Beauty Within the Backyards of Broadwater
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
On July 27, 2024, over 110 participants soaked in the beauty and bounty hidden within the yards and gardens of Broadwater County. Backyards of Broadwater is an annual event coordinated by the Broadwater County Master Gardeners and MSU Extension in Broadwater County. The first Backyards of Broadwater Tour debuted in August 2014 by Dawn Reynolds with the Townsend Heritage Gardens. After a brief hiatus, it returned in 2017 under the umbrella of MSU Extension and has continued ever since even through the pandemic.
This year, tour-goers enjoyed six yards and gardens stretching from Townend along Highway 284 to Goose Bay. There were 111 tickets sold which is an all-time record for the event. Starting in town, Don and Ginny Schauber have been on the tour multiple times, but this is likely their last year. Nestled behind their historic 1869 home is a beautiful oasis filled with vegetables, fruit and flowers. There are even grapes, a challenging fruit to grow here. This garden is always a crowd favorite!
New to the tour, Brenda Banks and Mike Philpott provided another wonderful example of what can be done within city limits. They have transformed their backyard with gardens tucked in every corner and even growing vertically. They even boast a chicken coop, greenhouse and fruit trees in their little haven.
Leaving town, the next stop on the tour was Zach and Lacey Jepson. They made a delightful team that updated their yard and turned it into a beautiful landscape filled with flowers, trees and a well-kept lawn. They also have a large garden and raspberry patch. There was so much to see!
Next stop on the tour was Steve and Donna Haynes along Duck Creek Road. In four short years, they have transformed a neglected property into the landscape of their dreams with more projects in the works. A beautiful greenhouse, raised beds, a creekside picnic area and a quaint chicken coop complete their sprawling property.
At the Haynes home, Patrick Plantenberg, chairman of the Townsend Tree Board, along with his wife Mary, provided a presentation on planting and caring for young trees. During the course of the day, they planted four trees on the property while educating participants on trees.
Continuing up Duck Creek to the next stop which was the home of Shannon and Tony Woodward. Their business, Mountain Man Apples, features an orchard whose original trees are more than 100 years old. They now have over 400 apple trees along with peaches and plums. Not something you’d expect tucked in this mountain sanctuary!
Last, but certainly not least, the final stop on the tour was Jim and Teri Gunderson, another returning favorite. They have a large greenhouse that is stuffed with vegetables, plants and art from their glass-blowing business. Have you ever seen an artichoke growing in Montana?! Well, you can here! The surprises continued outside where there was even a bathtub serving as a raised bed.
The tour would not be possible without an outstanding committee working behind the scenes. Thank you to Becky Flynn, Terey Artz, Debbie Flynn and Donna Haynes. Also a special thank you to the sponsors: Broadwater Blooms, C Hanging C Mercantile and Creamery, Haynes Ranch, Infinite Hope Counseling, Lane Construction, Most Wanted Reality, Sod Works, and Broadwater County Master Gardeners.
For more information, follow “Backyards of Broadwater” on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.msuextension.org/broadwater/. You can also contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu with questions about the event or to be a tour host for 2025.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: Inside The Jim and Terry Gunderson Greenhouse
Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
Image 2 Caption: Patrick Plantenberg giving a demonstration on planting trees. Lynette Dyk is assisting him.
Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
