The Gardens at Spring Creek
When I was a kid, I frequently remember my parents taking us through the rose garden near our public library. At the time, it felt like the most boring thing in the world, although I’m pretty sure that I secretly liked it. While I couldn’t tell you exactly where the Albuquerque rose garden is anymore, nor would it probably look very familiar, I do get transported back in time as I walk around town and smell the fragrance of spring in the buds of the trees around Old Town. This morning, as I walked back from dropping our older kid off at school, I took an extra bit of time walking slowly to take in those smells, and got the urge to visit one of my favorite places to visit in town, The Gardens at Spring Creek
Always attractive, the entrance to the Gardens on Spring Creek
Our family has been members of this garden for the past couple of years, admittedly at first because it allowed me entry into their plant sale (which is actually taking place this next weekend), but overtime, because I wanted to support the growth and management of places like this within the city limits. Tucked away next to spring creek trail on Center drive, you’d barely know that this place exists as you won’t cross its path on any of the major roads. However, if you take the journey down Center from prospect to Shields, you will definitely see this 18 acre, every growing facility. I think that everyone will have their favorite section of this garden; kids undoubtedly love the butterfly pavilion and oldest section of the garden with more kid exploration themed areas, while others might really enjoy the “garden of eatin’”. For me, however, I absolutely love the rock garden section and think it is one of the better places in Northern Colorado to check out an established alpine rock garden.
Later in the year, there are special events that occur, specifically the upcoming plant sale (great place to get some tried and true plants you know will be good in the Colorado climate) as well as a summer concert series and the lights display during the Christmas Holiday.
The Everitt pavilion and the great lawn where the summer concert series takes place
Membership to the gardens is not all that expensive on the grand scheme of things, (it was $90 for a family pass for the entire year). Alternatively, you can get in with a $11 one time entry fee, but I think the membership is a pretty great deal, especially as it actually provides you access to other cooperating botanic gardens across the country, including the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens. If you can’t make it out there on your own, I snapped a handful of photos while I was there today, and I can’t wait to go back once everything is in full bloom!
If you want to explore more about the Gardens at Spring Creek, there is a wealth of information on their website including hours, special events, membership, concert series, plant sales, etc. You can check it all out here: https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/
