Two decades in full bloom

VAIL — Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, in Vail’s Ford Park, announces a schedule of free events and programs this season chock-full of activities recognizing two decades of inspired passion for alpine flowers and plants.

“We have much to celebrate at the Gardens this summer, and we want to share our 20th anniversary milestone with the community by offering an exciting calendar of events,” said Ann Kurronen, the Gardens’ executive director.

June marks the launch of three new cultural programs at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens:

Yoga in the Gardens - Hillary O’Toole of H.O.T. Beauty Wellness instructs in the Gardens 9 to10 a.m. every other Tuesday through August 25.

Art in the Gardens - Local artists demonstrate the techniques the use in creating their work. Photographer Jon Sheppard is on hand 3 to 5 p.m. July 2 and 16 the husband-wife team of Kevin D. Miles and Wendy Schaefer-Miles are in the Gardens for three days, June 28 through 30, creating an oil-on-canvas painting of the Gardens from 9 a.m. to1 p.m.; Denver artist Patricia Barr-Clarke demonstrates open air techniques with watercolors all day July 18, August 8. Vail’s Elaine Kuntz offers her watercolor techniques for note cards on July 27, and August 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Music and more

Music in the Gardens - In conjunction with the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, the Gardens presents live performances by the Olympus String Quartet on July 16, at noon, the Hudson River Brass Quartet on July 25, at noon, and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, led by trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling, on July 26, at 1 p.m.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens continues its commitment to education with programs on a variety of topics, including:

Plein Air Class - July 11, Joan North will conduct a class on painting outdoors aimed at building stronger, more convincing works.

Booth Falls Hike - July 17, Betty Ford Gardens’ horticulturist Nicola Ripley discusses wildflowers and invasive plants on a guided tour of the nearby High Country, sponsored by the Gore Range Natural Science School.

Botanical Illustrations - Expert illustrators conduct a two-day class July 25 and 26, in conjunction with the Gore Range Natural Science School.

“Best of Must-Have Garden Tools” - Joe Lamp’l of the popular PBS television series “Garden Smart” shares his views on the latest garden tools.

Special events at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens this season include:

The 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Event Celebration, 2-5 p.m. June 30 - Events include “Bells and Butterflies,” celebrating the anniversary with the unveiling of Vail’s newest street, Betty Ford Way.

The annual Spirit of Betty Ford Award Gala, Aug. 13. - The Gardens’ annual fundraising event honoring a community member who exemplifies many of Mrs. Ford’s fine community-oriented strengths. This year’s award recipient is Martha Head.

For the complete events schedule or more information about the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, call 970-476-0103 or visit www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org.