Hidden among the trees and winding roads of Denver’s Fairmount Cemetery grows one of Colorado’s most remarkable collections of historic roses. Many of these plants have survived for more than a century, enduring harsh winters, drought, and decades of neglect while preserving a living connection to the people who planted them. What began as a runner’s discovery became a deeper journey into the history of Denver, the legacy of pioneering rosarians, and the ongoing effort to protect these rare “found roses.” Their stories reveal resilience, beauty, and an enduring link to Colorado’s past.
