In 2008, through a ‘Let’s Go Native’ grant written in partnership with Ada Gardeners of the Idaho Garden Clubs, Inc., the Idaho Botanical Garden “broke ground” on this new area. Working with the Ada Gardeners and Meridian Academy High School, we removed weeds and planted Boise foothills natives along a 225’ by 75’ section of the service road above the Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden. More than 230 plants represented by 32 different species have been planted to date. Click HERE for list. 

The purpose of this “garden” is to educate about native plants inhabiting the Boise Foothills by illustrating their beauty and utility, while also reducing the introduction of weed species into native habitat. Vehicles from several agencies travel this road to reach the reservoir just outside the gate and the hills beyond. It is also used by school groups who go beyond the gate while on tours of the foothills. Because roadways and disturbed areas provide habitat for weed species and thus their seeds, we hope to remedy potential introductions by restoration of this area. As part of its foothill trail use permit, the Idaho Botanical Garden is required to minimize the spread of noxious weeds into the foothills. This project will aid the Garden in meeting this requirement of the agreement with the state of Idaho.

An immediate benefit of this project was the learning experience for Meridian Academy students. The Foothills Native Plant Garden will also show visitors the ornamental opportunity provided by native plants. An objective of this garden is to convey to visitors the beauty of native plants, with the aim of encouraging the use of natives in residential and commercial landscapes. 

Meridian Academy Students