July 26, 2010 - July 30, 2010

Hundreds of thousands of annuals and perennials, along with waterfalls, ponds, swans, and stunning valley views, make for one-of-a-kind experience at the Bibler Home and Gardens.

Tours of the spectacular Bibler Home and Gardens west of Kalispell begin July 26 with a special kickoff event. Regular tours will be held July 27 to July 30. All proceeds benefit the scholarship program at Flathead Valley Community College

The home and gardens are privately owned and operated. All tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 406-756-3963, or online at www.biblergardens.org .

$10 adults, $3 children, except for the July 26 kickoff (see information below for details)

all ages; children must be accompanied by adults

Art

In springtime, the gardens feature more than a hundred thousand tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs as well as spring perennials and annuals. The gardens feature eight acres of beautifully landscaped beds, ponds, and fountains with swans and miniature animals. The home is beautifully furnished with an exceptional collection of antique Persian rugs and Inuit carvings and prints.

Bibler Gardens is a private display garden in Kalispell, Montana designed by Louis A. "Sam" Bibler. Sam landscaped, planted and maintained the gardens at his home from around 1980 until his death in 2002. The extensive gardens, including ponds, waterfalls, sculptures, arboretum, and a log stable with a menagerie of miniature animals, are maintained today according to Sam's desire to preserve the site as a place of lasting beauty that could be enjoyed by the Kalispell community and visitors to the area.

Public tours of the home and gardens are conducted twice annually, in the spring when thousands of tulips and daffodils are at their peak, and again in the summer when massive plantings of a wide variety of perennials and annuals reach their peak. These tours also provide an opportunity to view the interior of the beautifully furnished home.

Spring home and garden tours are May 8-9 and May 15-16, 2010. Tickets are just $10 ($3 for children) and must be purchased in advance by calling 406-756-3963 or online at www.biblergardens.org All proceeds benefit the Flathead Valley Community College Foundation.

Summer home and garden tours are Monday July 26- Friday July 30, 2010. The week begins with a special kick off reception on Monday July 26 from 6-8 PM. This event features wine and hors d'oeuvres plus an exclusive tour by Jeffrey Funk, showcasing the ornamental metal gates, sculptures, and other works in gardens. Tickets for this special reception are $50 each or $90 per couple, and must be purchased in advance by calling 406-756-3963.

On Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31 guided 90 minute tours of the home and gardens begin at 5:30 and 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children. Call the FVCC Foundation office at 406-756-3963 to purchase your tickets in advance. No tickets sold at the gate!

Detailed directions, including a map, will be furnished when tickets are purchased.