Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour: The Alice in Wonderland Garden

22.08.2024 - 04:33 / finegardening.com / GPOD Contributor

Hi GPODers!

I can’t believe our week on the 2024 Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour™ is already winding down. We’ve seen three incredible gardens so far, and today we get to tour the whimsical garden of Nate Scott and Daniel Owens. They take all of their lush plantings to the next level with some incredibly creative garden art:

Both Daniel and Nathan hail from Northern Indiana and Illinois, zone 5-6 areas, so temperatures were similar to Montana but the growing season was somewhat extended there. Luckily, they weren’t close enough to Lake Michigan to deal with the ‘lake effect’ snow and fog fluctuations that occur closer to the lake. Being in a more temperate area made it easier for Daniel to be creative on both personal and professional landscape projects. He drew influence from friends, neighbors and from public gardens and created his own expression in the creation of this beautiful, welcoming haven for birds and other wildlife in all seasons.

Nathan’s gardening journey began a little later, and he has been fortunate to have exposure to various types of gardens and gardening design that he has woven into his own personal style. Nathan has been inspired creatively by designers ranging from garden to fashion and after purchasing their property on Winkler Lane in 2018, their personal styles have blossomed. Nathan’s vision should always bring shouts of Oohh & Ahhs! Except for the mature trees on their property, they have solely created this head-turning garden retreat in only five years.

Their blended design of ‘pick-fresh’ foods, planted islands, a pond, perennials, annuals, eclectic yard art and personal artwork in every corner of the garden keeps visitors strolling slowly to take in every aspect of this delightful