Officially opened in May 2006, the Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden commemorates the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806). This garden’s goal is to display 145 plant species collected during the expedition between Great Falls, Montana and The Dalles, Oregon. This garden addresses the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s journey, how Native Americans contributed to the expedition’s success, the great diversity of Idaho plant life, and how native plants may be used in today’s urban landscapes. The Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden was designed by Don Brigham and Steve Drown with Don Brigham Plus Associates.

Since its grand opening in 2006, approximately 5,000 plants representing 112 species have been planted. Plants were purchased from 14 nurseries in the states of ID, OR, MT, WA, and MN. The plants are arranged to represent plant communities from the Mountain, Canyon, Wetland and Prairie biomes.

Approximately 25 more species are targeted for our Lewis & Clark collection. These have been difficult to find commercially. Some will be grown from seed, and at least two orchids will require some other means of display, either photographically or as mounted specimens, as they are notoriously difficult to grow. 

Please find a list of the 112 species in our Lewis & Clark collection HERE.