{in the Garden} A New Find ... Monches Farm

How far is too far to travel in search of plants? Not Wisconsin. I spent the weekend driving the back roads of Wisconsin in search of new perennial sources.


Recently, a customer told me about Monches Farm located in southeastern Wisconsin. So, this became the first destination on my weekend trek. This perennial farm, located in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin is a gem! Set in some of the most beautiful rolling farms of Wisconsin, Monches Farm grows most of its plants on site, has charming display gardens, and a gift/antique shop set in an old greenhouse/farm building. A strutting peacock greets you in the parking lot or in the display gardens, Sand Hill Cranes nest in the pond, and all types of sculpture (dinosaur and small) are on parade.


The old greenhouse is loaded with varieties of coleus and begonias intermingling with antique bird cages filled with fluttering, singing birds ... it stops you in your tracks! Just magical!
The cottage style display gardens wrap around the farm buildings with a jaw dropping assortment of bearded and siberian iris in full bloom. In addition, there are some plants that just beckon to come home with you ... an 8' grayish thistle with candelabra arms and purple flowers. There is also has an amazing selection of siberian iris (all in bloom this weekend) ... and if you see something you like that is not yet potted, they simply dig it from the field for you.
I could not leave empty handed. Today's acquisitions include: the 8' thistle described above (name unknown), Siberian Iris, Nicotiana langsdorffii and Salvia. Next stop, the Flying Pig in Algoma, Wisconsin.