a letter from the gardener...
The
Keeping with tradition and quality, the garden and year round geothermal heated greenhouse continue to provide an abundance of organically
grown vegetables, herbs, and
edible flowers. In the early morning dew, these are happily harvested and delivered fresh to our three kitchens.
In addition to those seeded in the greenhouse, a wide variety of herbs and plants joyfully and readily self seed in the garden creating a
maze of aesthetically pleasing blooms and aromas year after year. We encourage you to take a leisurely stroll through the garden where
you may be greeted by the sun kissed smiling face gardeners, a talented chef gathering a bouquet of herbs and a glimpse of the tantalizing
delights to be enjoyed at the evening meal.
The quarter-acre garden plot and geothermal greenhouse were reintroduced in the mid-1990's. Chico's connection with our history is important
to our staff and our guests, and the garden is yet another way we are maintaining a connection to the founders of Chico Hot Springs Resort, Bill and Percie Knowles. In the 1920's Percie and her staff tended a five-acre garden where they grew much of the fruits and vegetables used
in the dining room, including vegetables they canned for the winter months. We continue to serve meals in the dining room with the freshest herbs and vegetables - those grown and harvested in our own back yard.
Signs
Quaint sitting areas, picnic tables, benches and pathways throughout the gardens and Chico property invite you to linger and relax amidst
the natural beauty of the surrounding environment and nurtured gardens. Cool off under the canopy of old willows alongside the trickling
hot springs stream, or soak up some sun on a bench in Grandma's Garden. The garden is beautiful in all four distinct Montana seasons, from
tulips in the spring, a full green garden in the summer, straw flowers and six foot sunflowers into the fall, and delightful snow covered
textures throughout the winter.
Enjoy!
Jeannie Duran
Gardener