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Shambhala Mountain Center has much to offer a visitor, especially in the
botanical and horticultural realm. Jim Tolstrup along with many interns and
associates have created a series of outstanding gardens that complement the dramatic setting. Shambhala reminds me very much of some of the spectacular monastic settings I have seen in Asia. The native plant garden has inspired rock work and a fine collection of widespread and unusual native plants from the Rocky Mountain region. I am especially fond of the spectacular Asian plantings surrounding the great hall. This semi-formal garden is filled with unusual plants from China and the Tibetan plateau. Elsewhere, the extensive herbal and kitchen gardens are surprisingly large and productive, especially considering the high altitude. I am inspired at how the dramatic development of new buildings and increasing crowds at Shambhala have been sensitively managed to minimize trampling the pristine, flowery meadows and woodlands. The participants have demonstrated exemplary stewardship at this inspiring, beautiful high mountain valley where Eastern traditions tread gently on the
Western landscape.
Panayoti Kelaidis
Director, Outreach
Denver Botanic Gardens
Shambhala Botanic Gardens, a member of the American
Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta, is a
remarkable horticultural environment at about 8,000 feet above
sea level.
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Serve as an
example of environmental stewardship along Colorado’s Front
Range