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Denver
Botanic Gardens
The
Denver Botanic Gardens feature several attractions for those interested
in Asian tradition and culture. Shofu-en, or Garden of Pine Wind,
is a Japanese garden that uses the traditional Japanese gardening
methods. Representative Japanese styles and shapes are created
by using appropriate horticultural practices to train and shape
trees and shrubs. All structures, fences, bridges and water ways,
including a pond with koi (brightly colored carp) are maintained
in traditional style. The garden is maintained and presented all
year long, to allow visitors to experience the tranquil feeling
of harmony in nature.
Tropica
Botanica is the exhibit located in the Conservatory. Installed
in 1998, this display encompasses 13,000 square feet of tropical
environment. It contains an elevator disguised within a replica
40-foot banyan tree, which is covered with walkways with fossil
imprints and nearly 600 economic and ornamental plant varieties.
The
traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be experienced on selected
weekends at the Garden's tea house in the Shofu-en Garden of Pine
Wind. The tea house was constructed in Japan, then reassembled
by Japanese craftsmen in Denver. Instructors demonstrate the authentic
ceremony, which is based on harmony, respect, purity, tranquillity
and elegant simplicity. The ceremony is presented on Saturday
and Sunday from 1-3pm on selected weekends during the year. Cost
is $10 for members of the Denver Botanic Garden and $12 for non-members.
Call 303/370-8020 or 303/370-8019 for reservations.
The
Denver Botanic Gardens are at 1005 York Street (between Ninth
and Eleventh Avenues) just south and east of downtown Denver.
Admission prices and hours, additional information are available
by calling 303/370-4000.
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