I’m happy to show off the beautiful results of a good design combined with the homeowners’ loving care.
Their garden made it on the list of the 12th annual Bitterroot Valley Secret Garden Tour of 5 beautiful gardens in Stevensville, MT this last July! In the heat of the summer, their plants did not show any slowing down; on the contrary, these Montana natives looked like they were relishing the sun and the heat.
I’m always gratified to see gardeners valuing Montana native plants and giving them the care and love that lets them shine. This garden fits so well into its surroundings and gives a secure sense of place against the backdrop of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains and the nearby Bitterroot River.
I find the contrast between the evergreens and the ephemeral colors of the perennials fascinating, and the juxtaposition of the textures of the coarse gravel and boulders side by side with the softening grasses and fine-textured groundcovers couldn’t be more entertaining. It gives the garden an extra dimension and makes it more appealing.
It is obvious that the homeowners enjoy this garden, which was conceived as a “strolling garden” planted mainly with Montana native plants for the Mountain West region that also had the job of distracting from the tall wall behind them. All these demands seem to have been met and more: Besides a pleasant, engaging garden for promenades, it is also a playground with drought tolerant, low-maintenance plants and their appreciative owners.
To design this garden was a sheer pleasure, and I’m happy that it was worthy to be showcased and visited by many garden lovers.
How rewarding!
