botanical society of zoo montana

Dottie's Garden

Dottie's Garden is a memorial garden funded by Mr. Barnett, Dottie's husband. The area is designed to educate visitors of the beauty of xeriscaping with native plants. The garden is also "water wise" as most plants in this environment take less water. The area is being reclaimed, maintained and re-designed to once again bring back the health of this unique garden spot. It will be exciting to see the changes sprout to action including the 2017 "Plant Select"specimens and 2018 additions.

PLANT HIGHLIGHTS of the GARDEN

For a look at the other plant varieties of this garden be sure to visit the Botany Page

Russian Sage

Known as P.atriplicifolia

Yarrow

Can be found many colors

Karl Foerster Grass

Hybrid of C.epigejo

The leaves of this Central Asian native are aromatic when crushed. Most plants reach between 3-5 feet tall. Considered hardy in zones 5-9, it struggles where the summers are hot and humid. While most plants sold are listed as P. atriplicifolia, many are hybrids that are more properly named P. x hybrida. Regardless of their botanical name, they are a great choice for a water-wise garden. The Russian Sage was introduced to the Billings area by the gardens at the zoo and became very popular.

Most yarrows grow 2 to 4 feet tall, although low-growing varieties are also available. The plants are remarkably durable, tolerating dry spells and low soil fertility where other perennials would fade. Yarrows bloom from midsummer into fall; flower colors include red, pink, salmon, yellow, and white. Yarrow are versatile and look equally at home in a perennial border, sunny rock garden, or wildflower meadow. Powdery mildew disease may be a problem in humid areas. It can be found throughout the Billings area.

This tall and narrow grass is believed to be a natural hybrid of C. epigejos and C. arundinacea, both natives of Europe and Asia. The noted German nurseryman, Karl Foerster, discovered the plant in the Hamburg Botanical Garden. He listed it in has 1939 nursery catalog, and included it in his 1950 garden book, The Use of Grasses and Ferns in the Garden. It spread around Europe until in 1964 it was brought from Denmark into the U.S. It was introduced to the Billings area from it's use at the zoo.