Nursery day trip: Denver and beyond

A mountain garden weekend|Sophie Egan and Cheryl Meyers

Namesake flower: Denver daisy

State flower: Rocky Mountain columbine

Number of parks: More than 300. Check out denvergov.org/parks

Number of Denver Botanic Gardens locations: 3; the main downtown location (1005 York St.), plus Littleton and Mt. Evans. botanicgardens.org

Number of community gardens: More than 80. Download a map from Denver Urban Gardens (dug.org).

Best place to buy plants: Tagawa Gardens in Centennial (pictured). See more of Tagawa Gardens.

Claim to gardenspeak fame: “Xeriscape” was coined in 1981 by the Denver Water department.

Best garden-inspired restaurant: Potager (French for “kitchen garden”). $$; closed Sun; 1109 Ogden St.; 303/832-5788.

Where to dine in a garden: Highland’s Garden Cafe. Order the watercress, pistachio, and pink grapefruit salad. $$$; closed Sun; 3927 W. 32nd Ave.; 303/458-5920.

Most impressive rooftop garden: The 20,000-squarefoot “green roof” at the Environmental Protection Agency’s regional headquarters. 303/ 312-6836 for tour info.

FOUR DENVER BOUTIQUES FOR STYLISH GREEN THUMBS

• BIRDSALL & CO.
  South Broadway
  Shop for gorgeous glazed planters, stately garden statues, wind chimes, and teak patio furniture, plus home accessories displayed in a spacious indooroutdoor showroom. Closed Sun; 1540 S. Broadway; birdsallgarden.com
• MOD LIVIN’
  East Colfax
  Outdoor furniture and accessories for the gardener who is more arty than frilly. Come for an electric orange watering can by Alessi, a lime green plastic patio loveseat by Kartell, and stainless steel garden pinwheels. 5327 E. Colfax Ave.; modlivin.com
• THE PERFECT PETAL
  Highlands
  A floral shop in the back produces some of the city’s most inventive arrangements. Up front, find a playful gift boutique selling bangle bracelets, bubble baths, and greeting cards as colorful as flowers. 3600 W. 32nd Ave.; theperfectpetal.com
• THE TENDED THICKET
  Washington Park
  The French country– style florist and gift shop has French milled soaps, Vera Bradley tote bags, and herbal teas. Plus pansies and outdoor bulbs such as crocus, hyacinth, and tulip. 1034 S. Gaylord St.; thetendedthicket.com

Next:  Take a tour of Tagawa Gardens

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http://www.sunset.com/travel/rockies/denver-garden-nurseries-00400000043527/