Reiman Gardens Wisconsin Garden Tour 2023

Day 1: Ames/Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin
This morning we travel from Ames, IA to Spring Green, WI for a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin. Our discovery of Wisconsin’s public and private gardens will begin with a 2-hour guided tour of FLW’s home and grounds. His famous home is set on the brow of the hill in the beautiful valley which was settled by his ancestors. Among the most famous residences in the United States, Taliesin showcases Wright’s energy, technique, and creative vision. We’ll see its courtyards and gardens, as well as the interior portion of the home including his famed living room, garden room, loggia, bedroom, and studio. Afterwards, we continue on to Brookfield for an overnight stay. L, D

Day 2: Rose Innovations/Bookworm Gardens/Christopher Farms & Gardens
Will Radler is the breeder of the ‘Knockout Rose’, the revolutionary shrub rose that became the second highest selling plant in history. His 1.5-acre private garden rivals some of the finest public gardens and includes his rose trial beds. We’ll have a private tour of his gardens where we will learn more about these beauties. Then it’s on to Sheboygan and Bookworm Gardens, for a fun stroll through some of the 70 gardens inspired by different children’s books!

Later, a must visit for gardeners when traveling to Wisconsin should include Christopher Farm & Gardens. Overlooking Lake Michigan, we’ll take a guided tour of the 60-acre property including an operating train, orchards, labyrinth, prairie, Asian water garden, Renaissance rose garden, conifer and hosta gardens and council ring garden to name a few. Then, it’s on to Green Bay for the evening. B, L

Day 3: Green Bay Botanical Garden/Paine Art Center & Gardens/Ebert’s Greenhouse Village
Today, we visit Green Bay Botanical Garden for a personal tour led by informed staff including CFO/CEO Susan Garot and Director of Horticulture Mark Konlock. We’ll see their King Shade Garden, one of the finest examples anywhere; the newly completed $13 million expansion of the Children’s Garden; one of the finest rose gardens in the Midwest; a conifer garden with an enormous collection; a Hobbit House restroom; and a massive outdoor amphitheater. We continue on to Oshkosh where we visit the Paine Art Center & Gardens for a self-guided tour of the mansion and gardens. Rodin sculptures highlight the exhibition during our visit along with a Monarch Butterfly waystation. Immerse yourself in the works of Auguste Rodin, an artistic giant through more than 40 examples of his work in bronzes, including nine life-sized statues and witness the monarch life cycle from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly; learn how you can promote a healthy monarch population.

It's on to Madison, Wisconsin’s state capital! Before we check in to our hotel, we will stop at one of Ed Lyon’s favorite Wisconsin nurseries, Ebert’s Greenhouse Village for a chance to purchase plants, flowers and more. B, L, D

Day 4: Olbrich Botanical Gardens/Edgerton Hospital Healing Gardens/Private Garden
True to its Midwestern roots, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the site of one of only four authentic Thai pavilions & gardens outside of Thailand. Stroll through the Thai pavilion and other specialty gardens such as the Perennial Garden, Sunken Garden, Herb Garden and Bolz Conservatory with staff members. After lunch, we’ll make a stop at the Edgerton Hospital Healing Gardens for a tour with horticulturist, Mark Dwyer. He will give us a private tour of this lovely garden surrounding a pond designed for therapeutic use as part of the hospital property.

Next, a visit to a fabulous private garden with prairie as well as ornamental design. One of the owners worked for years at a nursery that sold the highest selection of perennials in the Midwest and this garden shows it! B, L

Day 5: Dane County Farmer’s Market/UW Arboretum
Saturday morning breakfast will be on your own at the Dane County Farmer’s Market which is held around the state capitol building and considered one of the top five best farmers markets in the country. Take a walk into the atrium of the capital to see its gorgeous architecture. Not too far away is Monona Terrace, one of FLW’s finest public buildings where we will experience the beautiful rooftop garden.

Later, see the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The arboretum specializes in Midwest native plant gardens; the Curtis Prairie, the second oldest restored prairie in the Midwest; and Longenecker Gardens, ornamental trees and shrubs arboretum. This afternoon may just be the highlight of the tour as we will visit a few local private neighborhood gardens in and around Madison. L

Day 6: EPIC SYSTEMS Campus/Ames
One of the zaniest, most eye-popping destinations is the corporate headquarters of medical-software giant Epic Systems, located in the rolling farm country of Verona, Wisconsin. There are several themed campuses with building’s exterior and interior reflecting the whimsy of Harry Potter’s Wizard Academy, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Willie Wonka, amongst other storybook characters as well as Japanese, Southwestern, Heaven, Japanese and other themed areas. Retired Olbrich horticulturist, Jeff Epping will tour us through the landscape with plants more typical of a public garden than a corporate campus. At last, we must say farewell to the amazing gardens of Wisconsin and make our way back to Ames. B, L

Quality Accommodations:

Night 1: Sheraton Brookfield Hotel, Brookfield, WI
Night 2: Spring Hill Suites, Green Bay, WI
Nights 3-5: Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison, WI

Dates:
Aug 15-20, 2023

Price per person:
Double: $1,997
Single: $2,415

Depart/Return:
Reiman Gardens - Ames, IA

Inclusions:
Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
$200 per person donation to Reiman Gardens

Arrival Time
Schedule to arrive at Reiman Gardens on Aug 15 by 7:15 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. departure.

Departure Time
We will return to Reiman Gardens on Aug 20 by 5:00 p.m.

Vehicle Parking
Complimentary parking at Reiman Gardens for duration of tour.

Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps
High of 80°, low of 60°

Time Zone
Central

Hotel Amenities
Standard service includes high-speed and wireless internet access, an iron and ironing board, alarm clock, hair dryer, coffee maker, and a daily newspaper.

Additional Information
Dress on tour is casual. A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.

For Terms and Conditions please see Terms & Conditions