Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Celebrates New Book On Garden’s Global Impact

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Vail, Colo. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is hosting a community garden party on June 26 to celebrate the release of On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains, a stunning large-format book that takes readers inside the world-renowned botanic gardens and highlights its lofty perch in the botanical world.  On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains celebrates the over 3,000 alpine species that have been cultivated and curated to create a world-renowned public garden that has become a year-round attraction. Colorado-based author Sarah Chase Shaw spent nearly two years chronicling the contributions and community efforts that tell the story of the vital work at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. With more than 285 stunning photographs from all seasons, this tribute immerses readers in a behind-the-scenes look at one of Vail’s most unique treasures.

Community Book Launch and Garden Celebration

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens invites the public to attend a community celebration during the book launch from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 26. It is an opportunity to bask in the legacy of the garden and meet author Sarah Shaw. Copies of On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains will be available for purchase. Be sure to get your copy signed! Attendees will receive a complimentary packet of local wildflower seeds to take the beauty of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens home with them.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has long promoted research and global conservation. On the Roof of the Rocky Mountains celebrates and explains the work that has been accomplished over the years. When you purchase the book at the Gardens’ Gift Shop or Alpine Treasures in Vail Village, 100% of the proceeds support a team of scientists, educators, horticulturists, and volunteers who, together, work to conserve the alpine environment and curate a beautiful space for the community to enjoy.

Excerpt from On the Roof of the Rocky Mountain

“Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is more than a beautiful garden: it is a laboratory of testing, studying, and showcasing a rich palette of native and exotic perennials, many of which had never been grown above 6,000 feet anywhere in America.” Panayoti Kalaidis, Senior Curator and Director of Outreach for Denver Botanic Gardens.

Members Only Breakfast with Author

Garden Members will receive an invitation to attend the Botanical Legacy Breakfast, 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, for an in-depth discussion of the Gardens’ history, current projects, and the making of the book. Join author Sarah Shaw, Executive Director Nicola Ripley, and photographers Todd Winslow Pierce and Dominique Taylor in conversation about their journey to capturing the magical and delicate alpine environment showcased at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Becoming a supporting member is a good way to get involved and join this members-only breakfast.

About Betty Ford Alpine Gardens   

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is an internationally acclaimed botanic garden known for its alpine horticulture, education, and conservation. Located in the world-renowned resort of Vail, Colorado, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest elevation botanical garden in North America, situated at 8,200’ (2,700 m) in the central Rocky Mountains. The Gardens and its unique collection of alpine and mountain plants collected from around the world attract more than 120,000 visitors annually.

Where to Purchase On The Roof of The Rocky Mountains The Botanical Legacy of Betty Ford Alpine Garden / Vail’s Alpine Treasure.

The 12” x 12” hardcover book has 276 pages, over 285 color photographs, an artistically rendered map, and over 22,000 words, text, and captions. The retail price is $45. It is available for presale now and will be available for sale in June 2021 at bettyfordalpinegardens.org, as well as the Alpine Treasure Gift Shop in the Sitzmark Building in Vail Village, and the Gardens’ School House Gift Shop. 100% of the proceeds from book sales go to fund the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Also available nationally at botanical garden gift shops and independent bookstores.