Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
High-Mountain Gardening in McCall
a S a i s P h o t o g r a p hy
By McKenzie Kraemer
It isn’t that high-altitude gardening is impossible, it just takes a bit of know-how. Selecting plant varieties, finding ways to extend the growing season, and a lot of trial and error as to what works in this valley’s particular micro-climate can make gardening here a creative endeavor; an endeavor that is well worth the effort. From the flower baskets that hang on the lampposts in downtown McCall to the fresh produce available at the local farmers’ markets, there is ample opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the successes of a high mountain garden…and indulge in a little sunshine and hope of your own. Continued page 22
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Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
A gardener is an eternal optimist. There is so much hope and expectation that comes with putting a seed in the ground. That optimism is coupled with a healthy dose of determination and grit when it comes to gardening in a high-altitude climate like McCall. Every flower that blooms here, every berry that ripens, every bean or pea or squash that is picked feels like a little victory.
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