Rocky Mountain Gardens Hosts Second Annual Phlox Fest
Posted on April 20, 2026
Members of the public are invited to celebrate Missoula’s horticultural past, present and future at the Rocky Mountain Garden’s second annual Phlox Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Phlox Fest is a free and family-friendly event that will feature representatives from local gardens and garden organizations, live music by Pronto Alivio, food trucks, and plant and garden vendors.
Phlox Fest takes its name from the Missoula Phlox flower (Phlox missoulensis), a species of concern that has only been found within Missoula County. Missoula Phlox typically flowers from mid-April until June and are planted in the crevice garden at RMG.
The theme of this year’s spring opening celebration is “Gardens of the Garden City.” This year’s Phlox Fest partners include the Memorial Rose Garden, Missoula Iris Society, Garden City Harvest, Phoenixes Rising, Montana Native Botanical Garden and more. The Department of Ecology and Extension, Missoula Conservation District, Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium will also participate, alongside additional partners like the Xerces Society, Five Valleys Audubon, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Five Valleys Seed Library and others.
The 2.5-acre Rocky Mountain Gardens opened in September 2024 at the Exploration Center (1075 South Ave. W.) in Missoula. The gardens feature distinct growing areas including: rose, pollinator, herb, native prairie, ornamental, vegetable and waterwise gardens, as well as fruit trees and a berry orchard. The gardens are a project of the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension and provide opportunities for teaching, learning and growing for Missoula County residents and visitors.
Learn more at missoulaeduplace.org.
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