What Gardens and Plant Collections Can I See at the Idaho Botanical Garden?

Updated

The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise groups its plantings into themed display gardens and special collections, so you can walk from a formal English Garden to an Idaho native plant area in one visit. The grounds are open daily 9am–5pm with last admission at 4pm, and the site lists a Garden Explorer tool for navigating the areas. Below is what the Garden's own materials identify as the areas and collections on site.

Themed Display Gardens

These are the named garden areas listed under "Areas of the Garden":

  • English Garden — a formal, structured planting style
  • Rose Garden — dedicated rose collection
  • Herb Garden — culinary and aromatic herbs
  • Meditation Garden — a quieter, reflective space
  • Vegetable Garden — edible plantings, tied to the Garden's "Kitchen Garden, In Season" programming
  • Children's Adventure Garden — a family-oriented area designed for younger visitors
  • Plant Select Demonstration Garden — showcases plants suited to regional growing conditions
  • The Western Waterwise Garden — water-conserving plantings for a dry climate

Special Collections

Two collections focus specifically on regional native flora:

  • Idaho Native Plant Garden
  • Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden

These sit alongside the broader themed gardens and are the best stops if your interest is plants native to Idaho and the Intermountain West.

Family and Hands-On Areas

If you're visiting with children, the Children's Adventure Garden is the main draw, and the Vegetable Garden connects to seasonal kitchen-garden programming. The Garden also runs youth education, camps, and school field trips, so a visit can pair with structured programming rather than just a walk-through.

Navigating the Grounds

The site references a Garden Explorer tool under "Explore The Garden," which is the intended way to orient yourself among the areas and collections. Use it before you arrive to decide which gardens to prioritize, since the grounds cover multiple distinct sections.

Practical Notes for Planning Around the Collections

  • Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9am–5pm; last admission 4pm
  • Admission: Adults $15, Seniors & Students $13, Youth $9; members and kids 3 & under free
  • Parking: The main lot is temporarily closed — park at the Table Rock Trailhead behind the Warden's House
  • Seasonal timing: Some areas are tied to seasonal events and programming (for example, the Kitchen Garden "In Season" feature and the Fall Plant Sale), so what's at peak varies by when you visit

If your goal is native plants specifically, head for the Idaho Native Plant Garden and the Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden first; if you're bringing kids, build the route around the Children's Adventure Garden.