Garden Adventures in Milwaukee Wisconsin

Posted by Christine Eirschele Aug 24, 2009

While Milwaukee may not be the exotic travel destination everyone dreams of, this Midwest City is well known for its many summer festivals. But for as long as I’ve lived and returned to Milwaukee County, it also has always valued plants, parks and gardens.

History of Milwaukee Flower Gardens

One of the oldest public gardens is Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, just southwest of Milwaukee. In that flower garden the most often visited is the rose garden. My parents loved that garden because they loved roses. But in the 1950s and 1960s, I thought rolling down what seemed like mammoth hills at the time was my big adventure.

Another iconic public garden my parent dragged me to was the Mitchell Park Conservatory. Don’t get me wrong; today I encourage everyone to stop at The Domes for a visit. But I had gardeners for parents, every garden was special, not to be missed no matter where they were. Today, the three glasshouses and their holiday flower displays, especially Easter with masses of Lilies and Poinsettia plants at Christmas remain a traditional and very popular favorite.

Cemetery Gardens

I remember going to cemeteries with my parents. I don’t remember dressing up in Sunday clothes, perhaps bringing a bouquet of flowers along though. Instead my parents would load up the family car with trowels, watering cans and flats of plants, and off we went to visit loved ones long gone.

A cemetery garden was first developed as a Sunday family destination in the late 1800s, when cemeteries were part of neighborhood life. Forest Home Cemetery is one such place. Today, it is a historic location perfect for learning about trees and shrubs. The old growth tree canopy creates a cool summer garden location for peaceful reflection.

More Garden Inspiration

I find the most inspiration for my garden planning in the unlikeliest, sometimes cheapest places. If you are like me, checkout the boulevard gardens throughout Milwaukee County, you are sure to find ideas to replicate. They do vary in design, but all have some combination of trees, shrubs and flowering plants.

Healing Garden for Body Mind and Spirit

Both roof top gardens and horticultural therapy are two newer garden strategies. One place that brings this all together is St. Luke’s Medical Center with their new healing garden that opened June 1, this year. Whether as a patient of visitor, I strongly recommend spending a reflective moment in this wonderful garden.

If you are in the upper Midwest of the United States, consider making a stopover in Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee. There is much to see, but don’t forget the gardens, no matter your age.