As the gardens at Old World Wisconsin hit their peak, the
historic site will host a series of before- and after-hours heirloom garden strolls. These exclusive events provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the different ethnic groups' gardening styles and traditions, see some of
their favorite plants and learn how they were used.
Each stroll will be led by the site's expert historical
gardener, Marcia Carmichael. In addition to researching, organizing and leading management of the site's 12 heirloom gardens, Ms. Carmichael is also the
award-winning author of "Putting Down Roots: Gardening Insights from Wisconsin's Early Settlers," which features the gardens of Old World Wisconsin.
Garden Stroll Details:
- Each tour concludes with refreshments featuring flavors from the homelands of the gardens visited; evening strolls include refreshments in the garden toured, plus a cash bar.
- Reservations are required and available online or at 262-594-6301.
- Reservations for a garden stroll include a single-use, half-price museum admission voucher, valid for the 2012 season.
- Copies of "Putting Down Roots" will be available at the museum store, and Ms. Carmichael will be available to sign books after each tour.
Morning Garden Strolls: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15 per person
- July 22: Kruza and Schottler Gardens
- September 16: Ketola and Pedersen Gardens
Evening Garden Strolls: 5:30 to 8 p.m. $20 per person
- August 23: Schulz and Koepsell Gardens
- September 6: Sanford and Benson Gardens
Overview of Old World Wisconsin:
Old World Wisconsin, owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, is a premier outdoor museum of late 19th- and early 20th-century Midwestern immigrant
farm and rural life. The museum offers visitors engaging points of connection, facilitated by period-clad interpreters, and by visiting 10 working farmsteads, exploring 12 heirloom gardens, interacting with historic animal breeds, and trying out historic crafts and trades. The new "Life on the Farm" experience is now open for the 2012 season. The site is open May 1 through Oct. 31 plus postseason holiday weekends.
