A cute help shed in the yard provides an easy-to-spot place to get plant help.

November/December 2023
Finding inspiration in Milwaukee garden centers By Teresa McPherson

The Garden Center Show tour made five stops to IGCs in southeastern Wisconsin, each providing inspiration and ideas to attendees.

The Garden Center Show tour began on a comfortably cool morning — but both the day and the retail inspiration heated up quickly. Attendees strolled five garden retailers in the Milwaukee area, each with its own distinct personality and aesthetic — from lush display gardens to shiny new greenhouses to a petting farm.

Prospect Hill Garden Center
New Berlin, Wisconsin

Prospect Hill Garden Center petting zoo — Visitors can get up close and personal with both the flora and fauna with Prospect Hill Garden Center’s free petting zoo.

Prospect Hill Garden Center sign cash wrap — An outdoor cash register helps move customers through on busy days.

Prospect Hill Garden Center baskets — Known for their hanging baskets, Prospect Hill grows 95% of its annuals.

Prospect Hill Garden Center endcap — Pretty endcaps show customers how to plant for maximum impact.

K & W Greenery

Janesville, Wisconsin

K & W Greenery’s inviting entrance includes carts to the left and a charming vintage car vignette.

A cute help shed in the yard provides an easy-to-spot place to get plant help.

Eye-catching signs indicate new varieties.

Ebert’s Greenhouse Village

Ixonia, Wisconsin

Signs and machinery throughout the property display the history of the Ebert family and the equipment they used on the former farmland.

A new seating area allows visitors a space to relax and also serves as a space for the many events that take place at the property.

Signs in the landscape include plant tags to show customers exactly what is planted there.

Bayside Garden Center

Bayside, Wisconsin

A large bear keeps watch over the hard goods near the entrance to Bayside.

Signage encourages Bayside Garden Center customers to connect online and leave a review.

A colorful pottery display makes an impact inside the store.

A cheery hydrangea display near the store entrance.

Minor’s Garden Center

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A colorfully painted desk serves as a checkout counter.

Operational fountains are lined up along the entrance to Minor’s Garden Center.

The resident mouser can often be spotted in the gift shop.

For an enhanced reading experience, view this article in our digital edition.

Teresa McPherson

Teresa McPherson is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].

75 Applewood Drive, Suite A
PO Box 128
Sparta, MI 49345

[email protected]

616.520.2137

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