The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Vail is home to the world’s highest botanical gardens. Standing at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has been showcasing the beauty of the Rockies since 1986. With 3,000 species of high-altitude plants from the Rocky Mountains and other regions of the world, the gardens overflow with nature’s beauty. It’s no wonder the Gardens was named the winner of 2009 Garden Excellence award by American Public Gardens Association and Horticulture Magazine.
The Gardens was founded by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation with a mission to “inspire a passion for plants in high altitude communities through beautification, conservation, education, and research programs.” There are six different gardens: the Mountain Perennial Garden, the Mountain Meditation Garden, the Alpine Rock Garden, the Schoolhouse Garden, Alpine Tundra Garden and the Children’s Garden. Each distinct garden has unique attractions and plants. There are also a variety of programs available for guests to enjoy. Mondays and Thursdays are garden volunteer days. Children’s learn and grow programs take place Wednesdays and horticulture therapy is on Tuesdays. For a small fee, guests can participate in yoga classes in the middle of the garden Mondays and Fridays. Guided tours and art demonstrations are also available throughout the week.
More than 100,000 visitors a year come to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to experience the flourishing and thriving bounty of Colorado. It’s open from dawn to dusk and admission is free. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get a little closer to nature. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to plan your next Vail vacation 1-888-866-2305
Tags: betty ford alpine garden, botanical. worlds highest, colorado, flowers, free activities, mountain, rockies, tulips, Vail
High-altitude gardens are certainly the best places to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers of all types. The weather is cool and there is a lot of sunshine. The perfect place for a retirement vacation, actually. Certainly, these places are the perfect venues for yoga classes! I will definitely pay a visit in one of the gardens! Thanks for sharing this information.