Article by Jennifer Miller

Photos by Renata Haidle

Spring arrives slowly in Montana. One warm afternoon doesn’t mean winter is finished, and the wind still reminds us who is in charge. But even with the uncertainty, the first signs of green have a way of drawing people back outside. 

For many homeowners, that shift begins in the yard. Landscaping often starts as a simple goal. Add a few plants, improve curb appeal, and maybe freshen up the front entry. But according to Mick Gainan of Gainan’s Flowers & Garden, a garden can do much more than frame a house. 

When thoughtfully planned, a garden becomes an extension of the home itself. Mick encourages homeowners to step back and look at their yard with a fresh perspective. “Pretend you’re seeing your home for the first time,” he says. “Does the landscape make you excited about the house?” 

Even in older homes, thoughtful landscaping plays a major role in how a property feels. And refreshing a yard does not always mean starting from scratch. “I’m not a big believer in tearing everything out,” Mick says. “I like to work with what’s already there.”  

Start With What You Have 

Many homeowners assume struggling plants need to be replaced. Often, the issue is simply depleted soil or a lack of maintenance. “A lot of plants have used up the nutrients in the ground,” Mick explains. “They need fertilizer and deep watering to get going again.” 

This is especially common in older landscapes where plants may have been in place for fifteen or twenty years. Shrubs that once bloomed beautifully may still leaf out but produce fewer flowers. 

“Our soils here aren’t the best,” Mick says. “Using a plant starter when planting and adding fertilizer in the spring can really help those root systems.” Before pulling plants out, it is often worth asking whether the issue is simply maintenance rather than the plant itself. 

Gardening in Montana 

Gardening in Billings comes with its own challenges. Wind, dry air, and dramatic temperature swings quickly reveal which plants can truly thrive here. 

Fortunately, many perennials perform well here once established. Mick often recommends reliable options like yarrow, nepeta, sedum, penstemon, and peonies. These plants tend to tolerate dry conditions and shifting weather while still offering dependable color. 

Sun exposure also plays a role. In sunnier areas, plants like blanket flower, echinacea, bee balm, and liatris provide vibrant blooms through much of the growing season. Shadier spots may be better suited for bleeding heart, coral bells, hostas, and brunnera. The goal, Mick says, is not necessarily to plant more, but to plant wisely. 

Creating a Welcoming Entry 

The front entry is one of the most visible areas of a landscape, but it is also a place where homeowners sometimes overplant. “The biggest mistake I see is crowding the entryway,” Mick says. “It’s better to keep that area open.” 

Overgrown shrubs can block sightlines and create challenges during winter snow removal. Instead, Mick often recommends simple container plantings or well-spaced perennials that frame the entry without overwhelming it. 

Christina Halverson of Allis Interiors adds that something as simple as a lighter wreath, clipping branches or lilacs from the yard, and placing them in a vase, can bring a bit of the outdoors inside. Fresh greenery, lighter textures, and natural elements help create the feeling of a home that transitions with the seasons. 

Indoor-Outdoor Harmony 

Christina notes that greenery often becomes especially meaningful this time of year. After months of winter, even a small amount of fresh growth can help a home feel more alive. Incorporate natural elements, such as indoor plants, to connect interior spaces with the outdoors. 

For beginners, Mick recommends starting with durable varieties that tolerate medium light and occasional missed watering. Plants like philodendrons, schefflera, rubber plants, ZZ plants, and ferns tend to be forgiving while still adding texture and color to a room. 

Flowering houseplants can also provide interest throughout the year. African violets, orchids, begonias, and bromeliads are all good options for homeowners looking to add a little bloom indoors. 

Simple Steps, Big Impact 

Ultimately, both Mick and Christina agree that creating a home that flows into your garden doesn’t require perfection. It requires attention, care, and thoughtful planning. From choosing resilient local plants to making small seasonal updates indoors, simple changes can make a space feel refreshed and connected. 

As spring settles into Montana, consider your garden and home as partners. With the right plants, containers, and indoor accents, you can cultivate a sense of renewal that lasts all season long. 

Originally printed in the May 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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