Alpine Gardens help catalog rare plant species

By Edward Stoner

VAIL — Nestled along the banks of Gore Creek, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is considered the premier alpine botanical gardens in the country. Yet aside from providing an ecological sanctuary for visitors, the gardens also peruse important horticultural examination. “It’s more than just a pretty garden,” said Nicola Ripley, the executive director of Betty Ford Gardens. The Vail-based nonprofit organization operates their own seed bank, where they catalog alpine plant species and attempt to revive endangered populations like the rare Penstemon debilis. They also help maintain the health of alpine ecosystems throughout Colorado in partnership with the Bureau of Land …

Source:: Vail Daily Feed