"Blue Velvet"
Fairmount Cemetery is a rare oasis in metropolitan Denver, just inside the city limits.
It was established by Colorado Pioneers in the 1860's before Colorado actually became a
state. The grounds cover over a square mile, with over ten miles of meandering and curving
dirt roads and paths that resemble country lanes rather than the typical squared grids of
most cemeteries. (And I have actually named every single path and road in the place....) It is
considered the largest aboretum in the state with over 3000 trees of all types, a large
percentage that date back past the turn of the century and are
around 100 years old. Additionally, a large variety of
of antique roses can be found growing througout Fairmount, some of which have been
recently discovered as extremely
rare and valued, and in fact
cannot be found
anywhere
else on the planet.
Many historic people are buried here, including Horace Greeley ("Go West, young man!"),
Temple Buell (inventor of the "shopping mall"), Mr. Dady, creator of UPS (the delivery
company) who
incidentally has the most perfect and well maintained grave site you will ever see in your
life complete
with electric lights and a sprinkling system, as well as
many other illustrious citizens of note.
Artificial flowers are not allowed on the grounds April through October, and a fall walk through the grounds will bring stupendous surprises if you pay attention. Below, flowers that bring to mind "blue velvet", still in full bloom in the middle of October.
