Landscaping & Lawn Care
5-Acre Desert Botanical Garden in Twin Falls · Twin Falls, ID
Published in partnership with Orton Botanical Garden
Book online anytime
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
| Mon | Closed (Tours by appointment) – Closed (Tours by appointment) |
| Tue | Closed (Tours by appointment) – Closed (Tours by appointment) |
| Wed | Closed (Tours by appointment) – Closed (Tours by appointment) |
| Thu | Closed (Tours by appointment) – Closed (Tours by appointment) |
Orton Botanical Garden is a 5-acre nonprofit botanical garden located at the northern edge of the Great Basin Desert in Twin Falls, Idaho. Founded and operated by a dedicated board of directors led by President LaMar Orton, the garden serves as a living demonstration of what thrives in Idaho's high desert climate. Visitors explore gravel pathways winding through collections of drought-tolerant plants, including extensive displays of cacti, yuccas, and native Idaho species that flourish with minimal water. The garden is open Fridays and Saturdays from May through September, with entrance by donation and scheduled group tours available throughout the week.
The garden's mission centers on education and water conservation, showcasing plants that thrive in arid conditions while requiring significantly less irrigation than traditional landscaping. This makes Orton Botanical Garden an invaluable resource for Twin Falls-area homeowners and landscapers seeking inspiration for water-wise gardens, FireWise landscaping strategies, and pollinator-friendly plantings adapted to southern Idaho's climate. The garden's collections demonstrate practical solutions for the region's water scarcity challenges while creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
Beyond self-guided visits, Orton Botanical Garden offers group tours, educational classes and events, and hosts an annual plant sale each May where visitors can purchase drought-tolerant species for their own gardens. The garden also features special seasonal displays, including a popular Christmas in the Garden exhibit for members. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported entirely by donations, memberships, and volunteer efforts, the garden relies on community support to maintain its collections and educational programming. Volunteers are essential to garden operations and begin preparing the grounds each spring before the May opening weekend.
Best for: Homeowners seeking water-wise landscaping inspiration, Gardeners interested in drought-tolerant and native Idaho plants, School and community groups seeking botanical education, Cacti and succulent enthusiasts, Landscapers designing for arid climates, Families looking for peaceful outdoor destinations in Twin Falls
Service area: Twin Falls, Idaho and the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho
Why choose Orton Botanical Garden: Orton Botanical Garden is Idaho's premier demonstration garden for high desert and drought-tolerant plants, uniquely positioned on the edge of the Great Basin Desert to showcase species that thrive in southern Idaho's challenging arid climate. Unlike commercial nurseries, this nonprofit educational garden focuses on water conservation solutions and native plant ecology, making it an invaluable free resource for the region's sustainable landscaping needs.
Great Basin Desert Location: Situated on the northern fringes of the Great Basin Desert, providing authentic demonstrations of plants that thrive in Idaho's high desert climate and extreme temperature ranges
Drought-Tolerant Plant Expertise: Extensive collections of cacti, yuccas, and Idaho native plants that showcase water-wise landscaping solutions for the Magic Valley region's arid conditions
Educational Resource for Water Conservation: Demonstrates practical FireWise landscaping, pollinator-friendly plantings, and water conservation strategies applicable to southern Idaho homeowners and landscapers
Community-Supported Nonprofit: Operated entirely by volunteers and sustained through donations and memberships, with free admission by donation making botanical education accessible to all
When is Orton Botanical Garden open to visitors?
The garden is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, May through September. Opening weekend is typically the first weekend of May. Group tours can be scheduled for any day except Sundays by calling (208) 734-7959. The garden is closed October through April, though volunteers begin preparing the grounds in March and April.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entrance to the garden is free, though donations are recommended to support this nonprofit organization. Scheduled group tours are $5 per person. Memberships are available and include benefits like access to the Christmas in the Garden display and discounted purchases at the annual plant sale.
What types of plants will I see at the garden?
The garden showcases drought-tolerant plants adapted to Idaho's high desert climate, including extensive collections of cacti, yuccas, and native Idaho species. All plants are selected to demonstrate water-wise landscaping and demonstrate what thrives in the Great Basin Desert climate with minimal irrigation. The garden also features pollinator-friendly plantings and FireWise landscaping examples.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Only motorized wheelchairs are recommended, as the garden's gravel pathways can be too deep for manual wheelchairs to navigate easily. There is seating available about 50 yards into the garden. Visitors with mobility concerns should call ahead to discuss accessibility options.
Can I purchase plants at the garden?
Yes, the garden hosts an annual plant sale in May (typically two weekends in mid-May) where visitors can purchase drought-tolerant plants for their own gardens. Garden members receive discounted pricing. A 62-page visitor's guide to the garden is also available for purchase at the garden, the Twin Falls Visitor Center, or online.
Does the garden offer educational programs or tours?
Yes, the garden offers scheduled group tours for $5 per person (available any day except Sundays during the season), educational classes and events, and serves as a demonstration garden for water conservation, FireWise landscaping, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Contact the garden at (208) 734-7959 or ortonbotanicalgardenstaff@gmail.com to schedule group tours or classes.
Who operates Orton Botanical Garden?
Orton Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a Board of Directors led by President LaMar Orton. The garden is maintained entirely by volunteers and supported through donations, memberships, and fundraising events. The organization is always seeking volunteers and board members to help support its mission.
How can I support the garden?
You can support the garden by becoming a member, making a tax-deductible donation, volunteering, or shopping at the annual May plant sale. The garden also participates in Idaho Gives fundraising campaigns. Memberships can be purchased online, and volunteers are always welcome—applications are accepted year-round with work beginning in March/April.
“A great collection of plants including an extensive Eriogonum collection, with everything labeled clearly! Sweet!”
— Bev Shaw, Google Review
“Way bigger than I expected with tons of cool cacti, Joshua trees, and other yucca varieties. Very neat!”
— Jake Grow, Google Review
“I just heard about this and the lights were amazing. It was very cold but so worth the visit. I did notice several couples pass by the donation box without making a donation. This is how they keep this going. If you are in Twin Falls or passing through, you definitely need to stop and walk through the garden.”
— Donna Smith, Google Review
“This was more impressive than expected. It appeared to have very little fanfare so we weren't sure about it. There was limited parking inside the gates so we ended up parking along the street and apprehensively entered. There is no fee to enter and, as we began walking around, we quickly understood what we were experiencing. This place was an incredible little slice of heaven hidden in plain sight. There were so many plants everywhere. Pathway after pathway had new varieties of desert plants and flowers to take in. It was much much larger than expected and lovingly planned out. Like Cleo's Ferry Museum, you could tell that this place was a labor of love. The time and energy put into this garden, privately, and without any government subsidizing or control, was incredible. In some ways it exceeded the Boise botanical garden. You should definitely take in this wonderful garden if you're in Twin Falls, on a weekend in the Summer. Be sure you check to make sure it will be open. They keep very minimal hours. If you like it, as we did, they do take donations in two boxes near the entrance/exit.”
— TJ Wilson, Google Review
“My family went to see their Christmas lights and we were not disappointed. So pretty and organized. They do a nice job of it and we will go back next year while in town.”
— Thomas Kusnetzky, Google Review
Book online: Plan Your Visit →
Phone: (208) 734-7959
Address: 867 Filer Ave W, Twin Falls, ID 83301 (Get directions)
Website: ortonbotanicalgarden.com
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