Finding your quiet corner of the world is becoming harder and harder, but in Fort Collins, Colorado, it comes naturally. Named “America’s Most Peaceful City” by Insider Monkey, this charming small town offers a quieter alternative to nearby Denver, with an abundance of tree-lined trails, gardens, and green spaces.

The Annual Flower Trial Gardens are one of Fort Collins’ most underrated attractions. As an extension of the Colorado State University campus, the Fort Collins gardens were created to let students, researchers, and anyone curious about growing their own garden learn, teach, and evaluate horticulture.

Generous pathways wind through rows and rows of a vibrant patchwork of color that feels equal parts botanical garden and public art installation. While the Fort Collins gardens are a favorite spot for locals and visitors to read a book or enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch, their purpose extends far beyond beauty.

From late spring through early fall, thousands of blooms transform nearly three acres into a living laboratory where more than 1,000 varieties of annuals are tested against Colorado’s unique growing conditions of the Rocky Mountain/High Plains region.

Roughly 25 different companies submit seeds or rooted cuttings each year to be tested and evaluated. Annuals and perennial flowers are tested every year and voted on for “top performer” or “best of” awards. What’s even more fascinating are the genetic adaptations that can occur during the growing season, generating an entirely new flower variety!

Free and open to the public, the Fort Collins gardens are located on the east side of campus, near the corner of S. College Avenue and Lake Street.