In this lecture, Mike Bone, curator of steppe collections at DBG, will describe the unique steppe environment and demonstrate why steppe plants are perfectly-suited for rock gardens, like the one he cares for at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Mike looks forward to taking you on a journey around the world’s great steppe regions.

The steppe ecosystems are home to thousands of hearty, drought-resistant plants, many of which are uniquely suited to rock and crevice gardens. There are four great steppe regions on our planet, including the North American Steppe covering parts of central United States, western Canada and northern Mexico. The Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), situated in the heart of this region, is a hub for the study and cultivation of steppe plants.

About Mike Bone

Mike has worked at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado since 2002, studying and growing plants of steppe ecoregions and their adjacent mountain ranges. Mike has explored and collected seed in steppes – which are dry, grassy plains occurring in temperate climates – around the world including Asia, southern Africa and the American West.

When not on the clock, Mike continues to work with plants. He is an enthusiastic gardener and collector, and has extensive rock, crevice, steppe and vegetable gardens, as well as a small greenhouse.

Mike has contributed to six books published through the Denver Botanic Gardens, including Steppes: The Plants and Ecology of the World’s Semi-arid Regions. He also writes for local, regional and national publications.

Please note that paid parking is now in effect, however TBG members park for free.