For plant lovers looking to travel this summer, here’s a handy piece of information: Members of the Denver Botanic Gardens can enjoy fragrant blooms year round with free admission at over 300 other gardens across North America.
The American Horticulture Society Reciprocal Garden Network gives members of participating gardens free admission and discounts at many gardens, arboreta and cultural sites in 48 states, Canada and the Caribbean. The program, meant to encourage public garden visitation, was launched in 1991. Denver Botanic Gardens has been a part of the AHS network since 1993.
Some of the other participating gardens include the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu, Hawaii; the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis; and the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. There are also six gardens in Canada in the network, including the International Peace Garden in Boissevain, Manitoba, and the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in North Side, Grand Cayman, and St. George Village Botanical Garden in Frederiksted, Virgin Islands, are on the list as well.
All gardens offer network visitors free admission during regular operating hours (not including special events, educational programs or tours), though some only offer benefits to visitors who live more than 90 miles from the garden. The AHS recommends calling gardens of interest before visiting.
To receive benefits, present a current membership card at the admissions counter or gift shop. Each card will admit only the individuals listed on it. Cards that admit multiple people but do not list individual names, such as family or couple membership cards, count as free admission for the number of people listed on the card.
Denver Botanic Gardens has more than 50,000 member households, according to spokesperson Erin Bird. In 2023, Denver Botanic Gardens (including Chatfield Farms) received visits from 8,260 AHS network members.
“I think it’s a great way for members … to have the same benefits across North America,” Bird said. “It creates a really nice community and connection across North American public gardens.”
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums also offers reciprocal admission (AZA members receive discounted or free admission at over 150 locations, including the Pueblo Zoo).
The Denver Zoo, however, doesn’t participate, said spokesman Jake Kubie. “Reciprocal membership doesn’t fit Denver Zoo’s unique business model. We have created our own membership that better serves the community.”