Wildflower Woods and Memorial Garden

Let's start exploring the gardens! Starting at the main entrance, we will take the walking path to your right, towards the Wildflower Woods and Memorial Garden.

You are headed into the Wildflower Woods

The Wildflower Woods was created to showcase Wisconsin's beautiful native landscapes. We are currently working on building the tree canopy to create shade for the delicate wildflowers.  In 2005, the first trees were planted and as they mature the turf will be replaced with woodland flowers. Take a look at all of the different tree varieties. In Spring, look for ephemeral wildflowers that emerge and bloom before the trees leaf out. You can find a variety of wildflowers in the woods including bee balm, spiderwort, solomon’s seal, violets, shooting star, trillium, black eyed susan, virginia bluebells, and purple coneflower. The east end of the Wildflower Woods, Herbie's Garden, has been planted with native understory and spring wildflowers. Take a look and see if you can identify any of the wildflowers.

The Memorial Garden is a feature within Wildflower Woods

The Memorial Garden includes a Memorial Plaza to honor the memories of loved ones. Teak and stone benches in memory of local loved ones surround the plaza, and trees given in memory of friends and family have been planted. The round patio is surrounded by native Aqua Bluestone Granite boulders, only found in Marathon County, Wisconsin and in North Carolina. In the center of the plaza, you can find a wind sculpture created by the internationally acclaimed sculptor Lyman Whitaker of Utah. Five different species of birch trees surround the plaza, creating a calming atmosphere. Just beyond the birches, native trees are planted to highlight the Wisconsin landscape. If you are looking for a quiet place to reflect, this is the perfect garden to practice yoga or sit and relax with a book.

As you continue on the trail through the Wildflower Woods, you will find and area called Herbie's Garden. In Herbie's Garden there is a kaleidoscope for visitors to examine natural objects. Meander through Herbie's Garden and look at all of the beautiful natives.