Idaho Botanical Garden

The Idaho Botanical Garden, located in the historic Old Penitentiary District of Boise, Idaho, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people, plants, and nature. The Garden serves as a gathering space in the Boise community and advocates environmental stewardship. 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. Community partnerships and collaborations through jointly hosted events and sponsorships are other key elements for functionality.

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 Garden was established on a leased 42-acre site within the historic grounds of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. 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.

The Children's Adventure Garden was created, and designed as an educational environment with interactive and play elements. 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.