Our Collections Policy

Living Plant Collections

The plant collection is comprised of:

1. Collections based on habitat type
2. Collections based on geographic origin
3. Taxonomic collections
4. Collections for conservation

Accessions

BFAG is committed to the ethical acquisition of plant materials for its collections. In its own collections, BFAG adheres to all local and regional protocols including collecting permits.

We acquire living plant material from the following sources:

• Reputable nurseries
• Reputable seed collectors/companies
• BFAG sponsored exploration and local collections
• Donated plants/seeds that meet the botanical objectives

Emphasis given to materials collected or originating from known wild sources.

For accessioning into the plant collection, the following must apply:

1. The plant supports the botanical objectives of the collection.
2. The plant is named accurately with origin and date of collection if applicable.
3. The plant is healthy and free from disease.
4. The accession is in compliance with the intentions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES)
5. For wild collections, the plant must comply with the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens wild collecting procedures. (see below)

De-Accessions

Plants are de-accessioned (removed permanently) from the collection for the following reasons:

1. If they do not support the botanical objectives of the collection
2. If they cannot be identified (only if they are known to have no conservation value). We make exceptions for materials that have an important aesthetic or architectural role.
3. If they are diseased.
4. If they prove to be invasive.
5. If they fail to thrive.

Plant Collections Network

BFAG participates in the American Public Gardens Association’s (APGA) Plant Collections Network. This is a network of national accredited collections, both taxonomic and geographic. BFAG holds the accredited collection of Colorado’s alpine flora. Additional alpine taxonomic collections are under consideration such as Gentiana and Primula.

Alpine Strategy Seedbank

Currently under development, this seed bank is part of the conservation strategy work of BFAG. The aim is to collect and bank the native alpine flora of North America, around 2,500 species. Locally, efforts are focusing on the Colorado and Wyoming mountains, but BFAG is working to encourage other botanic gardens to help build this collection. Primary collections go to the USDA seed bank and we will use the BFAG seed bank as a backup.

Wild Collecting Procedures

Only species that support the botanical objectives of the collection are collected. Only seed is collected from the wild (an exception can be made for cuttings from material that is known to establish poorly from seed) in full compliance with all necessary permits such as BLM and USFS. Collections will not include species suspected to be invasive or harboring any kind of pest or disease.

Center for Plant Conservation (CPC)

BFAG is a member of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). CPC has clear guidelines for responsible seed collection best practices. These practices are followed completely to ensure the preservation of the growing plant material.

Plant Collecting Collaborative (PCC)

The Plant Collecting Collaborative (PCC) is a group of botanic gardens and arboreta dedicated to the collection and conservation of wild collected germplasm. The PCC encourages the sharing of resources and plant collecting expertise. PCC shares germplasm from its expeditions with other members of the collaborative.

Maintenance

We maintain the living collection in good order in accordance with the Gardens ‘Operations Handbook’.

Plant Records

1. On an ongoing annual basis, we enter all plant materials into BGBase, including all known information about the plant and its origin. The Horticulture or Curatorial staff is responsible for maintenance of the plant database.
2. The goal is to have all plants in the garden labeled with botanical name and accession number. These labels are inserted into the ground at 12 o’clock to the plant. By fully inserting the labels, we preserve the appearance of the bed and protect the print on the labels. We are currently reviewing other printing options.
3. Display labels with botanical name, common name (if known), family, and habitat if known and country of origin (if applicable) are given to all the main plant specimens in the garden.