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:
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!
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.
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.
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.