The Idaho Botanical Garden could easily be described as an outdoor museum that provides visitors from far and wide with a unique experience in nature. Some of the features in the Garden include “native and exotic plant communities, theme and display gardens and education programs” (Idaho Botanical Garden). The Garden came about largely to the efforts of creator Christopher Davidson, a Ph.D. in botany. He first compiled and met with a Board of Directors in 1984. Their mission was “to stimulate interest in, appreciation for, and an understanding of gardening, horticulture, botany and conservation of natural resources” (Idaho Botanical Gardens). They decided that these goals would be recorded by the progress of plant collection and education. The Garden consists of 33 acres, with many of those under cultivation. Also, much of the Garden contains nature hikes as well as being used for environmental education. With these ideas, there have been 14 gardens designed since 1984. The ideas of one man have brought about a unique outlet into which Boise residents and visitors can learn more about nature and appreciate its beauty. There are many events and programs held at the Garden that allow people of all ages to experience something very different than the city feel of Boise. It allows everyone to get out into nature without really leaving the city.

To learn more about the events and gardens, visit: http://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=10