Tickets available for Bibler tours

The Daily Inter Lake

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation has tickets available for its benefit spring tours of Bibler Gardens in Kalispell.

Scheduled for May 6 and 7, and May 13 and 14 (Mother's Day), the tours begin at 9 a.m. each day. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program at Flathead Valley Community College.

The spring tour features tulips and daffodils in full bloom, depending on weather, and the newly designed and replanted loop garden. Other highlights include four acres of ponds, waterfalls, fountains and sculptures, and an arboretum.

Created by the late Louis "Sam" Bibler, the estate gardens have been renovated extensively since he died five years ago. Recent additions include rock walls, bridges and about 500 perennials.

People participating in the tour also will view the Bibler home with its extensive collection of 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, art and Persian rugs.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $3 for children. Participants must buy tickets in advance at the college information desk in Blake Hall or by calling the foundation office at 756-3963. Credit cards and checks are accepted.

Reservations and tickets also are available for Bibler tours scheduled July 24 and July 28. The summer tours begin at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day and include displays of community-college art and artists.