The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
32°F
Current Conditions
Clear sky
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Then and now: Duncan Garden reaches its peak

May 2017 - Duncan Garden, with a European Renaissance layout of planting beds, is shown in May of 2017 before the annuals are planted in a massive effort by parks personnel. By August and September, the colors and profusion overwhelm visitors, especially those who are gardeners. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
May 2017 - Duncan Garden, with a European Renaissance layout of planting beds, is shown in May of 2017 before the annuals are planted in a massive effort by parks personnel. By August and September, the colors and profusion overwhelm visitors, especially those who are gardeners. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jesse Tinsley jesset@spokesman.com(509) 459-5378

The history of Duncan Garden was featured in this column May 20, but the garden is now reaching its visual peak, as it does in late August and early September. The European Renaissance-style garden in Manito Park that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer was planted around Memorial Day of this year with tens of thousands of begonias, marigolds, dahlias, snapdragons, petunias, geraniums and other flowers to create the profusion, color and elegant symmetry of a royal garden. It is now a feast for the eyes. It’s worth a visit for those who haven’t been recently.

The garden, also called Duncan Garden, was built after parks Superintendent John Duncan took over Spokane’s parks in 1910 and originally named it Sunken Garden because it was created in a muddy low spot which had been scraped down several feet for hundreds of truckloads of garden soil taken to other parts of Manito and to other parks. It was renamed as a tribute to Duncan just before he retired in 1942.

The garden is still anchored in the center by the giant fountain donated by Louis Davenport’s widow in 1956. The Friends of Manito and Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane have donated generously to the garden’s improvements over the years. They added a classical gazebo on the south end of the garden.

The popular spot has almost 900 five-star reviews on www.tripadvisor.com, the online travel and review site. People flock to the gardens for wedding, family, senior and pre-prom photos against the colorful backdrop of green grass and flowers. There is a reservation system for holding private events, including weddings, in the garden.

TripAdvisor user “Alan T” said, “In summer, Duncan gardens is one of the most colorful and spectacular formal gardens with annual color. This park is worth at least 4 or 5 visits per annum for local residents. It is free. It is gorgeous.”