With the beginning of planting season comes the opening of Blake Nursery’s doors. Fondly named “the gardener’s paradise” by repeat customers, this family-run enterprise is celebrating 40 years in 2017. Doing what it does best since 1977, the nursery specializes in hardy plants including trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses with an emphasis on Montana natives — a passion and a priority! Plant-seekers happily make the excursion — just 5.5 miles northeast of Big Timber on Otter Creek Road — because they’re sure to find plants often not available elsewhere. All this combined with excellent customer service.
What better way to celebrate our beautiful Western flora than by using plants native to our area? Native landscapes give us a sense of place and connect us to our local environment, and frankly, they just feel right! We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful native plants in the world. They were here for millennia before Western civilization arrived, and because they are adapted to local soil and climate, they are usually more maintenance-free than introduced species. Wildlife depends on them for survival — for food, nesting sites, and shelter. By including these plants in our landscape, we are virtually hanging out the “Welcome” sign. So let’s keep Montana looking like Montana. With introduced species — especially with aggressive ones that choke out native vegetation — Montana loses its identity and starts looking like Anywhere, USA.
Blake Nursery carries an excellent selection of apple, cherry, plum, and other fruit-bearing trees. Fruit bushes, perennial vegetable plants, ornamental and shade trees, ornamental shrubs, vines, groundcovers, evergreens, and perennials for all seasons. They also offer Creative Landscaping and Design Services.
Come check out why Blake Nursery is called the “gardener’s paradise!” by joining them for their 40th birthday celebration coinciding with Mother’s Day weekend, May 13th and 14th. Swing by for free plants and a barbecue featuring tasty grass-fed Blake Ranch Beef. You’re encouraged to mingle and have fun exploring the endless plant selection.
For more information and a complete list of available plants and services, please visit www.blakenursery.com. •
