April is an exciting time of year for green thumbs.
It opens with Soil Health Week, designated by the Montana State Legislature in 2023. At Rocky Mountain Gardens, we take a particular interest in soil health. Formerly a parking lot, this project started as a compacted expanse of clay soil. With the help of compost, cover cropping, and perennial plantings, we are already seeing a tremendous increase in our soil fertility.
April also marks National Native Plant Month, and our staff shares a universal love for native plants. Three of our garden areas- the Western Forest Garden, Pete’s Prairie, and the Montana Crevice Garden- are planted exclusively with native plants, and native species are sprinkled throughout many other areas. Specimens were foraged from nearby sites prior to being developed, or grown from seed in our greenhouse after being collected from local populations. We hope that the integration of native plants into the gardens inspires visitors to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes.
As April closes, we celebrate Earth Day. From a gardener’s perspective, Earth Day is a moment to acknowledge the hard work and care we put into our gardens. At Rocky Mountain Gardens, every square foot is tended with environmental consciousness. We use drip irrigation and mulch to maximize water usage. Our native plants support a plethora of native pollinators with both food and habitat. Our Waterwise Meadowscape introduces visitors to an array of plants that are well adapted to Missoula’s dry climate. As a whole, the space builds connections between plants and people, and aims to inspire the next generation of gardeners.
Rocky Mountain Gardens will hold its first annual spring opening, Phlox Fest, on Saturday, April 26. timed with the blooming of Missoula Phlox (Phlox missoulensis) celebrates the start of another growing season in the gardens. Rocky Mountain Gardens logo is adorned with the Missoula Phlox (Phlox missoulensis), a species of concern that has, at this point, been found only in Missoula County. We chose this unassuming flower for its special link to Missoula, and as a reminder of the importance of native plant conservation.
This year's theme is "ReWild Missoula", with the goal of promoting public awareness around habitat conservation and creation. Our partners in attendance will provide attendees with ideas and information about actions they can take in their own yards, gardens, patios, and properties to support wildlife.
Here's to our first full season of the gardens being open to the public. As always, entry to Rocky Mountain Gardens is free.
Rocky Mountain Gardens is a project of the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension. Missoula County acknowledges that these gardens are situated on the aboriginal territory of the Salish and Kalispel peoples.
