Rocky Mountain Gardens Hosts Inaugural Phlox Fest
Posted on April 22, 2025
Members of the public are invited to the Rocky Mountain Garden’s inaugural Phlox Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music by Good Old Fashioned, food trucks, native plant vendors and a celebration of the opening of the Rocky Mountain Gardens for the warmer seasons.
Phlox Fest takes its name from the Missoula Phlox flower, (Phlox missoulensis), a species of concern that has only been found within Missoula County. Missoula Phlox typically flowers from mid-April until June and are planted in the crevice garden at RMG.
This year's theme is "ReWild Missoula" to promote awareness around habitat conservation and creation. Attendees can learn how to support wildlife and pollinators with their patio, yard, garden and property.
The 2.5-acre Rocky Mountain Gardens opened in September 2024 at the GW Marks Exploration Center (1075 South Ave. W.). The gardens feature distinct growing areas including: rose, pollinator, herb, native prairie, ornamental, vegetable and waterwise gardens, as well as fruit trees and a berry orchard. In addition to the gardens, the area features an outdoor classroom, flowering pollinator and drought-tolerant lawns. Additional features include a four-season greenhouse, a hoop house for season extension crops and shaded areas for classes. The gardens provide areas for teaching, learning and growing for Missoula County residents and visitors.
Garden partners including the Department of Ecology and Extension, Missoula Conservation District, Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium will have tables for their programs. Additional partners like the Montana Native Plant Society, Xerces Society, City of Missoula Urban Forestry, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Five Valleys Seed Library will be in attendance. Learn more at missoulaeduplace.org.
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