Panayoti Kelaidis Colorado Home Garden Tour | Gardening an Expression of Soul

Take a wonderful garden tour with Panayoti Kelaidis, as he speaks about gardening, life, plants, and shows you his favorite plants in his own home garden. A lifelong Colorado gardener, he specializes in native, alpine and xeric plants. Rock gardening and dryland plants are his passion. In this interview he speaks of the garden that a person creates being an outward expression of the soul. Share in his garden wisdom as we explore his Denver, CO garden. Filmed by Adam Taub of Story Doc.
Panayoti's Statement: “I've had various journalists interview me over the years, and my garden has been filmed before, but Adam Taub has done a better job of both tasks than his predecessors. My only regret is that I didn't give Gwen Moore (my ex) credit for the gardens' overall design, nor thank Jan Fahs--very much my partner in grime now--for helping manage an unruly half acre.”
Panayoti has been with the Denver Botanic Gardens for over 40 years as a Senior Curator and Director of Outreach Panayoti began his career as curator of the Rock Alpine Garden which is a signature garden at DBG: the showcase of thousands of plants from around the world, many introduced to horticulture by Panayoti through Plant Select of which he was one of the original architects. He has explored much of North America including Mexico, the Andes in Chile and Argentina, Eurasia from Spain to Mongolia. He has travelled six times to South Africa-concentrating on the Drakensberg mountains and the Karoo. He has lectured in over 120 cities in 10 countries. He has received numerous honors including the Scott Medal of Swarthmore Arboretum and the Liberty Hyde Bailey award of the American Horticultural Society, both generally considered the top honors for horticulturists in the United States.
Filmed and edited by Adam Taub. Story Doc is a platform for diverse story and documentary content. Subscribe!

[@storydoc2115]

I just released a new June Garden tour of Panayoti's garden with his rock garden and iris in bloom! I released it on my Garden Vistas channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjHqXaeadKrqac

[@petemaloney9783]

I had the pleasure of interning with Panayoti at the Denver Botanic Gardens (‘class’ of 1995!), and he instilled in me a passion for horticulture that lead me to a 28-year career in public gardens. Great to see he is still going (and growing) strong. Cheers to you my good Man!

[@storydoc2115]

This is so wonderful to hear! I need to point this comment out to Panayoti, he will be delighted to see it and to hear from you I'm sure! Wishing you all the best.

[@lb8012]

“I don’t watch TV, why should I? I have the plant kingdom.” 👏🏽I love that so much .

[@storydoc2115]

Yes! What an amazing garden Panayoti has and he is always out enjoying plants in the wild and others gardens as well.

[@Luther_Luffeigh]

Of all the collections I have seen, art, cars…etc this is definitely the most impressive collection I’ve seen.

[@panayotikelaidis1]

Thank you, Adam, for the time and effort you took doing this movie: I usually squirm when I read interviews done with me or past video takes--but I think yours is the first I really enjoyed watching--although that chubby fellow seemed a lot more clever and well spoken than I usually feel I am! I've so enjoyed the other movies of yours I've seen. Hope others will follow up on them too. All the best!

[@storydoc2115]

Thank you so much Panayoti for all your generosity in sharing your story, insights, and beautiful garden with me and those that view this. Also, thank you for all of your work in gardening over the years. You have impacted so many people! We all very much appreciate it.

[@storydoc2115]

I had an amazing time spending time with Panayoti and listening to a bit of his story, philosophy, and garden wisdom. Such a great experience exploring the garden as well with camera in hand!

[@stellastylianou2327]

Lovely garden Panayioti with so many different varieties of plants that look so natural together. It looks like it was an awesome task but gardening to an enthusiast is a never ending love story. Like you, I spend a lot of time researching plants that can live in my zone and thus, constantly change my garden scene as plants either outgrow my small area or they die in the high heat of the Summer months due to diseases. Thank you for showing us your beautiful garden.

[@francescashiekh1399]

I wish I could meet this man, and spend hours talking about plants!

[@ranunculusseguieri]

The man is a legend around the world ... and beyond ... and we can all see why from this excellent tour of such a remarkable horticultural extravaganza! Many thanks to you both.

