Spanning 15 acres, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a premier collection of plants cultivated for the unique sagebrush steppe ecosystem of the Treasure Valley aimed at showcasing the region's biodiversity.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Idaho Botanical Garden does not receive government funding but instead relies on donations, grants, admission fees, special event fundraisers, and a membership program to remain operational.

Local botanist Dr. Christopher Davidson and a select board of directors began crafting the Garden's infrastructure, including installing an irrigation system to sustain the botanical collection.

Over the years, the Garden expanded the ecosystem of plants, instituted environmental education opportunities, and hosted a range of programs and events for the community.

The black slate roof originally graced the Veterans Home, and the ceiling is wood from the floor of Boise’s former J.C. Penneys store.

Visitors can explore various species and varieties of thyme, oregano, comfrey, marjoram, rosemary, chives, and other common as well as lesser-known herbs, such as costmary, bugloss, sorrel, rue, and celandine.

The Meditation Garden features a collection of broadleaf evergreens, conifers, and deciduous plants that thrive in shade, cool and moist air.

The design of the Rose Garden features picturesque surroundings, reflecting the contours of the Boise foothills through sandstone terraces and rustic stone walls of the Old Penitentiary.

Plants were chosen for the program to exhibit these eight attributes: Flourishes with less water, thrives in a broad range of conditions, is habitat-friendly, demonstrates resilience in challenging climates, is considered one of a kind/unique, resists disease & insects, has long-lasting beauty, and is non-invasive.

This garden aims to showcase a selection of Idaho's diverse flora, educate visitors about the region's botanical heritage, and emphasize the importance of native plants.

The garden features a growing list of native grasses, forbs, trees, and shrubs that thrive in the high desert climate.

A small pond and waterfall exhibit a variety of native wetland plants, while a petrified log from the Owyhee Mountain Range showcases the deep biological history of the region.

The Gathering Place, located at the garden entrance, showcases a green roof planted with native forbs and grasses and draws inspiration from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and Indigenous Peoples' kivas.

Interpretive signs inform visitors about the significance of the expedition and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to its success, as well as highlight the ethnobotanical uses of the plants.

Located along Old Penitentiary Road, the Water Conservation Landscape is a one-acre garden that welcomes visitors as they approach the entrance to the parking area.

Children's programs include Nature Camps, Field Trip Tours, and Education Trunks that are rented out to local schools.

The series takes place in the Meditation Garden and usual attendees will often bring snacks, picnic blankets, or low back chairs into the space to gather.

This partnership exemplifies a shared vision for promoting sustainable agriculture, fostering community connections, and celebrating the abundance of local produce and artisanal products.

The Garden is partnering with City of Good and the Boise State Food Pantry to provide fresh herbs, vegetables, and plants to students this summer.

Classes are taught in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, MK Nature Center, and the Golden Eagle Audubon Society.