Parks

Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden

The Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden provides an excellent example of the tremendous variety of colors, textures and flower types found in perennials. A seasonal variety of colorful displays begins in early spring and continues into late autumn.

Through the culmination of many years of evolution, this garden contains more than 300 plants species and provides an excellent example of the tremendous variety of colors, textures and flower types that can be found in perennials. Beginning in the early spring with bulbs and primroses, the floral display continues into late autumn with beds of asters.

Garden History

In 1940, Park Superintendent John Duncan established a garden that would later be known as the Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden. In 1960, it was named in honor of Joel E. Ferris, a former park board member and popular civic leader. This informal garden spans 2.5 acres and is located directly north of the Manito greenhouses and offices. Initially, the garden featured small beds scattered throughout a gently sloping grass meadow. In 1996, the garden was expanded to over an acre, allowing for the creation of established perennial beds. While the shape of these beds remains similar today, the staff at Manito regularly move and add plants to enhance the garden. Often referred to as the “gardener’s garden,” the Ferris Garden serves as a remarkable example of the diverse color, texture, and form found in perennials.

The perennial garden is the first outdoor garden in Manito to display color in early spring. Hundreds of spring bulbs begin to emerge in March as the snow melts and the soil thaws. Colorful crocuses, muscari, tulips, and daffodils bloom alongside early perennials such as lenten rose and pasqueflower. By the end of April, the garden is vibrant with new growth and busy pollinating insects. Although perennials can live for decades, the garden is constantly changing. Each week, new blooms emerge to replace those that are beginning to fade. In September, the garden remains full of color, featuring perennial sunflowers, goldenrod, and various types of asters. As frost sets in, most colorful blooms fade away; however, the garden still showcases architectural plants, unique seed heads, and ornamental grasses that stand tall throughout the frozen winter months.

The Ferris Perennial Garden features over 600 varieties of perennials. In addition to popular plants such as daylilies, peonies, and daisies, you can also find lesser-known species like Japanese butterbur and Jerusalem sage. The garden is home to stunning tree specimens, including bristlecone pine, ironwood, magnolia, and paperbark maple. Most of the botanical varieties are accompanied by educational signage that includes their Latin names, varietal names, brief descriptions, and growing requirements. We encourage you to visit the garden multiple times throughout the season to fully appreciate the diverse range of flowers and foliage.

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Weddings and wedding photography in the gardens is by reservation only. Please call 509.363.5455 or email us at parkopsreservations@spokanecity.org, if you have any questions.

NOTE: Some garden history information was accessed via the National Register of Historic Places Application for the National Parks Service (reformatted for clarity).