Jul. 28—Michael Connolly grew up with an innate sense of horticulture. Originally from Minnesota, Connolly watched his mother grow everything from colorful bearded irises and peonies to vegetables and, his favorite, roses.
“It was a respite for her and she enjoyed it. It just comes naturally to me,” Connolly said.
His passion for planting, agriculture and gardening led him to open his own nursery in April of this year: Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen.
Standing at Connolly’s Nursery, located at 1654 Montana 35, is to stand among a beautiful collection of plants for customers to take home — with trees, shrubs, fruits, berries and perennials. From yellow to pink to green to white, everything that Connolly grows is made to grow in Montana.
“Gardening continues to be the world’s number one hobby year after year after year. Montana is no different,” he said.
Gardening, a hobby that ranks high on most lists, is an accessible activity with tangible results and visible rewards for time spent, whether having a full garden or a few plants on the windowsill.
Connolly, who has been involved in the horticulture community in the Flathead Valley for over 30 years, moved to Montana in the early 90s. A graduate of the University of Minnesota’s school of agriculture, he has experience in not only growing plants, but also with landscaping, retail and design.
But his favorite part of horticulture, he said, is helping people and working with individuals. Giving people the resources and answers they need to start their own garden or make their own space is rewarding, he said.
He also pointed toward the diversity of each day of his career. Every day is different, whether Connolly gets to answer a new question, meet a new customer or help create an outdoor space for community to gather.
“I strive to make sure that people have success in horticulture or gardening,” he said.
Gardening, like many industries, has changed significantly. What used to be an industry full of small businesses is now mass-produced and oversaturated.
“Things got big, and the greenhouses followed that trend,” Connolly said.
But he is seeing a transition back to local, quality horticulturalists. Through his nursery, Connolly hopes to offer that quality and valued service.
Located in Evergreen, Connolly admired the local community. From logging boots to a suit and tie, the community is diverse and full of good neighbors.
“They appreciate honesty, integrity and quality,” Connolly said. “Evergreen is an awesome community.”
Connolly looks forward to continuing to provide quality plants for the Evergreen community and Northwest Montana in general. In the future, he hopes to expand the infrastructure of the nursery, ultimately with the build of a growing house.
Contact Connolly’s Nursery at 406-260-9097.
Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.
Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen opened in April 2024. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Garden roses grow at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Michael Connolly, owner of Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen, has been in the horticulture business for over 30 years. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Trees, many various forms of fruit trees, at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Trees at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
One of the main focuses at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen this season is growing trees. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Flowers are in bloom at Connolly’s Nursery in Evergreen. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
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