Flowery Spectacle Bountiful Array Of Perennials Brightens Manito

A large section of Manito Park grass has been dug up and replaced by something decidedly more colorful.

At least 400 different kinds of flowers have been added to new beds in the Joel E. Ferris Perennial Gardens on the north side of the park conservatory and headquarters.

This spring, the gardens burst into bloom with an unprecedented flower show, which is expected to continue through autumn.

The work follows the revamping of the formal Duncan Gardens, used for a display of annual flowers.

Jim Flott, horticulture supervisor for the Parks Department, said the city decided several years ago to replace sod in the perennial garden.

“The garden used to be a lot of turf grass, and not flowers,” he said. “We have reversed the concept.”

“It’s never been this large as far as I know,” he said.

The reconstruction began a couple of years ago but wasn’t that noticeable until this spring. Many of the plants are in their second season of growth with hefty foliage and tall flowers.

The plantings are accompanied by small signs that give common and scientific names, the height and habits of the plants and advice on the amount of sun and cultivation.

Flott said perennials are becoming more popular, especially among gardeners who prize their diversity and longevity.

He said he wants visitors to be able to learn about the plants and get a chance to see them so they can make good choices for their own yards.

Some of the flowers have been grouped into themed areas.

Fragrant flowers were planted in a bed close to the headquarters and greenhouse.

Another bed contains flowering herbs, including those used in foods and those purported to have therapeutic benefits.

Still another bed has lots of ornamental grasses and miniature alpine flowers. The alpine garden features large native boulders moved in from other parts of the park.

The plantings are laid out in large ovals and figure-eight shapes so visitors can meander through them.

Several new trees, including a variegated tulip tree and paper bark maples, were planted to provide large centerpieces for the beds.

Some sections of the gardens still look sparse because they were planted with new perennials just this spring. It takes a couple of years for perennials to grow large enough to produce a lot of color.

Flott and the city’s landscape architect, Debbie Clem-Olsen, designed the beds.

The new plants were acquired through donations from The Friends of Manito, the Hamblen Park Garden Club, the Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane and individuals.

City funds were used only on salaries of regular park staff, who did the work, and equipment for the job.

The work is paying off.

“I’m seeing a lot more traffic in the gardens than I ever have,” Flott said.