A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
Spring has finally arrived in Wisconsin, flowering the landscape with beautiful blooms! Throughout the state, many of Wisconsin’s counties, such as Milwaukee, Brown, and Rock, showcase the natural and colorful delicacies in their botanical gardens. So tag along as we discover Wisconsin’s finest flowers!
Boerner Botanical Gardens – Milwaukee County
On this flowery tour, our first stop is in Milwaukee County, home of the beautiful Boerner Botanical Gardens! Nestled in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, Boerner Botanical Gardens beams with new life as springtime rolls in, while featuring historic remnants of their beginnings.
The gardens house unique, glacial fieldstone walls and an authentic limestone sanctuary, showcasing history right in front of your eyes. In addition, the Garden House on site, which dates back to 1939 when it was originally constructed, still has its signature woodwork intact from the artisans of the time.
With such rich artifacts of history surrounding the blossoms, it’s no wonder Boerner Botanical Gardens is known as Milwaukee County’s premier outdoor venue. Their wide assortment of flowers is nothing short of impressive, from annuals, perennials, roses, herbs, daylilies, and many more!
To get the full experience, enjoy a guided garden tour provided by the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens. And don’t forget to swing by their gift shop for a souvenir!
Green Bay Botanical Garden – Brown County
Up next, Brown County’s breathtaking Green Bay Botanical Garden! With 47 acres of beauty, you will surely be blown away by this spectacular garden. Their display gardens highlight Wisconsin’s four seasons through flowers and are accompanied by amazing architectural features.
Discover display gardens, including the Herb Display Garden, Daylily Display Garden, Lux Foundation Rose Garden, Magnolia Grove, and much more. To ensure your visit is as magical as it can be, they offer tours of all types for all ages and interests. With an exclusive garden team, they will help you plan the perfect trip.
Enjoy an adult tour or even an express summer garden tour! And designed specially for the kiddos, they offer the opportunity to host youth field trips.
The youth are a huge part of the garden’s overall mission: to educate. Growing families together while nurturing a child’s connection with nature is what Green Bay Botanical Garden strives to do through its hands-on youth and family activities centered around nature.
Rotary Botanical Gardens – Rock County
Last but not least, Rotary Botanical Gardens, located in Rock County, is truly remarkable. This award-winning botanical garden is run by a quaint staff and many dedicated volunteers who work to provide visitors and locals alike with an enriching experience with nature.
Consisting of a vast 20 acres, the grounds include 26 different garden styles and 4,000 types of plants! In addition, each of their gardens is designed to capture your interest and transport you around the world. Keeping with an international theme, Rotary Botanical Gardens houses Scottish, French Formal, and English Grove Gardens that will truly leave you in awe.
While you’re there, take a guided tour! See the beauty of their blooms and plants close up and learn the history of the gardens, plant materials, and fascinating facts along the way. Before your visit to Rotary Botanical Gardens comes to an end, stop by Cottage Garden Gallery and check out their local and handmade items.
Wisconsin in spring is hard to beat with its spectacular blooms scattered throughout many of the counties. Discover the flowers of Milwaukee, Brown, and Rock counties. See the beauty first-hand this spring.
Hailey Rose, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
