Calgary Rock & Alpine Garden Society
Calgary Alberta Canada

Calgary Rock & Alpine Garden Society

Welcome to the Internet home of the Calgary Rock & Alpine Garden Society (CRAGS). CRAGS is a group interested in growing alpine plants in Calgary's challenging climate. Alpine plants are perennials found near or above the tree line in mountainous areas.

The Calgary Rock & Alpine Garden Society (CRAGS) is a non-profit society formed in 1994, from its origin as the Alpine Study Group, formed in 1991. CRAGS is the Alberta chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS), an associate member of the Calgary Horticultural Society, and an associate member of Friends of Reader Rock Garden Society.

Calgary is a city in Alberta Canada with a population of over 1 million, close to the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Calgary's average elevation is 1128m (3700 feet), making it prime alpine plant country: zone 3a at the lower elevations and zone 2b at higher elevations. We experience late spring and early fall snow storms, hot dry summers with cool evenings, and winters alternating between extreme cold and thawing spells caused by dry Chinook (Foehn) winds.

CRAGS members cultivate and showcase alpine plants in rock or container gardens. The society caters to beginners and experts alike, in the various aspects of rock and alpine gardening including: alpine plant education, propagation techniques, rock garden and container design.

We have monthly meetings, workshops, and field trips. Come to our Plant Sale!

Membership is CDN$30 for individual membership and CDN$35 for family or non-Canada-resident membership. Our membership year runs from October 1 to September 30. Download, fill-out, and mail the membership form (Adobe Reader document) or contact Rodney Shaver to become a member.