CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens

Research and Education

Located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins, the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens is a lesser-known park that pulls double duty as both a gorgeous public space and a serious research facility. Sprawling across nearly three acres on the east side of campus, this isn't just any pretty garden - it's a living laboratory.

Here, over 1,000 varieties of annual bedding plants duke it out to prove they can handle Colorado's challenging high-desert climate. Each year, plant experts evaluate everything from vigor to bloom quality, essentially creating a "survival of the fittest" for flowers. This research helps both backyard gardeners and professionals figure out which plants will thrive in the region's unique growing conditions.

CSU students and staff tend to the gardens, getting their hands dirty while gaining real-world experience for the university's horticulture program. It's education in bloom, quite literally.

Visitor Information

You can visit this floral garden completely free of charge any day during daylight hours. The garden features wide, meandering pathways with wood chip mulch or turf bordering the beds. While some concrete sidewalks provide wheelchair access to certain areas (particularly around the annual containers), not all paths are fully accessible throughout the garden.

The floral show runs from late May through October, with cool-season plants like pansies making appearances in fall and early spring. Summer is when the garden is most colorful with everything in bloom, but April features approximately 10,000 bulbs creating a variety of colors across the landscape.

You'll come across benches scattered throughout, fantastic for taking a moment to sit and soak in the beauty. While the garden itself doesn't offer much shade, trees along the perimeter provide welcome relief on those bright Colorado days.

Additional Gardens

Cross the street in front of the Center for the Arts, and you'll discover the Perennial Trial Garden showcasing newly introduced varieties that return year after year. Just north of there, the Perennial Demonstration Garden displays more established perennial plants that have proven their worth.

Art lovers might do a double-take when they spot the Andy Warhol signed Campbell's soup can art piece near the Center for the Arts - an unexpected cultural touchpoint amid all the natural beauty.

Visitor Activities

The gardens offer not only pretty flowers to look at. Each plant is clearly labeled, making this an excellent place to gather ideas for your own garden. During the growing season, you can even play judge by voting for your favorite flowers in the trials.

The vibrant backdrop makes this a photographer's paradise, with many locals using the colorful setting for family photos, portraits, and special occasions. As you wander, you'll experience a full sensory journey through changing colors and natural fragrances.

Pet Policy and Amenities

Four-legged friends are welcome to join you, but keep them on a short leash to protect the carefully tended plants. Just be aware that there are no public restrooms in the garden itself, and shade can be limited on those sunny Colorado days.

Parking is plentiful nearby, making it easy to visit. Many people bring along a simple picnic to enjoy on the benches or grassy areas while surrounded by the floral displays.

Support and Maintenance

Though it looks effortless, the garden's beauty is the result of dedicated work from student gardeners, volunteers, and industry supporters. Interestingly, it receives no direct state or public funding - it's primarily supported by fees from plant-breeding companies that submit entries to the trials. It's a sustainable approach that benefits both scientific research and public enjoyment.