6TH ANNUAL 2
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SATURDAY JUNE 27, 10AM – 4PM SUNDAY JUNE 28, NOON – 4PM
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MISSOULA GARDEN TOUR HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS OF GARDEN CITY Written by GEORGIA DYE Photographed by JANELLE COLEMAN
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n Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, Missoulians will have an opportunity to tour some of the most beautiful gardens in town during the annual Missoula Garden Tour. Garden visitors are invited to tour private gardens, grown under the care of dedicated individuals and families, as well as a local food garden
Caras Nursery
at the university, the result of the collaborative care of many passionate gardeners. Expert gardeners will be on hand to discuss their works of art at several of the stops. Participantion helps to raise funds for a good cause, all proceeds from this event will benefit the Missoula Youth Homes.
Jennifer Demmons
courtesy Caras Nursery
A Missoula institution since 1896, Caras Nursery and Landscape is widely recognized as one of the best places to purchase nursery plants and gardening gifts. Home to a sprawling array of floral delights, the property is laid out gardenstyle for easy enjoyment. In addition to their long heritage, the nursery is an ever-changing reflection of what can be accomplished by local gardeners. Bill Caras states, “We start from scratch each year - so there’s always something new to see.� With a large variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, roses and exotic plants laid out in the style of a typical garden, “People who have never been here are always amazed by the impressive layout,� continues Caras.
When Jennifer Demmon bought this property in 2007, the house was surrounded by muddy pasture with no topsoil. Now, the one-acre lot is beautifully landscaped and filled with a variety of distinct flower beds. Demmons doesn’t use many annuals, instead preferring perennials which seed themselves, but estimates more than a hundred different varieties of plants fill the space. Several types of trees, some which have grown to a nice size to provide shade, help lend a flowing “cottage-style� look to the garden, informal with no straight lines or boxes. Many decorative shrubs mix with the perennials and trees, and each bed is an explosion of blooms in every color. Though relatively young, this garden impresses with how much can be accomplished in just a few years of cultivation.
Nancy & Ron Marks The Marks’ home has one of the last surviving orchards in Orchard Homes, with eleven apple trees on a meandering lot that borders the river and provides 8,000 pounds of apples per year. The fruits are made into juice and pies with the help of local youth groups, while their grandchildren and other kids from church help contribute to the kid-friendly space. Don’t miss the newly constructed tree fort! Additionally, a beautiful flower garden features roses (tea, bush, and climbing) as well as a colorful mix of perennials and annuals. There are paths throughout, and a shady patio seating area, while raised beds accommodate a sizable vegetable garden. From one grows the “three sisters� of corn, beans and squash, from another a “salad bar� mix, and others hold strawberries and other vegetables. Finishing touches include a pond stocked with koi, and sprinkled with plastic duck decoys to keep away the birds of prey.
Tom Demmons When Tom Demmons bought his property in 1993, it was a mostly blank canvas with only two trees; it now boasts a total of 82, including a peaceful aspen grove. These beautiful grounds showcase three water features, including a pond stocked with koi fish and gorgeous water lilies. The newest water feature, meandering over a slope of rocks, highlights a portion of the garden recently finished as a memorial to Demmons’ nephew. The gardens spread throughout the property, serpentine and flowing, influenced by Taoist philosophies from which Demmons has found inspiration in the last few years. There are several secluded patios, benches and other seating areas where one can relax to the sights and sounds of the garden. Speaking to his background as an English teacher, the gardens feature plaques with quotes from literature, music and gardening, which he rotates out from a total collection of about sixty.
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Fo th Missoul G Tou this w  Ju 27th 28th!
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Teri & Arnie Kirschenheiter
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POOL, POND, SPA NEEDS. When Teri and Arnie Kirschenheiter bought their property 21 years ago, it was just an empty field; now it’s a beautiful garden with mature trees, many graveled flower beds, paths and secluded seating areas in which to enjoy the peaceful sound of birdsong. They have cultivated more than 250 varieties of lilies alone, but flowers are not the only attraction in this beautiful garden as the Kirschenheiters have filled their yard with their own works of metal art, birdhouses, garden stones and much more. Various antiques and curios speckle the landscape, from old tractors, to a fire hydrant, and even working traffic signs. There are several new sculptures and works of art to see this year, as well as a beautiful new iron gate. Don’t miss this gem of a garden!
Gibson Mansion When Tom and Nancy Malikie bought the house in 2001 to turn it into a bed & breakfast, the property had been vacant for three years and sat on a lot with only two trees, knapweed and a herd of deer. Now it stands as a secluded urban paradise with elegant tree lines in front of six-foot fences, and hedges concealing the busy street that passes by. The traditional, formal Victorian layout of the gardens was designed to make the house feel as if it had always been at this site, and that effect is flawless. The back yard is spacious and green, with a gazebo, several patios, swings, and secluded seating areas so that a multitude guests can find independent privacy. Fragrant roses permeate the lovely garden while various other flower beds overflow with colorful blooms. Additionally, a greenhouse aids in raising up to 40 flats a season from seed for the cutting garden, where seasonal plants are rotated for inside guest arrangements.
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George & Marcia Hart George and Marcia Hart’s one-acre lot packs a punch with sprawling beds and hoop houses full of lilies, peonies, fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. There are more than 120 varieties of lilies, in addition to flowers not usually grown in the area, such as zinnias and dahlias, which keep the couple busy as they spend most of their time either working in the garden or bringing flowers and veggies to the farmers market. The garden is designed so the Harts can offer fresh blooms and bouquets year-round. Bring a vase or basket with you on this stop, as most of the flowers you see will be available!
LET’S KEEP MISSOULA
THE GARDEN CITY KEEPING MISSOULA the beautiful garden spot it is requires watering. And though Missoula is blessed with abundant water resources, it’s important to use them responsibly. That means not overwatering lawns or wasting water during the heat of the day. In Missoula, watering times are set from 6 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. If you have a timed system, you may schedule your system to water between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. By following these rules, you’ll avoid watering in the middle of the day when the hot sun will evaporate much of the water. Thank you for being water wise while you keep Missoula beautiful! For more water conservation tips, follow Mountain Water on Facebook or mtnwater.com.
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