The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are in Lion Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In one of the harshest weather conditions in America, this garden filled with plants is flourishing remarkably. Volunteers, including older people, young people, and others, help take care of the gardens. This community center has received praise from three U. S presidents and many visitors.
Unique Cheyenne Botanical Gardens
You wouldn’t expect to find a thriving botanical garden in Cheyenne because of its high altitude, strong winds, and unpredictable weather. Shane Smith, the founder, joked, “You have to be foolish to put a plant garden in Cheyenne, and I was that fool. I had a lot of fun. ” Even though it seemed difficult, Smith’s idea and the community’s hard work made this surprising project one of Wyoming’s most loved places.
Lions Park
The gardens couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting than Lions Park, which provides a natural extension of the botanical experience. This expansive green space features lush lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil walking paths that complement the more structured botanical displays. The park’s picturesque lake offers paddle boating opportunities, while playgrounds and picnic areas make it ideal for family outings.
As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll notice thoughtfully placed sculptures and art installations that add a cultural dimension to your visit. The park regularly hosts community events, including summer concerts and festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that changes with the seasons.
The History of Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
The story of these amazing gardens started in 1977, when renewable energy was new and projects to help the environment in communities were uncommon. Shane Smith, a research assistant studying plants at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, became very interested in solar greenhouses, a technology not many in the area had considered.
Meanwhile, in Cheyenne, the nonprofit Community Action of Laramie County had experimented successfully with small 10-by-12-foot solar greenhouses. When they began constructing a more ambitious 5,000-square-foot building, Smith volunteered his expertise and was ultimately invited to lead the Cheyenne Botanic Garden.
“Originally, the main idea was to give senior citizens meaningful activities that produced food,” Smith explained. “So under my tenure, we planted the first seed. I paid for the seed out of my pocket because there was no budget for seed.”
This modest beginning, a single seed purchased from a personal pocket, would eventually grow into a world-class botanical institution. But what truly set the gardens apart from their inception wasn’t just the plants; it was their revolutionary approach to staffing and community engagement.
Volunteers in the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens
Soon after the garden opened, the local Goodwill group contacted the leaders. They asked if there were any volunteer opportunities for adults with disabilities. “Smith remembered that they began coming almost every day. ” There are usually about four to five customers on a bus. “It’s really good for them, and they enjoy doing it. ”
This setup offered many advantages: it gave volunteers important tasks, allowed them to connect with nature healingly, and even provided real rewards. “They would come home with food to their group homes,” Smith noted. This innovative staffing model expanded to include at-risk youth and continued to rely heavily on senior volunteers, creating an intergenerational, inclusive community within the gardens.
Today, most of the labor required to maintain and grow this monumental facility still comes from this diverse volunteer workforce, a remarkable achievement demonstrating community engagement’s power in public horticulture.
Climate Challenges
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens faces one of the most challenging growing environments of any public garden in the lower 48 states. Consider these formidable obstacles:
1. Cheyenne ranks #1 nationally in average hailstorms (10 per year).
2. The city ranks 4th in daily average wind speed (13 mph).
3. It experiences the fewest days with winter snow cover compared to other cities along the central front range.
4. Its 6,000 ft elevation creates cooler nights that make plant maturation difficult.
5. Gardeners must contend with unpredictable late spring and early fall frosts.
These problems would upset many gardeners, but the garden team has used these challenges to develop new ideas. The tough conditions have required smart choices for picking plants, designing gardens, and growing methods. This makes the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens a valuable place for gardeners in high-altitude regions.
A Solar-Powered Wonder
The large 6,800 square foot (630 m²) greenhouse is in the middle of the gardens and shows how much the organization cares about being environmentally friendly. This remarkable structure is:
- 100% solar heated.
- 50% powered by solar electricity.
- The United States Intermountain West’s oldest and one of the largest public demonstration sites for renewable energy.
The conservatory comprises three distinct greenhouse spaces, each serving a specific purpose:
- The first greenhouse creates a tropical oasis with lush plants, herb and cacti gardens, and a waterfall pond filled with colorful Koi fish.
- The second focuses primarily on vegetable production.
- The third specializes in propagating bedding plants and flowers for both the botanical garden grounds and Cheyenne’s park system.
The Grand Conservatory has become even more impressive as it continues to evolve. It now has a 34-foot-tall palm tree, a beautiful Baroque-style greenhouse, and a special house for bonsai trees. Guests are invited to de-stress in the inviting tropical atmosphere, admire the city views from the rooftop, or explore the cityscape through the special Navy submarine periscope available in the conservatory.
