Sure, it snowed today and it looked a bit like a whiteout, but just 30 minutes later it was sunny. It feels like we’re on the eighth step of some program we didn’t sign up for where third winter has just taken hold, but truly, Spring has to be on its way, right? There were birds singing this morning before the mini-blizzard popped up, so I’m choosing to be optimistic.
One of the very best parts of Spring is all the new growth. The vibrant colors and intoxicating smell of all the new plants, trees and flowers are really what makes Spring so amazing. You know that in Wisconsin we have some of the very best botanical gardens, so this list isn’t going to send you there. You know where to find those and that they’ll be home to some of the most brilliant displays of flowers you could ever desire. This list is 10 amazing places to find color this Spring that you might not be so familiar with. A little more off the beaten path and less popular, these spots are also less-crowded while still giving you your fill of Spring sights, sounds and smells.
This is a free public garden on the grounds of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. They're a living laboratory for horticulture students and an outdoor classroom that they share with the public.
You'd never know this beautiful sprawling spot was there if you weren't looking. On Milwaukee's north side, it's an awesome way to experience art while taking in some gorgeous scenery. Make sure to check their calendar for some really cool events. Admission is $9.
This giant butterfly house and maze is a truly magical spot in Appleton. You'll love seeing all the color burst when Spring hits and getting to wander through the butterflies is like a dream. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 3-17, kids ages 2 and under are free.
You may remember going here for field trips, but Old World Wisconsin has so much to offer — you have to go back as an adult. You'll experience a trip through our state's history as you wander the grounds which are chock full of gorgeous gardens. They reopen for weekends on May 5 and are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for kids.
There are more than 65 gardens here meant to fuel the imagination and tie in with a love of books and readings. Open May 1 through October 31 Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. They operate their regular hours, even on holidays. Admission to Bookworm Gardens is by voluntary donation. Suggested donation is $5 per person. It is a picnic-friendly spot — bring your own food or drink and spend the day. It is a trash-free location and they ask that you take everything with you when you leave.
This is an outdoor labyrinth created and maintained by volunteers. Called an earth sculpture, it has turf paths, flower bed walls with spring bulbs, annuals, ornamental grasses, perennials, and herbs. The exterior is framed with balls of boxwood. It is the only labyrinth in the state where the barrier walls are made solely of flower beds. Located behind David Gensler's 1993 "Tableau in Steel" sculpture in Regner Park on Main Street.
This was once a private residence whose owners took meticulous care of the yard. Now it's the home of their foundation and the grounds are open to the public Memorial Day weekend through mid-October 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week weather permitting.
Sure, the architecture and building are the most well-known thing here, but Frank Lloyd Wright's style was about merging the interior and the exterior, so the grounds here are always stunning and immaculate. You'll love how the different windows and views from the house open onto bright, sunny gardens. There are various tour options for a variety of price points.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this free garden was created in 2004 at the University of Wisconsin Peninsular Agricultural Research Station. The garden is designed and maintained by members of the Door County Master Gardeners Association. It has a faerie garden, double kaleidoscope, pond with koi, a children's play area, butterfly garden, wind and sound tunnel, ornamental grasses area with bottle trees, wences, annual and perennial beds.
This nature sanctuary is more than 40 acres. There are miles of paths in the Pike River Valley. Multiple gardens throughout the acreage bring color during the spring. Open year-round, but with varying hours depending on the season, this unique spot is free to the public but accepts donations.
880 Green Bay Rd., Kenosha, WI 53144.
Where are your favorite spots to find color when Spring comes? Let us know about them in the comments!
