The Montrose Botanical Society, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, is still a very small-budget non-profit run entirely by volunteers. In a true show of community spirit, almost all of the regular maintenance and development of the Gardens is done by our Weed Warriors - an affectionate name for our dedicated members. When you make a donation to the Montrose Botanic Gardens, rest assured that it is growing these gardens and the Society's mission.
Entrance to the Gardens is free of charge year-round, from dawn to dusk. Development and maintenance of the Gardens is funded solely through donations, special events and grants.
In addition to offering a yearly slate of educational programs, the Gardens are a partner garden for the Plant Select program, which develops and selects varieties that provide more beauty with less work in our intermountain region. We want gardeners of all levels of experience to be able to create smart and successful gardens using fewer resources and with a more positive environmental impact. Montrose Botanic Gardens also offers children's programs, often in cooperation with the Montrose Regional Library. Students from pre-school through college utilize our Gardens as an outdoor classroom and our volunteers as teachers.
"Having just moved to the Uncompahgre Valley from the Midwest, I found the Montrose Botanic Gardens a great resource for learning what to plant in my new yard -- and what not to plant! Not only could I see examples of plants that work in this environment, I also met some very helpful people there too." [P.J., Montrose]
"I know I've really accomplished something when my nephew gets here first thing in the morning and asks, "Uncle John, can we go to the Botanic Gardens and take pictures?" We each brought our own camera and he ended up with some nice shots. What a great morning we've spent together." [J.K., Montrose]
"I was overwhelmed by your garden’s beauty. The variety of plants, design, exquisite sculptures, gates and the cascading water feature made it a treasure to behold. Thank you for your time and love in maintaining this beautiful sanctuary and providing a space for children." [D.E., Summer visitor from Alabama]
The Montrose Botanical Society is a non-profit organization that provides horticultural education and leadership for the residents of the Uncompahgre Valley in Colorado through the development of the Montrose Botanic Gardens for demonstration, education and leisure.
Beginning in 1995, the Montrose Botanical Society has worked – and is still working – to turn a scrubby 3.5 acre vacant lot into a demonstration garden and peaceful gathering place for the community. At 5,800 feet in elevation, Montrose Botanic Gardens are located in the high desert of western Colorado – a part with particularly challenging soils and weather patterns. The Gardens offer inspiration and an invaluable educational tool for local residents as they look for an informed way to enhance their own landscapes that were once tumbleweed, greasewood and cactus.
Organization name
Montrose Botanic Gardens
other names
Montrose Botanical Society
1995
Tax id (EIN)
84-1331789
Category
Environment, Education
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
1800 Pavilion DrMailing
PO Box 323Headquarters
1800 Pavilion DriveMontrose County, CO, US