The garden is divided into five key natural ecosystems of Colorado, from 5,000 to 9,500 feet:
- Prairie Grassland
- Rolling plains in the eastern third of Colorado with prairie grasses, rabbitbrush, and wildflowers.
- Foothills
- Open ponderosa pine & juniper woodland with shrubs and wildflowers. 5000 – 8000 ft
- Montane
- A dense forest of evergreen trees, with aspens and wildflower meadows. 7500 – 9500 ft
- Southwest
- An open woodland of junipers, pinons, and sagebrush in southern and western Colorado. 5000 – 8000 ft
- Riparian
- Plants that grow along rivers and lakes and in moist meadows.
Pathways meander through the display gardens, and visitors can learn the names of local plants they see while out hiking, or find new local plants they would like to have in their gardens.
