The farm's original goal was to sell directly to the chef, providing restaurants with grown-to-order produce. Grocery stores soon followed, and their quick success has resulted in development plans for additional greenhouses.

A visit to the current greenhouse has a space age quality as everything is grown using hydroponics. Tall jungle-like rows of tomato plants with giant leaves and luminescent ruby fruit line right up to the greenhouse door, with bees happily pollinating from a home base hive right in the back of the structure.
 

Rows of perfectly formed lettuce stretch out in a green horizon, and in the corner of the greenhouse growing herbs the air holds the fragrance of basil. According to Keith Grahm, lifelong farmer and guide through this mini paradise, hydroponics farming is the future of the industry, providing year-round fresh local produce. He showed us how they are working to maximize greenhouse space, pointing out layered crops and vertical tubes growing herbs.

 

Keith Grahm's truly green thumbs

A portion of the greenhouse is dedicated to experimental crops, and they look forward to including cucumbers, peppers and year-round strawberries in their offerings.

The best news is you don't have to be a restaurateur or grocer to enjoy these local flavors. Mountainview Gardens is at the Kalispell Farmers Market (Kalispell Mall on Saturdays 9am - 12:30pm), and will also be at the West Glacier Farmers Market, to be announced.

 

Vertical Herbs!

While searching for a sustainable way to produce healthy food locally the staff at Mountainview Gardens is also globally committed. They have plans to take their technology and growing experiences to India and the Philippines in an effort to help people learn to support themselves and their community.