COLORADO'S NEWEST PUBLIC GARDEN OFFERS A FEAST FOR THE
                        SENSES IN 16 DISTINCTIVE GARDENS

Hudson Gardens, Colorado’s newest public gardens, has been in bloom for nearly
three years, since June 1996.  A beautiful 30-acre regional display garden
situated along the South Platte River in Littleton, Hudson Gardens' 16
distinctive gardens reflect the unique trees, plants and flowers that grow
in the dry Colorado climate.

Hudson Gardens began as the dream of the late Evelyn Hudson.  In 1941, Evelyn
and her husband, Colonel King C. Hudson, purchased a parcel of land on this
site that boasted beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.  They built a log
restaurant that would gain regional and even national acclaim.
During the next 20 years, they operated the inn and added to the property.
They cared for the riverbank and the property with an environmental
consciousness rarely seen in that era.

Hudson Gardens exists because of the creation of the Hudson Foundation by
Evelyn Hudson, prior to her death in 1988.  She wanted to ensure that the land
would not be developed commercially.  It is because of the estate of the
Hudson’s and the work of the foundation combined with grants, donations
and community volunteers that Hudson Gardens is about to enter its second
successful year as Colorado’s only regional display garden.  It is also one of
the few regional display gardens in the country.

At the end of 1997, the gardens formed an alliance with South Suburban Park and
Recreation District.  Like many new businesses the gardens experienced the
strain of trying to grow with tight resources.  The agreement forges an
alliance that will allow the gardens to continue to operate and move ahead
with future development.  The Gardens will remain a public display garden with
a mission to provide gardens and special programs for education and enjoyment.

The progress the Gardens has made in just over two years is considerable,
especially when compared with most new gardens.  What sets the gardens apart is
the approach taken by landscape architect Doug Rockne and master horticulturist
Andrew Pierce.  Together, they created not just gardens, but "rooms
with a view," as they like to call them.  Arranged in one continuous,
contiguous flow, the gardens were carefully crafted to feel as if each one is
its own special "room."

As you explore the gardens, a mix a fragrant shrubs, herbs, annuals and
perennials greet you in the Fragrance Garden.  As you move to the Oval Garden,
you’ll discover a vivid array of perennials, grasses, annuals and bulbs that
create three full seasons of color.  The Rose Garden is the first of its kind
in Colorado in that it is an “historical sequence” garden, exhibiting the
historical roses along with the newer varieties.  In the Cutting Garden, you
will find an eclectic blend of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals for
cutting as foliage, flowers, stalks, twigs and dried material.  The Cottage
Garden is the highlight of what used to be the Hudson residence.  Designed to
flower from as early as March and continue into September and even October, the
Cottage Garden is a favorite for many.

The Demonstration Garden is an area where beginning and expert gardeners can
learn more about their hobby.  It features a series of small garden spaces to
illustrate trends in landscape design, plants and material. The gently sloping
area between the Demonstration Garden and the residence is planted to
attract, protect and feed a multitude of multi-colored butterflies—thus, its
name, the Butterfly Garden.  The Wetland is home to a broad cross-section of
wildlife where visitors may see birds, a family of red foxes and other animal
residents.  In the Deciduous Woodland, you will savor the beauty of oaks,
maples, magnolia, flowering crabs, honey locusts, dogwood, lilacs and mature
cottonwoods.

As you continue your stroll, you will come upon the Frontier Prairie/Grass
Garden.  This future-planned  garden will introduce you to natural grass
habitats, such as the tall, short and sand hole prairies. The Water Garden is a
gentle, uninterrupted flow of brilliant water lilies and bog plants, with
perennials gracing the shoreline.  A small path encircles this beautiful
garden.

Off the main pathway, you will find, appropriately, the Secret Garden.  Nestled
amongst trees and shrubs, you will enjoy the solitude and the smell of roses
and honeysuckle while you look off to the Wildflower Meadow.  Dramatic drifts
of colorful native wildflowers amidst a selection of flowering fruit trees and
native shrubs await you in the Wildflower Meadow.

Next, its on to the Cascade Garden where tranquillity abounds with the loud,
yet soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls and flowing streams.  The Conifer
Grove is a densely wooded planting of 40 types of conifers, even some that are
deciduous.  As in so many areas of Colorado, you will come across the Rock
Garden, featuring various rock formations planted with hardy cacti and
succulents.  Many fascinating "micro-climates" can be found in this rock garden
canyon, made of Navajo red sandstone from Colorado.

OTHER ASPECTS OF HUDSON GARDENS
Aside from the gardens, visitors may take advantage of the many other offerings
at Hudson Gardens, including the Garden Variety Shop.  Garden enthusiast can
find a diverse selection of books, gardening tools, seeds, books, gifts and
garden ornaments.  The shop also carries merchandise for the youngest
gardeners.  The volunteer program is at the core of the gardens' success.
Anyone interested in volunteering may call Hudson Gardens at 303-797-8565.

The Inn at Hudson Gardens and the Garden Canopy provide wonderful year-round
settings for meetings or special events, including weddings.  For information
and prices, please call the gardens at 303-797-8565.

For those beginning or expert gardeners wishing to learn more about their
hobby, the gardens offers a variety of educational programs throughout the
year.  Please call the gardens at 303-797-8565 for a current class schedule.

Hudson Gardens' current hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , weather
permitting.  Summer admission, from May 1 through October 1, is $4 for adults,
$3 for seniors and $2 for children (ages 6-12). Children 6 and under are
admitted free. Memberships are also available and offer many benefits,
including free admission.

For information about the gardens, membership, the Garden Variety Shop or any
other Hudson Gardens’ program, please call 303-797-8565.  The gardens are
located at 6115 S.  Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, just south of Bowles Avenue.