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 they do 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! Customers happily make the excursion — just 5.5 miles northeast of Big Timber — because they’re sure to find plants often not available elsewhere. At this nursery, popularity isn’t a top priority. They’re well stocked with plants emphasizing long-term performance and satisfaction.
What better way to celebrate our beautiful Western flora than the use of plants native to our landscapes? 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 to look like Anywhere, USA.
Of its vast selection, Blake Nursery houses apple and other fruit-bearing trees, fruit bushes and plants, perennial vegetable plants, ornamental and shade trees, ornamental shrubs, lilacs, vines, groundcovers, evergreens, windbreaks, shelterbelts, bio-hedges, and perennials for all seasons. In addition to their plant variety, Blake also extends its Creative Landscaping and Design Services.
Always at the forefront of daily operations, Blake Nursery remains committed to customer service 40 years after opening its doors. Plant selection is now more diverse than ever, Montana natives being a primary focus. Blake Nursery continues to benefit from great employees and loyal customers, an intimate group to which the planter’s haven owes the core of its success. Come check out why Blake Nursery is called the “gardener’s paradise!”
Join for Blake Nursery’s 40th birthday celebration, set for Mother’s Day weekend, May 13th and 14th. Swing in 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, please visit www.blakenursery.com. •