[@storydoc2115]

Hi Cliff, I just released a June tour with Panayoti on my Garden Vistas channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjHqXaeadKrqac

[@LauraGYoung]

Such an inspiring film! My own little rock garden just experienced a terrible winter (displaced field critters from a nearby development devoured almost EVERY plant I'd poured my heart into). I imagine that Mr. Kelaidis has had his share of ups and downs over the years as well, and yet... look at all that beauty. Many thanks for sharing his garden -- and his enthusiasm -- with us. 🌸🌸🌸

[@michaelireefe8118]

I love this guy. Whew. I’ve never been so excited over plants than when he is talking about his garden with such passion and wonder. It makes me want to find a passion that deep, and it might also be for flora and fauna! 🌱 beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I am also from Colorful Colorado, born and raised. I should find time to visit his garden and chat with this fellow!

[@storydoc2115]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on the video. Yes, Panayoti's passion for his garden, others gardens and for plants in general is inspiring! I have a new channel called KZbin Garden Vistas where I am posting more of his garden tours and have some more I will upload there as well. Cool to hear from another person born and raised here in Colorado!

[@Hlegzudas]

You feel exactly like I feel about my garden. Thanks for sharing!

[@ellenerasmus1266]

Panayoti greetings from South-Africa.

[@bellarosa009]

Such a beautiful collection of plants. I'm a bit of a plant nerd too. I think Lauren Springer mentions Panayoti in her book. Both amazing garden artists.

[@jimglenncolorado]

It's been years since I toured Panayoti's garden. Thanks for letting me revisit.

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much! I enjoyed visiting, filming, and hearing his story!

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Fantastic upload! Thanks for sharing!

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much for watching! Looks like you have a great channel related to plants and gardening!

[@ashleyarnold7956]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and stories. Your garden is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you again.

[@cherreedensley4994]

Greetings from Australia. Just loved this tour of a fascinating garden. Such rare and beautiful plants. I dont think I saw any Aussies, that would be a whole new world for you. Personally, I grow lots of succulents and cacti, bulbs, coastal plants. Have visited Mongolia in their summer and was blown away by their mountain plants. I am a basket maker and am trialling lots of Aussie plants including the Ones used by the indigenous peoples. More strength to you.

[@user-travelbug79]

Thank you for sharing! I'm filling my notebook with plant names. Wonderful tour.

[@storydoc2115]

Wonderful!

[@maryannmcrae6736]

Breathtaking

[@dorothyschanz5730]

so, so wonderful. I'm a firm believer of being surrounded by your stories. Whether it is in plants or a collection of things that remind you of your travels, discoveries & life experiences. So enjoyable--thank you

[@storydoc2115]

Yes! Thank you so much for that wonderful comment and I'm very happy you enjoyed the video with Panayoti in his garden, I certainly enjoy filming there!

[@donireland3411]

PK is the MAN! He's awesome and his garden is amazing!

[@panayotikelaidis1]

Shucks, Don: I should have you chat with the two thumbs down votes!

[@storydoc2115]

Hi Don, I just released a new video of his garden on my other channel, a June tour. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjHqXaeadKrqac

[@Rilesd77]

Very entertaining Panayoti, thank you!

[@DistortionsUnlimited]

Amazing garden tour!

[@frankvolz7021]

What a wonderful garden

[@storydoc2115]

It really is!

[@greenbeecolony1911]

Beautiful work!!!!!!!!

[@OKFrax-ys2op]

Very informative and interesting

[@ksaewa1975]

So many beautiful plants, amazing garden Tour, thank you for sharing!

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much Kaying Vang! Appreciate you watching and wishing you the best with all of your content and videos.

[@ksaewa1975]

Story Doc - Thank you 🙏!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

This is super cool. I'm glad I weirdly ended up watching gardening videos. I found a guy with a weirdly awesome romantic attitude towards plants.

[@storydoc2115]

That is awesome!

[@SolShinePhysicalTherapy]

Beautiful garden and thoughtful insights!

[@teresacesario6247]

I so enjoyed this tour and stories, Thank you!

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks for watching! I have some other garden tour videos of Panayoti and some other gardeners on my Garden Vistas channel as well if you want to see his garden in different seasons.

[@deannahaworth7666]

Wow what a wonderful garden and story !!!

