Winter in Winter

The last time I was at the Denver Botanic Garden, I mostly enjoyed some summery blooms and the beautiful orchids (click here to refresh the memory - Summer in Winter). Later, when I stepped out of the conservatory that housed the tropical flowers, I discovered something different. Of course there were no blooming flowers there... but nevertheless, what I found was stunning... Dried seed pods, open and empty, also looked like some kind of exotic flower. Instead of heading home, I decided to stay and see if I can find something amusing...

 

The leaves looked like they were made from leather. The color, the texture... everything was different from the leaves we used to know...

I was strolling along the trails and found myself surrounded by interesting things that usually remain invisible...

Hmm... interesting... I would never have guessed what kind of plant creates this... But I took some pictures when it was blooming... so... still can't believe it's a lily seed pod!

Dried rose hips always fascinate me, and this time was no exception. I couldn't pass by without stopping and snapping a picture ;)

Moonscape in Denver ;) What else can it be? Dead tree trunk lying on the ground? No way!

Such a bright color! It was impossible to pass by and not to turn your head...

Not all the leaves were leather-like... some of them were iron-like, I suppose... Oh, sorry, those were iron leaves without any "like" ;)

As I passed the aspen grove, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched... but I didn't see anyone around. Next time I'll try to quietly creep up to the trees in the hopes of finding an observer.

More leaves, pods, flowers... actually I found it almost as attractive as when everything was in bloom!

The birch bark looks amazing. But it looks even better if you get close... Paper thin... waxy and easy to peel off layer by layer... (don't worry, not a single birch tree in the Botanical Garden was peeled :), but I spent my summers in the suburbs surrounded by birches and had some experience with these beautiful trees :) ).

The thorns were ready to pierce the thickest layers of clothing... Although I tried to stay as far away from them as possible. And as close as possible to be able to safely take a picture.

Doesn't it look like a wave? Maybe tsunami? ;)

The pictures were taken on February 01, 2025.