October 26, 2026
Back in August, with friends visiting from Texas, I trekked out to Chatfield Farms, a 700-acre native plant garden and working farm in southwest Denver. Chatfield is part of Denver Botanic Gardens but far-flung from the main campus. It’s distinctly agricultural with lavender and corn fields, multiple barns, and a cool old silo.
Gardens for the West
I was curious to see Chatfield’s big expansion since I last toured in 2024. A new visitor center with sunny new gardens opened in 2025, giving visitors a lot more to experience.
Gardens for the West greets you right out of the gate, showcasing waterwise, climate-appropriate plants in pretty combos ripe for copying.
A rocky crevice garden elevates small alpine plants for appreciation while evoking the nearby Rocky Mountains.
The gardens were full and flowery at the end of an unusually hot and dry summer.
Lavender field
I’d missed Chatfield’s lavender festival earlier in the summer, but there was still plenty to enjoy in a Provence-esque field.
I never pass lavender without trailing my fingers through its stems to release the fragrance.
Labyrinth
Nearby, a labyrinth is outlined with water-thrifty groundcovers. Pines make an evergreen backdrop.
In every Colorado garden, a hypertufa trough will appear.
Blue globe thistle — a must-have for my future garden
Fleabane, another cutie
Prairie garden
A prairie garden originally designed by Lauren Springer and Scott Ogden features a rain garden, moist meadow, and dry prairie.
Sunflowers were reaching for the sky.
White monarda and pearly everlasting (I think) look pretty with sparkling grass seedheads.
Rocky Mountain bee plant (Cleomella serrulata) standing tall
Helenium and monarda add vibrant wildflower color.
Sunflower and grasses
Containers by a gazebo feature curly willow branches for vertical interest.
Massed for impact
Prairie garden view, looking toward the visitor center
A big white barn, Mandelbaum Family Stables, stands ready for weddings and dancing while framing garden views.
Up next: Part 2 of my visit to Chatfield Farms, including a woodland garden and a Colorado native plant garden.
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“Gardens of Texas is not your typical door stop/coffee table book filled with beautiful images of gardens you can never hope to achieve. The photography is definitely inspiring, but Pam’s thoughtful, detailed storytelling and “Try This At Home” features…makes one feel empowered to create similar garden magic….This is what I’ll curl up with on late August afternoons when the mercury in Austin soars and I’m stuck indoors.”
–MomInAustin, a reviewer on Amazon
Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State is here! It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. More info here.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