The paul smith children’s village
One of the most creative parts of the gardens is the Paul Smith Children’s Village. It’s a special learning area certified by LEED Platinum, made to help kids understand ideas about sustainability from the past, present, and future. This interactive landscape includes:
- Natural wetlands
- Gravity-powered water works
- A farmer’s windmill
- Solar pumps
- Archimedes’ screw (an ancient method for hand-pumping water)
- Arts and Crafts Plaza
- The Secret Garden (host to regular storytime events)
The Children’s Village shows how the gardens are dedicated to making learning about the environment fun and easy for everyone who visits, no matter their age. It’s called “a must-see place for everyone who feels young at heart,” showing that the gardens welcome all people.
Outdoor Gardens
Beyond the conservatory and children’s village, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens boast nine acres of award-winning landscapes featuring perennial and annual displays. Notable outdoor areas include:
- The inspirational Peace Garden.
- A year-round vegetable garden providing produce to low-income citizens and senior volunteers.
- Specialized collections of cacti and native plants are adapted to the region’s challenging climate.
Barbara Andrikopoulos, a long-time advocate and supporter of the gardens, aptly described the complex as “the grand centerpiece” of Cheyenne. Indeed, it has become a fixture of modern Wyoming, offering beauty and education in equal measure.
The High Plains Arboretum: Extending the Mission
The High Plains Arboretum is close to the main garden. It’s five miles northwest of Cheyenne and is 6,200 feet high. The arboretum was made to help grow strong trees, bushes, and flowers that can do well in Wyoming’s tough grassland conditions. It still has an important role in:
- Preserving heritage plant varieties.
- Restoring deteriorating historical plantings.
- Introducing appropriate species for high-altitude, drought-prone regions.
This satellite facility extends the gardens’ mission beyond the confines of Lions Park, creating a broader impact on regional horticulture and conservation.
Comparing Botanic Gardens: What Makes Cheyenne Unique
To fully appreciate what makes the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens special, let’s compare it to typical botanical gardens across America:
| Feature | Typical Botanic Gardens | Cheyenne Botanic Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Challenges | Often located in moderate climates | Thrives in one of America’s most challenging garden environments (#1 in hailstorms, #4 in wind speed, 6,000 ft elevation) |
| Energy Source | Conventional heating and electricity | 100% solar-heated, 50% solar-powered electricity – one of America’s oldest public demonstration sites for renewable energy |
| Workforce Model | Professional staff with supplemental volunteers | Innovative model using senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and at-risk youth as the primary workforce |
| Community Impact | Primarily focused on display and education | Integrated social mission: providing food for low-income residents, therapeutic activities for volunteers, and environmental education |
| Recognition | Local or regional significance | Received awards from three U.S. Presidents (Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton) |
This comparison highlights how the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens has transcended the traditional role of botanical institutions to become a multifaceted community resource addressing environmental, social, and educational needs simultaneously.
Visitor Experience of Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
For those planning to visit Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, consider these insider tips:
Best Times to Visit
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offer different experiences throughout the year, but many locals recommend:
- Early mornings to enjoy the tranquility and witness the gardens coming to life.
- Spring and summer are the most vibrant outdoor displays.
- Special events and festivals showcase the gardens’ community connections.
Practical Tips
To enhance your experience:
- Check the local event calendar before visiting to align your trip with concerts, festivals, or educational programs.
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in Lions Park’s designated areas.
- Allow time to explore both the indoor conservatory and the outdoor gardens.
- Don’t miss the unique submarine periscope in the Grand Conservatory for panoramic views.
Educational and Environmental Significance
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens serve as more than just a beautiful destination; they function as a living laboratory for environmental education and sustainable practices. The gardens demonstrate:
- How renewable energy can be successfully integrated into public facilities.
- Techniques for growing diverse plants in challenging climates.
- Inclusive models for community engagement and volunteer participation.
- Methods for connecting people with nature in meaningful ways.
This educational program is for people of all ages, especially kids, through the Paul Smith Children’s Village. Young people learn about plants as well as saving water, using renewable energy, and living in a way that helps the environment for our future.
Sustainable Gardening
As climate issues become more common around the world, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens’ long history of building attractive, eco-friendly gardens in a harsh climate is more useful than ever. Their evolution from a small, volunteer-driven project into a nationally recognized institution, expanding plant collections, refining educational programs, and deepening community connections, shows just how much vision, persistence, and teamwork can accomplish, offering inspiration and practical lessons for communities everywhere facing environmental pressures.
Conclusion:
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens have many lovely plants. With solar-powered features, hands-on educational spaces, and a welcoming volunteer spirit, the gardens show what’s possible when people come together for a common purpose. If you are looking for a peaceful spot in Cheyenne, this nine-acre oasis proves that this is a place where you can enjoy nature.
