Alpine Tundra Garden

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5. Alpine Plaza The Alpine Plaza serves as the entrance to Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The Alpine Plaza and surrounding Alpine Tundra Garden have undergone Phase I of construction. Phase II of construction is slated for spring 2004 and will conclude the development of this garden. Upon completion of Phase II, this garden will represent, as nowhere else in the gardens, the dramatic limestone ranges of the world, showing the ecological processes in the evolution of the mountain tundra. From spectacular limestone cliffs, the Plaza will demonstrate the transition to boulder fields, through talus and scree slopes to fellfields and colorful, alpine meadows. With the dramatic display of windswept trees and trickling alpine rivulets, the Plaza will provide the visitor a dazzling and educational experience.

6. Rocky Mountain Tundra
The central island in the Alpine Tundra Garden reflects specifically the Rocky Mountain Tundra. This area will display Rocky Mountain native tundra dwelling plants interspersed with trickling alpine rivulets. As true as possible to nature the garden will represent the ecology of the local alpine zones, with late snowmelt pockets and gopher gardens accurately depicting life on the alpine tundra.

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7. Alpines From Around the World
West of the Alpine Plaza, surrounding the entrance gate, be home to a world-class collection of alpine plants from many of the world's mountain ranges. Collections already in the works include those from the high Andean Cordillera, the Himalayas and the Caucasus.

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8. Main Entrance Gate
The Main Entrance Gate now resides on the southeast corner of the Mountain_Perennial_Garden. The sculptural, iron gate represents the many native juniper "snags" that grace Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. With the completion of Phase II construction in the Alpine Tundra Garden, the Main Entrance Gate will move slightly northward and share the Alpine Plaza with the entrance to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

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