Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
MAY 2 - July 9
This exhibit is a collection of photos highlighting Patrick Dougherty’s stick sculptures. Combining his carpentry skills with his love of nature, Patrick began to learn more about primitive techniques of building and to experiment with tree saplings as construction material. His work quickly evolved from single pieces on conventional pedestals to monumental scale environmental works, which required saplings by the truckloads.
In conjunction with the exhibit Art in Public Places, Town of Vail you can watch Patrick create his stunning sculptures.
PATRICK DOUGHERTY STICKWORK ENVIRONMENTAL INSTALLATION, June 4 - June 22 in Ford Park, Vail.
Exhibit generously underwritten by: DOE BROWNING
Thank you to our supporter TOWN OF VAIL
Curator of Plant Collections, Nick Courtens, will be travelling to Central Asia this April to to study the alpine and mountain flora of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for two weeks with a group of botanists and horticulturists from around the world. Nick will be documenting the species of wild flowers that grow in these mountainous regions to expand the gardens diverse plant collections. Upon returning, The gardens will be building a garden dedicated to plants of Central Asia that will feature many of the plants grown from wild seed collected in these countries. The trip is being funded by an anonymous donor who is also partiallyfunding the new “Silk Road Garden” that will be completed this June. Nick will be blogging about this trip as well as a presenting his travels for an intimate evening talk October.
The Silk Road Garden will be the newest Garden addition in 2018, following last years addition of a Pollinator Garden and Stumpery Garden. Design is underway in conjunction with the Town of Vail to create this unique and impressive area located within the Perennial Garden. The Garden will feature alpine plants from Central Asia, grown from seed and from specialty nursery's.
Sheika and Pepi Gramshammer, known around the world for investing their heart and soul into Vail’s rise as an international resort, have been selected as recipients of the 2018 Vail Trailblazer Award. Presented by the Vail Town Council, the Vail Trailblazer Award has been established as an annual civic recognition to honor those who contribute their time and talent to make Vail a great resort community.
To read the Vail Daily's article on the Gramshammer's click HERE.
Wife. Mother. First Lady. Cancer survivor. Activist for women. Substance abuse prevention pioneer.
All of those descriptions fit the woman whose life touched so many people while serving as a trailblazer on many important issues. Because of her dedication and service, she has been the recipient of many honors and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom for providing “selfless, strong, and refreshing leadership on a number of issues,” and the Congressional Gold Medal for "dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions."
The Ford’s had a special connection with Vail and were undoubtedly some of the Vail Valley’s greatest ambassadors. Mrs. Ford was a key inspiration for the Gardens when she lived in the Vail Valley, lending her name to it in 1988. Her spirit of generosity and commitment to the natural beauty of the Valley lives on in the Gardens.
April 8, 2018 marks what would have been the 100th year of an extraordinary life. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens & Education Center honors you Betty, for all that you have done for the Gardens, the Vail Valley and our county.
UPDATED VOLUNTEER DATABASE - To upgrade our Volunteer database we ask that all CURRENT & NEW volunteers fill out our VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
FREE PARKING - On paid parking days in Ford Park for volunteers (first come first serve basis). Details will be announced later this Spring.
VOLUNTEER WEBPAGE - Volunteers will have a usable page at www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org, which will link to sign ups and important notices.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION - We couldn’t do what we do without you and we want to show you that on a regular basis. Look forward to donuts, coffee and sandwiches from time to time!
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
- DOCENTS - We are in desperate need of docents. If you have any friends you would like to invite please do so. We are in the process of making the training and accessing updated garden information easier.
- FRONT DESK - 2-3 hours per week beginning in May.
- GIFTSHOP - assist in unpacking, organizing and pricing summer inventory as well as cashiers
- SPECIAL EVENTS - volunteers are needed-Butterfly Launch, Chefs in the Gardens and more.
- INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ABOVE? Start by filling our VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM.
Contact Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Jeri with questions
When 500 third grade students release nearly 500 butterflies into the air, spring has truly sprung! On Thursday, May 17th at 10am Betty Ford Alpine Gardens’ is hosting the annual Butterfly Launch – a rite of spring for over 11,000 children since its inception 20 years ago. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens partners with Eagle County public and private elementary schools to produce a hands-on educational experience for students to better understand how nature changes larvae into butterflies. Before the Launch, the students from 22 classrooms will be supplied with butterfly kits including a viewing net, caterpillars and food.
This year’s Butterfly Launch is underwritten by a generous donation from Sheika & Pepi Gramshammer.
Perennial Plant Sale & Membership Drive; May 25-June 9am-5pm
Garden Workshops - May 14, 25 & 26; July 9, 23 & August 13th @ 10am
Public Tours: Monday, Thursday & Saturday @ 10:30am; Memorial Day-Labor Day
Volunteer Gardening Days - Monday & Thursday @ 9am-12pm; May-September
Breakfast & Fashion Shown (All member event); June 22 @ 9am
Patrick Dougherty Photography Exhibit; May 1-July 9th
Garden Soiree (Donor event, invite only) - July 11; 5-7pm
Chefs in the Garden - Thursday's 12-1pm; July 5, 12, 19, 26 & August 2 & 9
Yoga in the Garden - Monday, Wednesday & Friday; 9:15-10:30am; June 11-Sept. 3
Tea on The Terrace (All member event) - August 13; 2-4pm
Download our Alpine Wildflower Finder App for easy identification of wildflowers. Alpine Wildflowers features beautiful photographs of alpine flowers taken in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Each photograph is identified with a short description to help you identify the flowers while on a hike or at home. Brought to you by Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the app is free and is available for download in the Apple Store and coming soon (Summer 2018) for Android in the Google Play Store.
Download the App for I-phones & Ipads HERE
Thank you to Gerhard Assenmacher for your generous support in creating this app. Check out www.photosbygerhard.com for all of his amazing work!
Our gift shops offer a variety of local and nationally sourced items to inspire and delight every visitor. All proceeds go directly back to supporting the gardens.
Alpine Treasures Gift Shop is located in Vail Village next to International Bridge
INTERESTED IN SUMMER EMPLOYMENT?
Alpine Treasures is in need of part-time summer help in the Village and School House. Work along side the retail buyer for the Gift shops. Tasks will involve inventory management, merchandising and marketing for both our stores. You will work on our shop floor selling merchandise to our customers as well as informing them on whats going on at the Gardens. This person should be personable with an outgoing personality, someone interested in going into the retail industry would benefit from this position. If interested please contact buyer@bettyfordalpinegardens.org
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS & CURRENT HOURS
BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- Betty Ford – Honorary Director in Memoriam
- Helen Fritch – President Emerita
- Susan Frampton, President
- Margaret Rogers, Vice President
- Bob Fritch, Treasurer
- Gwen Scalpello, Secretary
- Kathy Borgen
- Doe Browning
- Holly Elliot
- Jeanne Fritch
- Sheika Gramshammer
- Dick Liebhaber
- Jennifer Mason
- Liz Paxson
- Carey Firestone Romer
SUPPORT BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS WHEN YOU SHOP AT CITY MARKET