THE HISTORY OF HOUSTON GARDENS

Once part of the short grass prairie, the Houston Gardens Property was most recently part of a large hayfield owned by George Meredith Houston. George M. Houston, who moved to Greeley in 1890 to enroll in the newly founded Normal School, was a teacher, state senator and mayor. Amongst all other things, he was also an avid gardener and particularly interested in irrigation. In 1907, Mr. Houston married Ms. Gladys Sanborn and in 1910 their only child, Phylabe, was born. Phylabe and George shared a vision of one day turning their farmland into a botanic garden. The dream eventually came to fruition when Phylabe donated the property to the Assistance League of Greeley. The land was transformed into a botanic garden and a nature center dedicated to her father and the original pioneers who brought irrigated water to this semi-arid area of Colorado. The Houston Gardens effectively establishes a mountain and plains retreat in an urban area that functions as an educational resource center for any person or group interested in the natural environment.

Location and Contact

515 23rd Ave, Greeley, CO 80634

Coordinator: Jasen Kettle
jasen.kettle@wgcd.org
970-518-2483

Map Link

Schedule

SPRING
April & May
Monday- Saturday 11am-5 pm
Sunday- Closed

SUMMER
June, July & August
Monday- Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday- Closed

FALL
September & October
Monday- Saturday 11am-5pm
Sunday- Closed

WINTER
November – March
By appointment only – subject to fees

** If Gates are Closed Houston Gardens is Closed**

IMPORTANT DETAILS

The gardens open in early April and closes at the end of October.

We are closed on major holidays.

The Houston Gardens do not host any large personal events such as weddings, graduations, birthday parties, etc.

A LOOK BACK – 1992 Greeley Style Magazine History Article

Take a look
GARDEN OVERVIEW
Houston Gardens Greeley Overview Map

Community Gardens

We promote self-sufficiency, local foods, and sustainable agriculture with 38 total raised beds, each row contains two. They are 22’L x 4′ W x 2.5’D.

  • The beds are watered by micro-sprays.
  • There are hose bibs located throughout the community garden area to provide additional water.
  • The cost to rent one row (2 raised beds) is $35.00 per year.
2024 COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS ARE SOLD OUT

Please check back this fall for details on the 2025 season availability.

Guidelines
Liability Waiver

Natural Trails & Ecosystem types

The gardens features 4.3 acres of scenic land that displays five ecosystems that can be seen in Colorado – Montane, Subalpine, Foothills, Shrubland, and Prairie. As you progress through each you will see the scenery gradually change to trees, shrubs, and bushes native to that ecosystem.  It also features two ponds, a peaceful flowing creek, handicapped accessible walking paths, an Eagle Scout trail, and countless species of flora. The garden also has an assortment of native mammals and birds you can see in the garden!

Education & Workshops

The gardens are the perfect learning platform for the urban backyard stewardship, or the small acreage landowner. We have workshops on irrigation, soil health, tree pruning, xeriscaping and native planting. We also offer workshops for the youth to introduce them to the conservation and AG industry. Check our ‘Events’ tab to see when we are holding workshops and events.

A SHOWCASE FOR COLORADO

PHOTO GALLERY

LATEST STORIES

Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarships worth up to $10,000

2024 TREE SALE

Conservation Seedling Tree Sale Starts November 1, 2023!

Conservation seedling trees for sale to local landowners at a nominal cost.

Phone:
(970) 356-8097 x3

Address:
4302 W. 9th St. Rd.
Greeley, CO 80634

READY TO HELP

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The West Greeley Conservation District prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities, including employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political belief. West Greeley Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.