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Botanical Gardens/ Nature Centers:

Central Utah Gardens

Blog: centralutahgardens.blogspot.com

Website: centralutahgardens.org

A Conservation-based garden in Orem, Utah. Central Utah Gardens is managed by Central Utah Water Conservancy District and offers 2 acres of landscaped gardens and exhibits.  Free classes and events are held annually for the public. The blog (which needs updating) covers related garden topics.

Conservation Garden Park

Blog: conservationgardenpark.blogspot.com

Website: conservationgardenpark.org

Official blog of Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan, Utah.  Conservation Garden Park is managed by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and contains 5 acres of waterwise landscape ideas and information.  The WaterSmart Environmental Education Center will be opening this summer.  Conservation Garden Park offers many FREE classes and admission to the gardens is also free.  The blog for Conservation Garden Park offers tools, plant reviews and tips. The website has a database of waterwise plants for the Wasatch Front.

Ogden Botanical Gardens

Blog: www.ogdenbotanicalgardens.blogspot.com

 

The Ogden Botanical Gardens offer classes year-round on garden related topics.  Supported by Utah State University, it houses the Weber County Master Gardener program.  They are also affiliated with the Utah Botanic Center (also a USU project) in Kayesville.  OBC maintains an excellent blog that is frequently updated. I believe this blog is also used for the Utah Botanic Center.

Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum

Blog: www.redbuttegarden.org/blog

Website: www.redbuttegarden.org

Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City (University of Utah) is Utah’s premiere botanical garden showcasing the best of gardening in all it’s forms.  Red Butte contains 100 acres of gorgeous gardens, offers nature trails/hikes and a full palate of classes.  Their blog profiles plants and goings on at the Gardens.

Sego Lily Gardens

Website: www.sandy.utah.gov

Located in a quiet corner in Sandy, Utah, Sego Lily Gardens cover about 2 acres and pack A LOT of learning into a small space.  Waterwise garden vingnettes, classes and events make this the neighborhood hot spot.  Admission is free. No blog.

Southern Utah Water Conservation Gardens

Website: www.wcwcd.state.ut.us

Part of the grounds of Washington County Water Conservancy District.  Southern Utah Water Conservation Gardens offers free classes and events for locals wishing to grow plants that thrive in the unique St. George climate.  No blog.

Swaner Nature Preserve

Website: www.swanerecocenter.org

Swaner Nature Preserve is located in Park City, Utah.  While they are more focused on preservation of natural areas, they offer a number of gardening and nature-related classes and events.  They also focus on sustainably farmed food and creating access to the freshest possible food for locals through Community Supported Agriculture. Admission is charged and season passes may be purchased.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Blog: None

Website: www.thanksgivingpoint/visit/gardens

Thanksgiving Point Gardens are located in Lehi, Utah and contain some stunning exhibits- including the 2nd largest man-made waterfall in the United States.  The gardens are gorgeous year-round but they are especially famous for their spring bulb displays.  A public/private partnership with Utah State University enables them to host the Master Gardener and County Extension programs at the gardens.  There are many activities, classes and events for garden lovers of all ages.  Admission is charged but season passes are available.  Season pass holders can get non-pass holders in their party discounted admission.

Weber Basin Learning Garden

Website: www.weberbasin.com

Weber Basin Water Conservancy District manages this learning garden in Layton, Utah.  Free classes, events and tours are offered for locals wanting to learn more about landscapes which thrive in Utah’s dry climate.

Utah Botanic Center

Blog: see Ogden Botanical Garden

Website: www.utahbotanicalcenter.org

The Utah Botanical Center is located in Kayesville, Utah and is the work and vision of Utah State University.  The Center offers tons of free or low cost activities, classes and events- including a summertime Farmer’s Market.