Gardens in Montana under the big sky take on a new level of beauty. Are you ready to explore eight of the best gardens to visit in the state?
Keep reading to learn more about gardening in Montana and what’s grown. And we introduce you to must-see gardens during your next visit to the state.
Let’s dig in!
Is Montana Good for Gardening?
The state of Montana is in USDA plant hardiness Zones 3a to 6a. It means that most hardy plants can survive in the state. For example, most plants native to the U.S. are in Zones 3 to 10.
The best time to plant gardens in Montana is mid-May when there is less chance of frost. And the primary growing season goes until early fall when temperatures start to fall again.
What Crops Can You Grow in Montana?
A large variety of crops can grow in Montana. The primary crop in the state is wheat. Others you’ll find here include apples, cherries, sugar beets, potatoes, dry beans, flax, grapes, garlic, mustard, squash, alfalfa, and lentils. Approximately 18 million acres of land in Montana are used for growing crops.
Traveler’s Tip: Check out these 5 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Southern California.
Where Are the Most Beautiful Gardens in Montana?
There are beautiful gardens in Montana that you can visit. Let’s take a look at eight of the best cared for properties.
Tizer Botanic Gardens in Jefferson City
Address: 38 Tizer Lake Rd, Jefferson City, MT 59638
About: Tizer Botanic Gardens is Montana’s only full-time operated Botanical Garden and Arboretum. It spans 6 acres with trails, a garden center, and an arboretum. You’ll find a rose garden, vegetable garden, wildflower walk, and more.
Why Visit: The gardens are a beautiful retreat from a busy day. The trails wind naturally through the gardens, over wooden bridges, and by babbling brooks. Amid the flora, they provide educational markers about the plants and flowers.
Gatiss Gardens in Kalispell
Address: 4790 Montana Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT 59901
About: Gatiss Gardens is a 5-acre English cottage-style botanical garden. The Zone 4 perennial garden features hardy varieties from the family’s homestead in England before 1898. It also features American heritage plants collected since then.
Why Visit: The gardens are a delight to visit, with rolling green spaces and Montana mountains in the backdrop. You’ll feel as if you’re in the English countryside. The perennials are colorful and diverse. It’s easy to spend a morning in this magical place.
Montana Arboretum and Gardens in Bozeman
Address: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717
About: Montana Arboretum and Gardens are on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman. It features native plants and trees from the northern Rocky Mountain region, the plains, and drier areas of Montana. In addition, there is a Xeriscape garden.
Why Visit: The arboretum features eight forest regions of North America and has more than 2,000 trees throughout the university’s campus. Walking through the campus and the Montana Arboretum and Gardens is inspiring. And, they continue to add more plants and trees each year.
Memorial Rose Garden in Missoula
Address: 800 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801
About: Memorial Rose Garden is a memorial to Missoula-area casualties of World War II, established in 1946. The U.S. and Montana flags in the park are lit up 24 hours a day to honor those who gave their lives.
There is also a Blue Star Memorial Rose Garden bronze plaque, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a Korean War Monument, a Policemen’s Memorial, and Veterans of America memorial in the park.
Why Visit: The memorial garden is worth visiting to honor those who lost their lives for our country. It’s a stunning tribute any time of year and even more so when the roses are in bloom during the spring and summer.
Old Lexington Stamp Mill and Gardens in Butte
Address: 300-304 E Granite St, Butte, MT 59701
About: Old Lexington Stamp Mill and Gardens offer a stunning horticulture display. The gardens are on the site of Butte’s first stamp mill, which is from 1867. And the gardens have a full-scale re-creation of a floral butterfly that was in Butte from 1899 to 1973.
Why Visit: The stamp mill is a historical piece worth seeing in person. The gardens cascading up the hill are a majestic site from afar and up close. We recommend taking your time here to read up on the history and soak it in.
The International Larix Arboretum in Hungry Horse
Address: 10 Hungry Horse Dr, Hungry Horse, MT 59919
About: The International Larix Arboretum covers 1.2 acres next to the Coram Experimental Forest. There are 10 species of Larix from North America, Asia, and Europe in the arboretum. In addition, it provides species comparison and genetics research.
Why Visit: The arboretum is an opportunity to learn more about Larix from around the world. And in addition to the 10 species, you’ll also get to see some hybrids of the trees. So we recommend checking it out and the Coram Experimental Forest next door.
Moss Mansion Historic House Museum in Billings
Address: 914 Division St, Billings, MT 59101
About: Moss Mansion Historic House Museum has beautiful gardens surrounding it. You can walk the grounds and get a guided or self-guided tour of the mansion. The Moss Mansion is educational and an excellent place to gain perspective on Billings’ historical significance.
Why Visit: With the mansion as a backdrop, the house’s gardens are breathtaking. You’ll feel like you’re in another era when you visit. And it’s an excellent place for photographs.
Bibler Home and Gardens in Kalispell
Address: 350 Lake Hills Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901
About: Bibler Home and Gardens offers epic views of the grounds and mountains in the distance. The private display garden by the homeowner, Louis A. “Sam” Bibler, was maintained from 1979 to 2002. You can tour the gardens and home.
Why Visit: The gardens are absolutely stunning. You’ll find ponds with swans, waterfalls, sculptures, an arboretum, and a log stable in the gardens. And, you’ll be amazed that Bibler took care of the magnificent space for so many years.
Are Gardens in Montana Worth Visiting?
Gardens in Montana are worth visiting. We recommend visiting during the early summer months when most flowers will be in bloom. The state’s big sky and sweeping mountain views add joy to the gardens. We hope you can get to one or more of the gardens on the list during your next visit to Montana.
Have you been to any of these gardens? If not, when will you visit?
