Ann's Garden and Outdoor Art Gallery

About

While Ann and her husband loved the historic home they purchased in the Washington Highlands in 1987, previous sales had reduced the outdoor space to a small, steep hill in the backyard. You will be enchanted to see how this space has evolved. A short time after the purchase, the backyard hillside was terraced into three levels, grass was planted, and the backyard served as the play space for their young family. Fast-forward 18 years to when Ann began her quest to minimize turf, and discovered she was a plant collector at heart. If "variety is the spice of life," you'd have to call this a spicy garden. At last count, it includes over 30 varieties of trees and shrubs, and over 100 different ground covers and perennials. The only two plants remaining from the original garden are a huge basswood and an ancient privet hedge. More recently, her focus has turned to replacing some perennials with native plants to support birds and butterflies, and the garden is now a certified wildlife habitat. Lots of variety makes this a rather high maintenance garden, but it is a labor of love as well as a benefit to mental and physical health. The middle level now contains grass-like perennials and sedges and layered shrubs, including one of her favorites, a Hanoki Cypress. Recently, a memorial native shrub given by gardening friends for a beloved brother was planted adjacent to a statue memorializing her sister, who passed 20 years ago. The lowest level of the garden is devoted mostly to shade plants, ferns, and a variety of woodland ephemerals and perennials. This tier is all about texture, so be sure to take some time to really experience the carefully arranged selections. Since retiring, Ann has discovered a new passion—ART! Now a docent at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Ann has combined both collecting and creating art with her love of gardening. She especially enjoys using natural materials, and displays them throughout the garden. A “wood gallery” has replaced the original hot tub niche.

This garden’s estimated size is 1/4 acre.

Tickets will be available for this Open Day on Thursday, May 1st.

2025 Open Day:  Saturday, July 19

Hours: 10-12, 12-2, 2-4