[@maggyyosin3361]

Absolutely beautiful

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much Maggy for watching and commenting. I really enjoyed filming Panayotis garden and actually went back a number of times in 2021 to film and see the garden in different seasons.

[@CathyHobbs-k3f]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video! Thank you for your wonderful tour. I'm getting some ideas for my garden in the Springs

[@alinad2928]

Beautiful garden.

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much your words about Panayotis garden! Its amazing isn't it! I can't wait to see it this year as well.

[@Lisa-ew8et]

I love your garden, and love this video! I hope you make more!

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much Lisa, I am filming more videos with Panayoti and his garden this year and will be uploading them on another channel I have called Garden Vistas. I just released one on his Daphnes. Thanks!

[@BrenHaas]

Beautiful video Story Doc!

[@storydoc2115]

Thank you kindly!

[@thatsssick]

You had me at the thumbnail lol 💕💕💕

[@ryanharter711]

Beautiful!

[@frozentropic]

I love the way you start explaining your love for plants and specifically Colorados native flora. Its displayed beautifully in your garden and i wish more locals took notice. Do you water more than needed or have you worked with the altitude and climate?

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks Emilia for taking the time to write such a nice comment!

[@elisanoemiajose8861]

Amazing 🤩

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much for commenting Elisa!

[@LindasFlowersandVegetablesGard]

Love your rock garden, so beautiful, subscribed!

[@sukritisingh3268]

I love this guy? And how he thinks

[@storydoc2115]

Hello everyone! I will be posting a lot more video filmed with Panayoti at his home garden this March, April and May on a new channel I have specifically for garden content called Garden Vistas. So head on over there and subscribe and hit the bell notification if you want to see all the Spring videos that will be coming. kzbin.info/door/QPpDwRriEVqNNqh07xwp6A

[@mlbassmo344]

Thank you for being here.

[@bethsanchezyoga55]

Marvelous! Which vendor do you use for the clover grass? Do you mind sharing the variety too? Thank you!

[@tiwowo1234]

BEAUTIFUL, CANADA OTTAWA, I GOT WARNING FROM CITY OTTAWA, CUT DOWN MY WILDFLOWERS, FROM MY FRONT GARDEN! SO SAD

[@ameeraljadie1282]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ashleyarnold7956]

I am the Chapter President of Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter. We have monthly Zoom meetings and monthly in person meetings. I would love to introduce you to our members (14 members in our Chapter; we have over 69 Chapters) if you ever have time to hop on a Zoom meeting. Thank you again for sharing your lovely yard and unique garden.

[@storydoc2115]

Hi Ashley, thanks so much for your message. If you send me your email I can pass this information on to Panayoti and he can contact you. I filmed the video on the garden and this is my channel. My email is [e-mail] if you would like to send your contact info for me to pass along.

[@stevenstehouwer182]

Panayoti....Would you mind if I showed this video to a Univ. of New Brunswick , 3rd year Biology Class? Steven Stehouwer ( your suitcase carrier in Prague) , Fredericton NB, Canada

[@storydoc2115]

Hello Steven! Yes, feel free to share it with your class! Thank you. Let us know what they think.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@storydoc2115]

Thank you Neil

[@persistentone3448]

Where can we buy the Greek Oregano varieties that he starts to describe at 8:45?

[@jamesholman5448]

It sounds like you have actually ethically harvested some of these plants. Do you have a source for native Colorado wildflower seeds that you trust that you could share?

[@storydoc2115]

Hi James, so sorry for the delayed reply. I need to ask Panayoti this question and get back to you. Perhaps we will do a future video on it. I am posting future videos on him on my new Garden Vistas channel as well.

[@smoothsailingmp]

God designed each plant and all mankind and animals, s. He's happy when we take care of the space He has allotted to each of us. Enjoy

[@storydoc2115]

Thanks so much Margie for taking the time to comment and watch the video.

[@terrystripling2971]

Can you create an Alpine Garden in Atlanta Georgia? Also I want to grow that Mullen

[@manaman6971]

I converted my lawn into cacti, it's been a battle...ouch!

[@storydoc2115]

Here is a video with Panayoti showcasing his daphnes kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHKrnnesp7-Um7c

[@TaxEvasion777]

Poverty weed? The thistle?