An entertaining garden

Winter in Wisconsin is glaringly bright and snowy or drearily brown. Thus I saved all my images from visits to local gardens last summer to share this winter. Members of the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society open their gardens in the late afternoon and evening for members to stop by. Many of these are scheduled in advance with a number of gardens in near neighborhoods. Lately members are also sending out broadcast emails for impromptu tours.

These images are from a 2019 early season visit to an urban garden surrounding a beautiful older home on Madison's east side. You know you are in for a treat when the garage sports such a beautiful door — with a large piece of art above it!

Every inch of available space along the driveway was planted and there were containers of foliage and flowers all through the space.

A a woman who collects china and garden tools, I was smitten with all the displays on the back of the house and around the deck. Old brass hose nozzles had pride of place on this windowsill while a shelf was built especially to display these little china flower baskets. 

A vine-covered lattice wall decorated with plates screens the dining area from the neighboring house which is quite close by. You can see it is so early in the season that the vine is just starting to leaf out. 

 

The size of this tree trunk shouts that this is mostly a shade garden!

This view shows more pots and troughs on the deck as well as long curtains that screen out the neighbors. A lovely garden and a perfect spot for entertaining. 

Comments

[Kris P]

What a wonderful way to spend a summer evening. I wish SoCal had the equivalent of a Hardy Plant Society to sponsor tours.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I like the way you looked at this garden. Such an artsy garden. A collectors dream scape.

[Jane Miller]

This was one of my favorite gardens as it showcased such fun collections. Every time I drive down this street I can’t help but peek down the driveway. As I recall, the day of this tour it was so cold we were wearing coats and gloves!

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Fun! It's helpful during these wintry days to look back or look ahead. I need to plan for some posts about last year's growing season...in between posts about the Fling. ;-)

[Loree / danger garden]

Touring other people's gardens is always a wonderful way to spend time. Looking back on those tours when the weather outside is ugly...that's even better.