Beaver Creek Park the work of the Master Gardener

See more photos in color at http://www.havredailynews.com

Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club

Bullhook Blossoms Garden Club has nominated Beaver Creek Park for its featured yard.

Located on the north slopes of the Bear Paw Mountains, the 10,000 acre county park was established in 1916 following the closing of Fort Assinniboine Military Post. Just minutes from Havre, the park affords the visitors with an ever-changing landscape of wildflowers.

Here, Mother Nature is the Master Gardener showcasing an array of colors to astound the hiker, picnicker, camper or water enthusiast. This year is especially awesome.

Mountains and foothills, meadows and coulees plus Beaver Creek combine to offer prolific displays of wildflowers that are nestled in lush green grasses. Some of the flowers include bluish lupine (a great pollinator for bees), bluebells and asters; reddish-pink or lavender shades of wild geraniums, wild roses, milkweed, blooming thistle, bee balm and yarrow; orange mallow; yellow sunflowers, arrow leaf balsamroot and prairie coneflower; and many more.

The water hemlock (standing 2 to 6 feet) with its showy white flowers can be found along marshy areas.

A guide book would be helpful for a family outing, especially the "Edible and Useful Wild Plants of North Central Montana" written by founding Garden Club member Toni Hagener and husband Lou. It is suggested that Mount Otis be a destination to see a number of different flowers in one stop. The park manager and staff have nicely groomed the park.

As the saying goes, "stop and smell the roses." Beaver Creek Park is awaiting your family to explore the crown jewel of the Bear Paw Mountains.

Appreciate the Master Gardener!