How a Family Afternoon Became a Lesson in Cold Climate Landscaping
There are some places that leave you inspired the moment you arrive, and Brown Park in McCall, Idaho, is definitely one of them.
This week, at the end of June, my granddaughter and I spent the afternoon exploring the park together. It was one of those simple days that remind you how important it is to slow down, enjoy nature, and make memories with the people you love.
Brown Park has an interesting history. It sits on the former site of the McCall Mill, yet today it has been transformed into one of the community’s most beautiful gathering places. The combination of mountain scenery, mature trees, colorful perennial gardens, and family-friendly recreation makes it a destination that both locals and visitors can enjoy.
As a gardener, I couldn’t stop admiring the landscaping.
One of the first things I noticed was how naturally the gardens blend into the landscape. Rather than removing the area’s character, the designers incorporated large boulders throughout the planting beds. The trees, shrubs, and perennials appear to grow right out of the rocks, creating a landscape that feels like it belongs in the mountains.
It’s a wonderful example of how landscaping can complement nature instead of competing with it.
The perennial gardens are filled with plants that perform exceptionally well in our cold climate. Throughout the beds you’ll find colorful drifts of yarrow, beautiful rose bushes, currant bushes, potentilla, perennial geraniums, false spirea, woodland sage, and catmint. These are all reliable perennials and shrubs that provide season-long beauty while standing up to our mountain winters.
The gardens were buzzing with life. Bees moved from flower to flower while butterflies floated through the beds, making it clear these plantings are doing exactly what a healthy landscape should—supporting our important pollinators.
The park is also home to plenty of wildlife. During our visit we watched ducks and geese enjoying the water, and it’s not uncommon to see deer wandering through the area. Mature aspen and maple trees provide welcome shade and add beautiful texture throughout the park.
Of course, Brown Park offers much more than beautiful gardens.
The playground is outstanding and provides hours of entertainment for children of all ages. Families can relax on the spacious lawns, enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables, or spend time at the small beach, where the shallow water makes a great place for younger children to play.
One of my favorite features is the vintage ski chair swing. Sitting there while overlooking the lake and mountains is the perfect place to slow down and appreciate the beauty that makes McCall so special.
As gardeners, we sometimes think inspiration only comes from garden centers or botanical gardens. I’ve found that some of the best ideas come from visiting well-designed public parks. Brown Park demonstrates how rocks, trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials can work together to create a landscape that is beautiful, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited for a cold climate.
If you’re looking for ideas for your own yard, pay attention to how the plants are grouped together, how the large rocks create natural focal points, and how repeating the same varieties throughout the landscape creates a cohesive design. These are techniques any home gardener can adapt on a smaller scale.
Whether you’re visiting McCall for the first time or have lived here for years, I highly recommend spending an afternoon at Brown Park. Bring the kids, pack a picnic, enjoy the mountain views, and don’t forget to stroll through the perennial gardens. You may leave with a few new landscaping ideas for your own garden.
Sometimes the best garden inspiration isn’t found in a gardening book—it’s found while making memories with someone you love.
Happy Gardening!
Debbie 🌿❄️🌸
Cold Climate Gardens
Helping Zone 3 & 4 Gardeners Grow with Confidence