August 12, 2019

Imagine a Garden Framed by a Prairie

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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.

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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.

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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.

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These miniature Hostas will always be just the right size for the fairy garden.

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At the same time, an impressive collection of larger Hostas grace other areas of her garden.

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A stream with waterfalls provides naturalistic movement.

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Linda is very creative with plantings along a rocky berm.

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And in her potted arrangements.

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Of course, any garden with a pond full of blooming Water Lilies is truly special.

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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.

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Another viewpoint...

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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!)

30 comments:

  1. Oh my...wonderfulness! I love this garden...thank you for sharing. I can imagine living surrounded by prairie.It speaks to me. xoxogail

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    1. It is spectacular, Gail. I can imagine it, too. I would love to do something like this if I had more sun. Someday?

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  2. Turk's cap lilies are spectacular, especially since they stand proudly above their neighbours. And that vivid deep colour!

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    1. Yes, 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. :)

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    1. It's incredible, isn't it? Yours is amazing, too, Linda. :)

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  4. Beautiful! 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.

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    1. Yay! I hope so, Kris. Yes, this garden, and actually all the gardens planned for next year, are really special.

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  5. Wow--what a garden!! Thanks so much for a tour of this gorgeous garden.

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    1. You are welcome. It is so unique. I'm so thankful to Linda for sharing it and including it in our tour next year. :)

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  6. What a beautiful place! I love that rocky berm.

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    1. I really like that, too. Each area of the garden is truly special.

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  7. What an interesting concept come to life. Beautiful gardens.

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  8. Oh, my! This garden is so lovely! Can't wait to see it with you.

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    1. It's awesome. Can't wait to see you again, Linda! The Flings are so fun. :)

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  9. Beth, 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.

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  10. Hi Beth,
    Beautiful, beautiful, it is lovely. I like the pond. The miniature gardens are sweet.

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    1. You'd enjoy it, Carla. I hope you can join us for the Fling next summer!

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  11. Gorgeous, especially those Turk's Cap Lilies. Can't wait until next year's fling.

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    1. Yes, 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. :)

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  12. It truly is gorgeous.

    I suppose she has someone mow it down once a year?

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    1. 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.

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  13. Oh, to be there in person! Thank you for letting me tour with you.
    Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

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    1. You are welcome. Sorry for the late reply. Sometimes I move on too quickly for the next post. :)

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  14. She has such a wonderful garden. I've seen it in person so it was pleasant to remember it via your photos.

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    1. It will be fun to visit Linda's garden again next summer. Truly an amazing property!

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