gardening

Sunflowers are just awesome. Everybody likes them, they're found everywhere, and they're easy to grow at home. Montana has huge fields of them and sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers to grow in your own backyard. Sorry, Bitterroot. You're just not as prevalent.

It smells like either death, rotting fish, sweaty socks or a combination of all three.

Those squirrels don't stand a chance.

No, they are not trying to give their yards a much needed bath.

Interestingly enough, it turns out that this is less a horror story, and more of a love story—between the ants and the peonies.

I'm shocked and embarrassed that I've never been to this really gorgeous piece of Montana. It's so close, incredibly beautiful, inexpensive to visit, and right up my alley. Perhaps 'tourist attraction' isn't the right term for this Jefferson City gem.

If we could map out all the cool Farmers' Markets across the state of Montana, it would look a little like this. Markets are incredibly popular here, from the largest city to the smallest town. World class agricultural roots, talented artists, and a strong sense of buying local ensure that you're never far away from a Farmers' Market in Montana.

Your favorite fruit trees are going to die soon in Montana if you see any damage similar to these pictures. A long winter with deep snowbanks made for the perfect "storm" of destruction by a hated rodent - the vole.

Hanging flower baskets are fun and easy to make yourself. There's nothing wrong with buying most of the annuals from your favorite garden center, but you should try growing the most stunning part yourself. I do it every year and it's really easy.

Another FREE seminar is happening this Saturday at Cashman's Nursery, and this time we're going to learn tips and tricks to creating healthy container gardens. With the right knowledge, you can grow flowers OR food in small spaces.

The gardening season in Montana starts this weekend, according to local experts - at least when it comes to starting seeds indoors. Learning what works for our often challenging climate will be FUN and FREE with a special event.

Tulips are my favorite bulbs but the deer will feast on them in any non-fenced area of my yard. I made that mistake the first year I moved into my house, planting dozens of lovely tulips. Perhaps 4 of them survived the deer buffet.