Tag
Gardens
The Dubuque Arboretum is a nice little surprise on the northern edge of the city. This free arboretum has a variety of gardens: rose, rock, prairie, annuals, confiders, formal and, of course, a nice Japanese Garden. The large koi pond… Continue Reading →
The Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville are suprisingly large and incredibly gorgeous. Wander 20 acres of what they describe as 26 separate garden areas. While you may not notice all of them, the gardens do dramatically changes from English Cottage… Continue Reading →
Boerner Botanical Gardens are located just outside of Milwaukee. Though smaller than other area gardens, they are full of interesting plantings. Additionally, they have a large water-feature area (off when we visited pre-season). There is also a large play area… Continue Reading →
The Windmill Island Gardens do not disappoint. It’s an island, there are extensive gardens, and a massive functioning windmill. Like much of Holland, MI, the high-point of the year is during May for their tulip festival. Like other parts of… Continue Reading →
There are two main areas at the Tulip Fest. The major draw is, obviously, tulips. With a number of tulip growers in the area, the town hosts a festival with tulips everywhere. There are mass plantings in parks, down the… Continue Reading →
This was one of our holy grails of locations. Not because it is hard to get to, but because the garden is only open 1 hour a day, 5 days a week. Miss the 11am tour Tue-Saturday and you’re out… Continue Reading →
The Isle of Ferns lives up to its name in every way. It’s an island, it’s covered in ferns. This small island in the Wisconsin River has a series of windy trails the encircle the island. Pleasant and shady, it… Continue Reading →
Billed as “Wausau’s Happy Place”, this 30 acre garden is a lovely new(ish) location to visit. Donated in 2003, the 30-acre gardens are clearly still a work in progress. What is there and growing in is quite attractive. Wander through… Continue Reading →
The Chicago Botanic Garden is amazing! There’s something for every plant lover here – Japanese gardens, English cottage gardens, experimental plants, natives, edible, tropical and even artwork made of plants. With nearly 400 acres, wear comfy shoes and plan to… Continue Reading →
Tucked behind a collection of utilitarian buildings off Highway 42 is a lovely garden maintained by the Door County Master Gardeners. Wander through arches covered with vines, down winding paths, past a busy pond and through waves to sedges. The… Continue Reading →
Lyndale Park Rose and Peace Gardens are a lovely, public haven on the edge of Lake Harriet. Wander the gardens, admiring the experimental plants, topiary and roses. You will share the park with couples taking wedding photos, quinceañera, parties, Hmong… Continue Reading →
Despite small signs of human encroachment, the native plants are left to flower and spread.
The Japanese Gardens of Como Park are stunning. Serene, sculpted, controlled and incredibly lush, they are the perfect place to find a bit of quiet after the zoo and conservatories.
The students at Normandale are extremely lucky to have such a beautiful and unique garden on their campus.
James Tellen, like many fellow Wisconsinites, was bitten by the cement bug and the desire to create large, lumpen pieces of art on his property. “Naive” is the kindest term for his work. Some pieces, like the one of Abraham… Continue Reading →
The Como Park Conservatory is a tropical paradise on the frozen Minnesota prairie. Substantially larger than most midwest conservatories, it houses a Fern Room, Palm House, Sunken Garden, Orchid and Tropical houses, along with many outdoor gardens. The venerable collection… Continue Reading →