The Idaho Botanical Garden is a 50-acre living museum that showcases the beauty and diversity of Idaho’s native and exotic plant life.
The garden features twelve specialty gardens, including an English garden, a meditation garden, and a native plant garden, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits.
But the garden is much more than just a collection of plants. It’s also a place of education, conservation, and community. The garden offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, from guided tours and workshops to concerts and festivals.
So whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Idaho Botanical Garden is the perfect destination for you.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of nature? Look no further than the Idaho Botanical Garden, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Boise. This complete guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Getting There:
The Idaho Botanical Garden is located at 2355 N Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, just minutes from downtown Boise.
There is ample parking available, and the garden is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation.
Here is a link to their website.
Admission:
General admission to the garden is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military members, and $7 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free.
Memberships are also available, which include free admission, discounts on events and workshops, and other perks.
12 Amazing Exhibits and Gardens:
The Idaho Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of exhibits and gardens, each with its own unique theme and beauty.
1. English Garden:
Get a taste of England in Idaho with this traditional English-style garden featuring manicured lawns, formal borders, and an elegant fountain.
2. Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden:
This garden showcases the plants that Lewis and Clark encountered on their journey through Idaho.
3. Herb Garden:
This garden features a variety of herbs used for cooking, medicine, and perfume.
4. Meditation Garden:
This peaceful garden is a perfect place to reflect and meditate, with its serene water features and tranquil setting.
5. Water Conservation Landscape:
This garden demonstrates how to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape while conserving water.
6. Children’s Adventure Garden:
This interactive garden is designed to inspire and educate children about the wonders of nature.
7. Idaho Native Plant Garden:
This garden features the native plants of Idaho, including the state flower, the syringa.
8. Vegetable Garden:
This garden showcases the many varieties of vegetables that can be grown in Idaho’s climate.
9. Secret Garden:
This hidden garden is a secluded oasis, with its winding paths, bubbling stream, and lush foliage.
10. Cactus Garden:
This garden features a collection of cacti and succulents from around the world.
11. Rose Garden:
This garden features a variety of roses, from classic hybrid teas to modern shrub roses.
12. Seasonal Display Garden:
This garden changes with the seasons, showcasing the beauty of Idaho’s flora year-round.
Events and Programs:
The Idaho Botanical Garden offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including:
- Garden Tour: Join a guided tour of the garden and learn about its history, exhibits, and plants.
- Workshops: Attend a workshop on topics such as gardening, photography, and art.
- Concerts: Enjoy live music in the garden during the summer.
- Movie Nights: Watch a movie under the stars in the beautiful setting of the garden.
- Festivals: The garden hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the annual Great Garden Escape concert series and the Winter Garden aGlow holiday light display.
Annual Events:
In addition to its regular exhibits and programs, the Idaho Botanical Garden also hosts a variety of annual events that draw visitors from near and far. Some of the most popular events include:
Spring Annual Event
Spring Plant Sale: Held every May, this event is a must-attend for gardeners looking to stock up on a wide variety of plants, including native and drought-tolerant species, perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables.
Summer Annual Event
Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series: This popular concert series brings top-name musical acts to the garden’s stunning outdoor amphitheater, providing a unique and memorable setting for live music.
Fall Annual Event
Scarecrow Stroll: Held in October, the Scarecrow Stroll is a fun and festive event that invites visitors to explore the garden and discover dozens of creative and whimsical scarecrows on display throughout the grounds.
Winter Annual Event
Winter Garden aGlow: From November through January, the garden is transformed into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the trees, plants, and buildings. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, sip hot cocoa by the fire pit, and take in the magical holiday atmosphere.
These annual events are just a few of the many ways that the Idaho Botanical Garden delights and entertains visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist passing through, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at this hidden gem in the heart of Boise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The garden is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm from April through September, and 9 am to 5 pm from October through March.
Only service animals are allowed in the garden.
Picnicking is allowed in the designated picnic areas, and food and drinks are available for purchase at the Garden Café.
The garden is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps throughout the grounds.
Final Thoughts on The Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a true gem of the Treasure Valley, offering visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature. With its stunning array of gardens, exhibits, and events, the garden offers something for everyone, from families with young children to avid horticulturists to music lovers and more.
Whether you’re looking to learn about native plant species, explore themed gardens from around the world, attend a live concert under the stars, or simply unwind with a peaceful stroll through the grounds, the Idaho Botanical Garden is the perfect destination. The garden’s knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer questions and provide guidance, making your visit as informative and enjoyable as possible.
And the garden isn’t just a place to visit once and forget – it’s a living, growing entity that is constantly evolving and changing with the seasons. With new exhibits and programs added each year, there’s always something new to discover and explore. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, there’s always a reason to come back and experience the magic of the Idaho Botanical Garden once again.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful and inspiring place to spend a day, look no further than the Idaho Botanical Garden. With its breathtaking natural beauty, educational exhibits, and wide range of programs and events, the garden is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature, gardening, or simply finding a little slice of paradise in the heart of the city.
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