Summer is a great time of year to visit local native/pollinator gardens to see a wide variety of sustainable landscape designs. In the Milwaukee area, there are plenty of gardens for inspiration. Some of the spaces are all native plantings; while others incorporate natives into more traditional landscapes. Here are a few spaces that we recommend you take the time to visit:
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With 40 acres and more than half a dozen specialized garden spaces plan on spending a few hours exploring the gardens. Lynden’s goal is “to steward healthy habitats for an array of native plants and wildlife while adding a vibrant mosaic of color and texture to this sculptural landscape through every season.” The sculptures are great too!
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The Environmental Learning Center is surrounded by a native plant gardens, including a rain garden and a pollinator garden. There are also acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands to explore.
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Historic Dousman Stagecoach Inn
The 1843 historic Dousman Stagecoach Inn is located in a city park in Brookfield. While primarily a historical site, there are many gardens are filled with perennials, natives and some annuals. There is also a restored prairie and a certified Monarch Waystation.
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It’s not just roses and peonies! There are plenty of native plants to be found at the Boener Botanical Gardens. Be sure to check out the new children’s area, which features a butterfly garden and a wildflower garden.