The garden of Linda Grosz, in Middleton, Wisconsin, is truly a special place. A ring of native prairie--planted from seed 20 years ago--surrounds her 1.75-acre property, acting as a pollinator haven, a native wildflower showcase, and a "sponge" for rainwater runoff. The garden actually appears much larger, with a "borrowed view" of a golf course beyond.
The sights, sounds, and scents are truly a feast for the senses. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are plentiful and active. Monarda, Silphiums, Helianthus, Ratibida, Asclepias, and many other genera happily bloom side-by-side.
Linda was kind enough to let me tour her garden twice this summer--the prairie was stunning both times, with different blooms on display. In late July, I was fortunate to see the native Turk's Cap Lilies (Lilium superbum) in full bloom.
In addition to the ring of prairie, Linda's garden offers other magical features, including her fairy garden, full of tiny props and tiny plants.
These miniature Hostas will always be just the right size for the fairy garden.
At the same time, an impressive collection of larger Hostas grace other areas of her garden.
A stream with waterfalls provides naturalistic movement.
Linda is very creative with plantings along a rocky berm.
And in her potted arrangements.
Of course, any garden with a pond full of blooming Water Lilies is truly special.
From Linda's elevated deck, you get a nice view of the full effect: large Willows and other trees, the prairie ring, stream, side gardens, pond, sitting areas, and more.
Another viewpoint...
And yet another.
This is a special place. Thank you, Linda, for your hospitality and for sharing your garden.
(This is one of many amazing gardens that will be included in next June's Madison-area Garden Bloggers Fling. For updates on this and other featured gardens and events, visit gardenbloggersfling.blogspot.com in the months ahead!)
Oh my...wonderfulness! I love this garden...thank you for sharing. I can imagine living surrounded by prairie.It speaks to me. xoxogail
ReplyDeleteIt is spectacular, Gail. I can imagine it, too. I would love to do something like this if I had more sun. Someday?
DeleteTurk's cap lilies are spectacular, especially since they stand proudly above their neighbours. And that vivid deep colour!
ReplyDeleteYes, they really make a statement, don't they? It would be fun to spend some time photographing them, alone. But then, they look so amazing in their natural setting, too. :)
DeleteI am always impressed with her garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible, isn't it? Yours is amazing, too, Linda. :)
DeleteBeautiful! A garden with a wildflower meadow, a stream and a pond is a dream. I'm hoping to get to the Wisconsin Fling in 2020.
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope so, Kris. Yes, this garden, and actually all the gardens planned for next year, are really special.
DeleteWow--what a garden!! Thanks so much for a tour of this gorgeous garden.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. It is so unique. I'm so thankful to Linda for sharing it and including it in our tour next year. :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful place! I love that rocky berm.
ReplyDeleteI really like that, too. Each area of the garden is truly special.
DeleteWhat an interesting concept come to life. Beautiful gardens.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's really quite a special garden.
DeleteOh, my! This garden is so lovely! Can't wait to see it with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome. Can't wait to see you again, Linda! The Flings are so fun. :)
DeleteBeth, that is indeed an awesome garden. Having a water dynamically flowing in a garden is always a wonderful sight, and even if it is man-made, through time it already looks like nature made. Butterflies will always be present in gardens like those.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's such a life-filled, peaceful place. :)
DeleteHi Beth,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful, it is lovely. I like the pond. The miniature gardens are sweet.
You'd enjoy it, Carla. I hope you can join us for the Fling next summer!
DeleteGorgeous, especially those Turk's Cap Lilies. Can't wait until next year's fling.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Turk's Caps really make a statement, don't they? The garden was amazing earlier in the summer, too, so I'm sure there will plenty of awesome plants and blooms to view next June. :)
DeleteIt truly is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI suppose she has someone mow it down once a year?
You know, Linda did talk about that a bit, and I think you're right--I think they mow it. But I'm not sure if it's every year.
DeleteOh, to be there in person! Thank you for letting me tour with you.
ReplyDeleteJeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
You are welcome. Sorry for the late reply. Sometimes I move on too quickly for the next post. :)
DeleteWow. That's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing! I can't wait to visit again!
DeleteShe has such a wonderful garden. I've seen it in person so it was pleasant to remember it via your photos.
ReplyDeleteIt will be fun to visit Linda's garden again next summer. Truly an amazing property!
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