If you’re a gardener, then it goes without saying that you have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. You’ve probably already tried to bring the “outdoors in” by populating the interior of your home with an assortment of houseplants but, for me, I’ve never found this truly satisfying, as there is still a disconnect between indoor and outdoor life. My home lacks a lot of big windows, so I do not get a lot of natural light filtering in, nor do I get to really fully enjoy the vistas of my backyard or garden from any vantage point without having to get up and peer out of a window.

I am actually in the market for a new home that provides a seamless indoor to outdoor living space. And, I did actually find one – in Montana! Granted, Montana is a bit too far away for me to relocate when my home base is, and always will be, New York, but sometimes it’s nice to dream and think of the “what ifs.” And this home was definitely a dream.

So, how did I come across this thing of beauty in Montana of all places? Well, Gardening Know How, along with other esteemed influencers in the home and garden arena, scored an invite to preview the HGTV® Dream Home 2019 back in early December. I was chosen to make the mecca to Whitefish, Montana to partake in this experience. It was kind of surreal for me in a way because I’ve been a devout follower of the HGTV Dream Home every year and have entered the sweepstakes for this annual giveaway for as long as I can remember.

I’ll admit, this unseasoned traveler found the travel to Montana a bit brutal (three plane changes), but once I arrived in Montana, the pains and aggravations of travel faded away as a mesmerizing landscape of snow-capped mountains dotted with perfect looking pine trees came into focus. I checked in at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which was all sparkly and cozy with gorgeous Christmas décor, and later joined the other invitees for an evening of good conversation, dinner and a few Huckleberry cocktails (Huckleberry seems to be a food staple in Montana) as we eagerly awaited and anticipated the next day’s viewing of the HGTV Dream Home 2019.

We embarked from the lodge to the HGTV® Dream Home 2019 the following day, which was a short sojourn of only about 15 minutes – so not too far from civilization. The viewing of this modern mountain retreat in glacier country did not disappoint the likes of me, as I appreciate a home that is in tune with nature. The property was surrounded by a teal-looking lake, mountains and evergreens. The front entryway of the home just exuded this natural feel with its stonework on the walls and columns in addition to Belgard porcelain pavers, featuring a wood finish look, beneath your feet. There was also ample space in the entryway to situate a few planters for a pop of color – talk about a gardening bonus! So, the first steps were impressive, as was every step after that. While I could walk you step by step throughout the entire house, I really just want to revisit this whole concept of blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, as this is where this amazing mountain home really hits the mark and has wide appeal to gardeners.

Upon entering the home, your eyes are drawn to the great room before you. And what a great room it is! Tall windows and large bi-fold glass doors encourage lots of natural light as well as capture the sweeping panoramic views of Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley. The bi-fold glass doors also make the segue way from indoor to outdoors seamless. The indoor/outdoor experience is further accentuated in the adjoining master bedroom with its large windows and glass French doors. With all this natural light flooding into the home, you would have many options for indoor plant placement and your plants would just thrive better. The smooth transition from indoors to outdoors is also seen in the kitchen due to the bi-fold accordion-style window on the sink wall. Natural light, fresh air and”¦fresh herbs! You could easily grow an herb garden on the counter space.

The great room, dining area and master bedroom open onto a large deck and lower outdoor patio space, which not only double the livable space but offer a place to kick back and relax, and enjoy the stunning views of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. While others were in awe at the hot tub on the deck, the impressive Belgard custom stone fireplace and grill island on the patio, and the ample seating arrangements that these layered outdoor living spaces had to offer, the gardener in me was unabashedly focused on the numerous potted and hanging plants that the deck and patio could accommodate, not to mention the plants that could be planted in the open backyard space beyond the borders of the deck and patio.

But don’t take my word for it – go check out the home for yourself. You don’t need to hop a plane to Montana like me. You just need to visit HGTV.com/HGTVDreamHome and check out their videos and numerous photo galleries. And while there, be sure to enter for your chance to win. You never know – this dreamy home could be your reality.

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the U.S., age 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends at 5 p.m. ET on 2/18/19. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.  For full official rules, prize disclosures, and to enter, visit www.HGTV.com. Main Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC d/b/a Home & Garden Television 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee 37932. HGTV, HGTV Dream Home, HGTV Dream Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC.  Used with permission; all rights reserved.