Valley Gadfly
Spring flowers come along and cheer us up at a time when we most need it — after surviving this year’s wintry weather. Speaking for myself, it isn’t going too far to say flowers help me convalesce as I recuperate from this year’s blustery barrage. Many people are just beginning to catch spring fever as this month gets underway.
Others, like myself, “think spring” much earlier than that despite the cold, snow and ice. Officially, of course, the first day of spring or vernal equinox was March 20.
Here are our sun-drenched choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to create color, warmth, renewal and re-growth to add a little “spring” in your step:
3 Robins are busy making nests. The days are getting warmer and the Denver Auto Show at the Convention Center April 8-12 is a sure sign it’s spring and time to rev new-fangled engines. Information: 303-228-8000.
3 View the ’67 Family Dog rock posters in the Byers-Evans Gallery to imagine artistry of the past through May 10. Information: 303-620-4933.
3 Spring is the time when everything feels fresh and new. Sully & Co. can help men spring into the season with casual, comfortable and classy clothes sure to make you feel like a new you. Information: 720-398-8064.
3 Music is a beautiful spring rite, especially when Natasha Peremski plays Brahms at Boettcher on April 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 For a fun spring fling attend the Families First fundraising dinner-dance at DTC’s DoubleTree Hotel April 18, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-745-0327.
3 Taste, savor, experience spring by enjoying lunch or dinner at the recently spruced up Ambli’s Gourmet Eatery & Wine. Information: 303-355-9463.
3 Brighten up your spirits by taking in the film screening of Arise at the Denver Botanic Gardens April 22, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3580.
3 Proclaim spring’s arrival by participating in Doors Open Denver as event showcases the city inside and out April 25-26. Information: 303-446-2266.
3 Take a spring stroll to help homeless pets by attending the 22nd annual Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry in Washington Park May 2, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will enjoy refreshments, contests and demonstrations plus appetizing treats from local food trucks. Funds raised during this event allow the League to provide care for sick or injured animals and much more. Information: 303-751-5772, ext. 1378.
Yes, we know April can be a transition time with unstable weather producing storms or snow. Still, spurts of sunshine have given us spring fever. If pussy willow shrubs were people, they’d fall into the spring fever camp with us. They display their fuzzy catkins while winter is still entrenched, one of the first plants to herald spring.
Often thought of as wild shrubs, you can grow pussy willows in landscapes. Along with early spring flowers they lighten our spirits after a long dreary winter.
Early blooming flowers are the surest sign of spring. The Valley’s many days of sunshine produce some of the top flowers in the nation. The intensity of our light creates flowers with extra brilliance. Cultivating flowerbeds is the secret to growing blushing beauties just as sweet April showers do spring May flowers.
— Glen Richardson