Idaho Botanical Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden

A footpath through the garden
Type	Non-profit organization 501(c)(3)
Founded	1984
Headquarters	Boise, Idaho in Ada County, United States
Key people	Julia Rundberg, Executive Director; Rod Burke, Head of Horticulture; Rick Richter, President of the Board of Directors
Services	Tours, education, events
Number of employees	15+/-
Website	IBG official site

The Idaho Botanical Garden (IBG) is a nonprofit botanical garden located on 50 acres (200,000 m²) at 2355 North Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho, USA. Until 1973 the site served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's farm and nursery. After the penitentiary was closed, the land lay dormant for more than a decade, and in 1984 the gardens were first created. The facility is operated by a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. To help fund the garden, an admission fee is charged for entry.

Gardens

• Alpine Garden - Rock garden with a diverse collection of alpine plants.
• Cactus Garden - cactus and succulents suited to southwest Idaho.
• English Garden - plants typical to English gardens, selected to perform in the local climate. Designed by landscape architect John Brookes.
• Herb Garden - herbs used for medicines, cosmetics, decoration, and cooking.
• Idaho Native Plant Garden (completed 1994) - representative plants from Idaho's desert and woodland environments, including sagebrush, syringa, native dogwood, and Idaho fescue.
• Iris Garden - Dykes Medal iris varieties.
• Meditation Garden - mature trees planted in the 1930s and 1940s by minimum security prisoners at the old Penitentiary.
• Peony Garden (planted 1992) - 21 varieties of hybrid peonies.
• Rose Garden - Heirloom and other old-style roses.
• Water Garden - water lilies, iris, koi, frogs, aquatic insects, and occasional water fowl.

Special events

The IBG hosts may events throughout the year, including special events for families and children. Garden parties, concerts, and special tours are announced on the garden's website.

See also

• List of botanical gardens in the United States

External links

• Idaho Botanical Garden Official Site
• Old Idaho Penitentiary Historic Site