RED BUTTE GARDENS, SALT LAKE CITY

For several years now we have spend at least a few days every summer in Salt Lake City. Anyone who has done genealogical research knows that the Family History Library in Salt Lake has the most incredible collection of microfilm records anywhere in the world. That is what drew us to Salt Lake in the first place. Now a visit to gardens at the mouth of Red Butte Canyon is a must. They truly are spectacular.

The four seasons garden

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Range these gardens rank at the top my list of favorite garden to visit. 100 acres of natural, display gardens and walking trails exemplify the garden mission which is to "cultivate the human connection with the beauty of living landscapes" Red Butte is part of the University of Utah and is the largest botanic garden for the testing, display and interpretation of regional horticulture in the Intermountain west.

I would love to see the gardens in the spring when the hillsides are filled with wildflowers but temperatures are always in the 90s and above when we are there. An early morning visit is a must. We take the higher pathway which leads first into the children's garden.

This year they have added a new feature in keeping with the 'green roof' movement.

Under the bridge and into the waterfall garden.

A family enjoys a quiet lunch in the shade.

There are flower pot men.

Birthday cakes .

And a sand box surrounded by critters.

A few years ago they began work on a new rose garden. We have watched it develop into this beautiful arena of color and fragrance. The perfect wedding venue.

The pear arbor

The floral walk

But my favorite gardens of all are the fragrance, medicinal and herb gardens which follow on one from another. There is nothing I like better than to see flowers spilling over onto sandstone pavers.

Their pots are always spectacular. I think the large size really helps to keep the plants healthy in the heat of summer.

I like the way they group the pots to break up large areas of concrete paving. This area s outside the Orangery, which is used as a wedding venue.

We stopped to have our own lunch in the beautiful courtyard setting. Then, I wasn't going to leave without a visit to the shop.

I'm quite sure we will find the need to do a little more research in Salt Lake's Family History Library and another visit to these spectacular gardens.