CU Boulder's Shakespeare Gardens: A Botanical Journey Through Shakespeare's World
The University of Colorado Boulder is home to one of only 34 official Shakespeare Gardens in the world, a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into the playwright's world through the plants and flowers he mentioned in his plays. This spring, the Hellems building renovation completed the replanting of the eight main gardens, ready to welcome visitors and new volunteers.
A Botanical Tribute to Shakespeare
The gardens, founded in 1991, are a testament to the genius of Shakespeare, who masterfully wove the natural world into his plays, exploring human relationships, failures, and foibles. Deborah Broaddus, a 30-year volunteer, highlights this aspect, stating, 'He’s just really good at weaving the natural world into the world of people and their relationships and their failures and their foibles.' The garden, therefore, becomes a representative of his genius.
A Rose Garden with a Tudor Twist
One of the showpieces of the garden is the White Rose of York, a Tudor Rose that, despite its current stature of less than a foot tall, once stood eight feet tall. The gardeners' efforts to cultivate plants mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, despite the challenges of Colorado's dry climate, are remarkable. For instance, they have a samphire plant, mentioned in King Lear, that has thrived for over 20 years, despite typically growing off sea cliffs in England.
A Peaceful Haven in the City
Monica VanZale, a volunteer since 1995, describes the garden as a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city. 'There’s busyness around you on the street, but there’s just a sense of peace that presents itself in the garden,' she says. This sense of tranquility is a testament to the garden's ability to transport visitors to a different world.
A Community Effort
The garden's creation and maintenance are a community effort, with volunteers like VanZale, Broaddus, and Carol Mellinger, who have been involved since the early days. Mellinger, a former volunteer, emphasizes the garden's role as a communal space, stating, 'It’s a great place for people to just pick up something to eat on the Hill … bring a sandwich or salad, sit in the garden before a play and enjoy being in the garden.'
A Virtual Tour Experience
For those unable to visit in person, the gardens offer a virtual tour, narrated by Chuck Wilcox, a long-time fixture of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. The tour provides a detailed exploration of the garden, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and significance of the Shakespearean flora from the comfort of their homes.
A Call to Action
The Shakespeare Gardens at CU Boulder are more than just a collection of plants; they are a living, breathing tribute to one of the world's greatest playwrights. As Broaddus notes, 'We’re always looking for people who love to garden and who love Shakespeare.' Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or a Shakespearean scholar, the gardens offer a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and the timeless works of Shakespeare.
For more information on the gardens or to volunteer, visit csgtour.org. And don't forget to subscribe to the new newsletter to stay updated on CU Boulder's latest news.
