Friends, it’s finally in sight. We’ve endured five months of snow, ice and frigid temps, and coming our way is a well-deserved spring full of sun, rain showers, and, of course, flowers. Treat yourself this spring to a trip to the local greenhouse for some bright colors, fresh smells and pure bliss. Here are a few of our absolute favorites:
- Second Nature at Reads Creek, Readstown
Located in the ever-gorgeous Driftless area, Second Nature aims to be a gardener’s vacation. The picturesque Reads Creek property was purchased with the goal of sharing its beautiful location with the community, and offers a variety of plants, including roses, fruits, evergreens, perennials, shrubs and vines. Visitors will enjoy its meandering pathways leading to an abundance of color, texture and variety. A quaint cottage-turned-gift-shop offers unique treasures and a sweeping front porch dotted with rocking chairs to take in both the rain garden and the notorious Reads Creek eagle nest perched in the rolling Southwestern Wisconsin scenery. - Winter Greenhouse, Winter
Filled with gorgeous and high-quality perennials, annuals and vegetables, evergreens, fruit trees, vines, roses, herbs and wildflowers, Winter Greenhouse is a must-stop on your next trip to northwest Wisconsin. Take in the display garden, featuring both sun and shade areas, rock gardens, herb gardens and even a full-sized pond with fish and frogs. - The Flower Factory, Stoughton
The Flower Factory offers more than 4,000 varieties of perennials – one of the largest in the Midwest. If you’re in search of Coral Bells, Hostas, Daylilies or Grasses, the incredible selection here will wow you. On the grounds, you’ll find a charming 100-year-old red barn and unique rock gardens, complete with a mini train winding its way through. - Yerke Frog Alley Greenhouses, Mukwonago
What began as a dairy farm in the mid-1800s eventually turned into a greenhouse in 1954, and the fifth-generation family business is celebrating its 64th Yerke Frog Alley grows a vast selection of heirloom plants, annual flowers, vegetables and herbs. Enjoy the colorful array of plants on a family-farm setting!
What will you be adding to your garden this year? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin!
Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)