
CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden
A vibrant horticultural research garden showcasing over 1,000 annual flower varieties tested for Colorado's climate. Free admission!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom

CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant horticultural research garden showcasing over 1,000 annual flower varieties tested for Colorado's climate. Free admission!
"Absolutely beautiful! Such a beautiful variety of flowers and I took lots of photos."

📸 Bring Your Camera!
This garden is a photographer's dream with endless colorful blooms. Capture the beauty!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the stunning floral displays.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Annual Displays
Throughout the garden
Thousands of annual flower varieties in full bloom, showcasing a spectrum of colors and textures.

Horticultural Research Showcase
Throughout the garden
See firsthand how plants perform in Colorado's unique climate, a living experiment.

Photography Paradise
Throughout the garden
Capture stunning shots of diverse flowers, a dream for photographers and artists alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Blooms & Free Admission
A Living Laboratory
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Bring Your Camera!
This garden is a photographer's dream with endless colorful blooms. Capture the beauty!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the stunning floral displays.
🚶♀️ Explore & Relax
Take your time to wander, paint, or simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty.
🆓 It's Free!
Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Bring Your Camera!
This garden is a photographer's dream with endless colorful blooms. Capture the beauty!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the stunning floral displays.
🚶♀️ Explore & Relax
Take your time to wander, paint, or simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty.
🆓 It's Free!
Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden for its stunning beauty and vibrant floral displays, especially during peak season. Many appreciate the free admission and the opportunity to explore a living horticultural research project. Some note that while beautiful, the garden is primarily focused on annuals and its peak visual impact is seasonal.
"Absolutely beautiful! I was visiting Colorado from Minnesota and enjoyed going to the CSU flower gardens. Such a beautiful variety of flowers and I took lots of photos to show our greenhouses here some varieties that I never seen."
Kris Touray
"Aloha; what a beautiful garden. Great little space showcases the beauty of the state. Thank you CSU students for the gift. Some on down and get a coffee before you come , sit and just relax by the nature and beauty of Colorado"
Leon BIGPAKE Ho
"The garden is public and it covers nearly three acres showcasing over 1,000 different annual bedding plant cultivars. If you are planning to visit; bring: A camera, picnic, and an open mind and enjoy."
Khokha B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the CSU campus.
Yes, there are parking lots available on the CSU campus. It's advisable to check the university's parking map for the most convenient locations relative to the garden.
While specific routes can change, CSU is generally well-served by public transportation in Fort Collins. It's recommended to check the Transfort (Fort Collins' public transit) website for current bus routes and schedules that stop near the university.
The garden paths are generally well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors can comfortably navigate the grounds to enjoy the flowers.
The garden is located on Remington and College. Using a campus map or GPS with 'CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden' should guide you directly to the location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden is completely free! It's a wonderful public space for everyone to enjoy without any cost.
The garden is open daily to the public, from dawn until dusk. This allows for flexible visiting times throughout the day.
There is no entrance fee. The CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden is a free public attraction.
While the garden is accessible year-round, the peak blooming season for the annuals is typically from mid-July through August. Outside of this period, the visual display will be less vibrant.
While not always advertised, the garden is a living laboratory. Check the CSU Extension or Horticulture department websites for any potential public events or educational opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
Yes, photography is highly encouraged! It's a popular spot for photographers and artists to capture the beauty of the diverse flowers.
You'll find over 1,000 varieties of annual bedding plants, including a wide array of colorful flowers, tested for their performance in Colorado's climate. Sunflowers are also a notable sight.
Generally, personal photography and art creation are welcome. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds.
For personal use, professional equipment is usually fine. If you plan a large-scale commercial shoot, it's best to contact CSU for any specific guidelines or permits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the garden itself. However, the garden is perfect for a picnic, so bringing your own food is a great option.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy their meal surrounded by the beautiful flowers.
The garden is located near the heart of the CSU campus and close to Old Town Fort Collins, which offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
Typically, there are no regular food trucks or vendors within the garden itself. It's best to plan for a picnic or visit nearby dining establishments.
CSU dining halls offer various options, and there are also cafes and eateries around campus. If you're a prospective student, you might even see discussions about dining hall food!
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
The garden serves as a living laboratory to evaluate the performance of annual plant cultivars under Colorado's unique Rocky Mountain environmental conditions.
The garden covers nearly three acres and showcases over 1,000 different annual bedding plant cultivars.
The gardens are maintained by CSU students, staff, and volunteers, contributing to a well-kept and vibrant display.
Visitors can enjoy walking, photography, painting, relaxing, and picnicking. It's a perfect spot to connect with nature.
While formal guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, the garden's purpose as a research and display area provides a rich learning experience just by exploring.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to make the visit even more enjoyable for the whole family. It's a great opportunity to teach children about nature and horticulture in a beautiful, accessible setting. The garden's paths are generally stroller-friendly, adding to the convenience for families with young children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best natural light, which can dramatically enhance your photos. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the plants themselves as you capture the beauty. The garden's research aspect also offers a unique angle for those interested in botanical photography.
🎨 Artists and Sketchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Blooms
This living laboratory is maintained by a dedicated team of CSU students, staff, and volunteers. Their work ensures the garden remains a vibrant and informative display throughout the growing season. Visitors get a unique opportunity to see the results of this research firsthand, observing which plants thrive and which might struggle, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in gardening in similar climates.
For those interested in the scientific aspect, the garden provides a tangible connection to horticultural science. It's a place where beauty meets practical application, showcasing the dedication to improving plant performance and garden success in the region. The insights gained here can directly influence what you see in local nurseries and garden centers.
A Photographer's and Artist's Haven
Many visitors recommend bringing a camera or sketchbook to fully immerse themselves in the garden's beauty. The well-maintained paths allow for easy access to different sections, enabling photographers to find the perfect angle and artists to set up their easels. The changing light throughout the day also offers different moods and opportunities for unique shots.
Whether you're a professional photographer, an amateur enthusiast, or an artist seeking inspiration, the CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden provides a serene and beautiful environment. It’s a place where you can spend hours capturing the ephemeral beauty of flowers and the meticulous work of horticulturalists.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
Many visitors highlight the garden's free admission, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. It's also a perfect spot for a picnic, so packing your own food and drinks is a popular suggestion, allowing you to relax and savor the scenery. Don't forget to bring your camera; the garden is a photographer's paradise with countless opportunities for stunning shots.
Beyond the visual appeal, the garden offers a peaceful retreat. Redditors suggest taking your time to wander, paint, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty. It's a place to 'shut it the world for a while,' offering a serene escape on the CSU campus.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit