About Tanager Greenhouse
Tanager Greenhouse is your partner in creating thriving, sustainable gardens in the Spokane area. Whether you're dreaming of a bountiful vegetable harvest, a water-wise landscape that celebrates our region's natural beauty, or a pollinator-friendly native plant garden, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
We specialize in three key areas:
- Native Plant Gardening – Discover plants that thrive naturally in our climate while supporting local wildlife
- Spokanescape Design – Create beautiful, drought-tolerant landscapes that reduce water use and maintenance
- Vegetable & Fruit Gardens – Grow fresh, delicious food right in your own backyard
To make your gardening journey easier, we offer predesigned garden layouts for both Spokanescape and vegetable gardens. These thoughtfully planned designs take the guesswork out of plant selection and placement, so you can start growing with confidence.
Why a Tanager?
The Western Tanager migrates to Spokane from May-September. It is the symbol of Hope, Happiness, and New Beginnings.
Meet Michelle Stuart
My path to Tanager Greenhouse began in an unexpected place—the classroom. As a high school educator, I discovered the joy of vegetable and fruit gardening alongside my students. Watching seeds transform into thriving plants sparked something in me that changed the course of my life.
In 2020, I took the leap and converted my entire yard into a productive vegetable garden and berry patch. The following year, I added beehives to the mix, deepening my connection to the intricate web of pollinators and plants that sustain our gardens.
Becoming a Spokane County Master Gardener in 2022 opened my eyes to the incredible potential of native and drought-tolerant plants. In 2024-2025, I earned a certificate in Greenhouse Management from SCC. I fell in love with the idea that we could create stunning landscapes that work with our climate rather than against it—gardens that conserve precious water while providing habitat for the birds, bees, and butterflies that make our region so special.
Why This Matters
There's a growing movement toward self-sufficiency, and I see it in every community garden plot and backyard transformation. People want to know where their food comes from and take pride in growing it themselves. At the same time, Spokane faces real challenges with water use, and our gardens can be part of the solution.
That's what drives me—helping our community grow. Whether you're planting your first tomato or redesigning your entire landscape with native plants, I'm here to support you and celebrate your successes along the way.
Let's grow something beautiful together.
