botanical society of zoo montana

Flag Garden

"A Fitting Entrance to ZooMontana"

The flag garden is a primary focus located at the front of ZooMontana. It houses our country's flag and is a welcoming addition to the zoo entrance. The garden has been adopted by the "Shining Mountain Chapter of the D.A.R."

Featured Plants of the Garden

Look for new plants this season !

Heuchera

Coral flower (Heuchera)

HEW-ker-ah

Saxifragaceae

Heuchera make excellent foliage plants for sun to part shade gardens. Most flowers are not as impressive as the foliage, but they do add a second level of interest.

Noteworthy characteristics: Clumps or mounds of heart-shaped, boldy veined leaves. Some cultivars have bold dark, or radiant silvery, foliage. The flowers are borne in narrow racemes or panicles and form in late spring and early summer.

Care: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun to part shade. The rootstalk tends to grow upwards, so mulch annualy to keep covered. May need to lift and replant with the crown just above the soil.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme, also known commonly as ‘Mother of Thyme,’ is an easily grown, spreading thyme variety. It is excellent planted as a lawn substitute or among stepping stones or pavers to create a living patio. Let’s learn more about creeping thyme plant care.

Creeping Thyme Facts

Thymus praecox is a low growing perennial hardy inUSDA hardiness zones 4-9 with fairly minimal requirements. An evergreen with lightly haired foliage, this tiny-growing creeping thyme varietal — rarely over 3 inches — will appear in low, dense mats, which sprawl randomly and quickly fill in areas as a ground cover. T. serpyllum is another creeping thyme variety. Look for creeping thyme around the steps and sides.