During my inlaws’ visit to Colorado, we took a day and went up to Golden and Denver. While Dave, his Dad and Jacob visited Caboose Hobbies in Denver, Dave’s Mom, Timmy and I headed over to the Denver Botanic Gardens which was only a couple miles away.

Being that it’s wintertime, only a fraction of the garden is really worth seeing this time of year. But the areas that are open are very beautiful. The Tropical Conservatory, Orangery, Cactus house, and greenhouses were open. We were able to see everything in about two hours, which was just enough time for the men at Caboose Hobbies.

Timmy loves gardening and really enjoyed seeing the flowers with us. He asked so many questions.

There’s also a very elegant gift shop at the Gardens. Timmy wanted a book about Colorado Flowers and it was tough to find him one that wasn’t a $75 coffee table book that weighed as much as he does. Grammy found him a pamphlet-style booklet that was perfect for him.

The main Denver Botanic Gardens is just south of downtown adjacent to Cheesman Park. There are also satellite gardens in Littleton and in Clear Creek County. Parking is free in their large garage, and admission ranges from $9 for children to $9.50 for seniors, students, and military to $12.50 for full adult admission. There is a coffee and sandwich shop, Offshoots, on the premises, and an outdoor cafe is currently under construction to be opening in 2014.

I can’t wait to have the boys take me for Mothers Day, when the outdoor gardens will likely be open, as well as the Children’s Garden. Because I always want to visit gardens for Mothers Day, as we did in Nebraska and Florida (which was actually in Alabama).