The Board of Directors, docents and Durango Botanical Society members thank Cindy Smart as she retires as executive director of the DBS. Her tireless work has left a legacy of public gardens in Durango.
With vision, and a few dollars, Cindy and fellow visionaries founded Durango Botanical Society in 2010. Becoming president and later, executive director, Cindy oversaw the installation of the Demonstration Garden at Durango Public Library in fall 2011.
Cindy spearheaded the fundraising to develop the garden and recruited volunteers who maintain the garden. Cindy developed DBS’s signature events; Gardens on Tour and the Annual Bulb Sale. In 2013, Cindy started a docent program.
The Demonstration Garden received Plant Select’s Showcase Garden Award in 2014 and Golden Shovel Award in 2016 for excellence in design and educational outreach. The North American Rock Garden Society lists the Demonstration Garden in the 11 rock gardens of Colorado.
Supported by Durango Public Library, Friends of the Library and city of Durango, in 2016, Cindy lead development of The Crevice Garden Along the Trail. The Miniature Tree Garden was dedicated in September 2018. The Tree Arboretum is in development. Additional gardens are planned for The Durango Botanic Gardens.
Durango Botanical Society will continue the visions that Cindy established for public gardens and horticultural education in Durango.
Thank you, Cindy! Because of your devotion and hard work, the Durango Botanic Gardens are a reality.
With gratitude,
Durango Botanical Society Board of Directors
