disorders- April 21, 2020

In this class, you will learn how to identify and manage the major vegetable pathogens in vegetables as well as many of the common abiotic issues that you will encounter in Colorado.

Hand-On Workshops Location listed below, some TBD, will take place from 10-3pm lunch provided

Greenhouse Propagation March 27, 2020 @ Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, CO 80128

Growing healthy plants starts in the greenhouse. During this workshop, you will be introduced to the materials, equipment and techniques needed to start and finish a large variety of vegetable crops.

Soil Management, Preparation and Compost May 8, 2020 Location TBD

Building on the soils lecture, this workshop takes a more in-depth look at overall soil health and a farmer’s responsibility to be a good steward to the land. Compost will also be covered during this workshop.

Tools and Irrigation Field Day May 29, 2020 @ ARDEC South, 4300 E County Rd 50, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Join us at a teaching farm to try out a variety of engine- and hand-powered tools. Other hands-on topics include assembling drip irrigation systems and crop transplanting.

Design and Crop Planning June 19, 2020 Location TBD

Review crop planning by seeing it in action. Discuss how seasonal adjustments are made.

Vegetable Pests August 7, 2020 @ Sun Valley Grow Garden, 990 Alcott Way, Denver, CO 80204

During this workshop, you will build on the vegetable pests lectures and get a first-hand view of insects, weeds and pathogens as well as practicing mitigation strategies.

Harvesting August 21, 2020 @ Location TBD

This workshop will provide techniques for harvesting the full range of vegetable crops as well as cleaning, preparing and implementing cold storage for harvested produce.

Electives

Classes will take place at Denver Botanic Gardens

6 - 9 p.m.

Topics TBD

September 8, 2020

September 15, 2020

September 22, 2020

Santa and his friends transform Chatfield Farms into a magical village! Hop on the hayride to visit a giant snow globe or walk under the magical light displays. Stop at Elf Boulevard to drop off your letters to Santa. Let the kids play in a real elf house and see the elves hard at work. Catch a short movie outside at Santa's Cinema.

Included with Admission:

• Take photos with Santa
• Kids get to make a holiday keepsake to take home
• Meet Santa’s live reindeer and get photos
• Greet Santa's friend, the Snowman
• Enjoy story time and sing-alongs with Mrs. Claus
• Holiday lights
• Hayrides
• Santa’s Cinema shows a movie outside (If inclement weather occurs projection will be stopped until weather clears)
• NEW! Enter a giant snow globe to play in the snow and get pictures

Buy tickets online or at the ticket booth in the Chatfield Farms parking lot during the event (if available). Ticket booth opens at 4:30 p.m. Advance tickets may also be purchased at the York Street Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center or Chatfield Farms Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center during public hours starting in November. Tickets are limited each night. Purchase in advance to ensure admittance on your desired date.

Holiday treats and warm drinks are available for purchase.

Join us for a Tibetan singing bowls experience with Denver yoga instructor and sound healer Chris Anne Coviello of the Healing Space Wellness Center in Denver. Chris Anne has been performing Tibetan bowls concerts and teaching weekly kundalini yoga classes at Denver Botanic Gardens since 2009. The concert will begin with a symphonic gong and a Venus gong that are played gently with the intention to relax the nervous system.

The singing bowls are tuned to musical notes that correspond to the different chakras of the body and are played to balance energy in the body. Because we are made up of mostly water, the vibrational effect will be a full body cellular massage.

Tibetan singing bowls have been used for thousands of years as instruments of healing. So come relax, close your eyes and drift into an altered state which facilitates the body to heal. Wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat or blanket so that you may lie down and let the bells carry away with them all that no longer serves you. As the chakras re-align, breathe in peace and enter a profound state of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Feel as if you are 10 pounds lighter as stress, anxiety and fear melt from your system.

Price: $18, $15 members

Instructor: Chris Anne Coviello

Special Instructions: No children under 12 years of age are permitted in this program. Talking, cell phones and other distractions are not permitted.