Carol Verhake from Berwyn, Pennsylvania, shared these photos from a recent trip. (See photos of Carol’s home garden here.)

I thought you and your readers might enjoy these photos from the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. I visited in October and was inspired by the fall color, gorgeous vistas, and interesting sculptural elements.

According to its website, “The Garden is a living museum, dedicated to the advancement and appreciation of gardening, horticulture and conservation.” Featured gardens were dedicated to native plants (the Lewis and Clark exhibit), meditation, water conservation, children, and more, all of which were interesting.

Situated in the foothills and on the property of a former prison, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a mecca set in a parched desert that provides a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Near the entrance we were greeted by a carpet of Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ (Blue grama, Zones 5–9) combined with a backdrop of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ (feather reed grass, Zones 5–9) and hydrangea. It was almost as though the designers were easing us into the changing landscape that the cultivated garden represented. This area was similar to the surrounding foothills, but that was about to change!

I liked how the ‘Karl Foerster’ grass echoed the vertical stones and softened them with a contrasting texture. Both were accented by the bright color of the Knockout roses and, of course, the brilliant blue sky.

Fall color was everywhere, such as on this Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac, Zones 3–8).

Beautiful vistas were around every corner, whether I was looking at the big picture . . .

. . . or observing plants at close range.

The textural and color contrasts were well placed in the garden.

I particularly liked this courtyard garden, which I would consider a great meditation spot.

The designers did a great job of creating perches where you could stop and smell the roses. I wanted to sit here all day!

A scarecrow stroll and competition was underway when we visited. This was an adorable one. By giving each visitor a ballot when they entered, the staff encouraged visitors to see all the scarecrows and therefore all parts of the garden—a great and kid-friendly strategy.

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