Bloch's Farm in Green Lake, Wisconsin: A Haven of Natural Beauty

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Green Lake, Wisconsin, lies a hidden gem that captures the essence of nature's beauty in every corner. Bloch's Farm, with its enchanting garden center and iconic red barn, is a place where time seems to stand still. From the moment I stepped foot onto this haven, I was captivated by its charm and mesmerized by the incredible selection of beautiful plants.

As I entered the garden center, I was immediately greeted by vibrant colors and fragrant scents that filled the air. The careful arrangement of plants, flowers, and shrubs created a visually stunning display that awakened my senses. It was as if I had entered a botanical wonderland.

The centerpiece of Bloch's Farm is undoubtedly its iconic red barn, standing tall and proud against the backdrop of lush greenery. Its rustic charm and timeless appeal add a touch of nostalgia to the entire experience. The sight of the red barn against the clear blue sky is a visual treat that transports you to a simpler time.

For plant enthusiasts like me, Bloch's Farm is a paradise. The wide selection of plants, ranging from delicate flowers to towering trees, is nothing short of extraordinary. The knowledgeable staff members are always ready to assist, offering expert advice on gardening and helping me choose the perfect plants for my own little oasis at home.

One could easily spend hours at Bloch's Farm, lost in the tranquility and serenity it offers. From relaxing in the shade of a towering tree to overlooking a blooming flower bed, every moment spent here is a testament to the beauty of nature and the respite it provides from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Bloch's Farm in Green Lake, Wisconsin, is more than just a garden center; it's a sanctuary of natural beauty. With its iconic red barn, breathtaking selection of plants, and serene ambiance, it captivates visitors and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Bloch's Farm is an absolute must-visit destination. Prepare to be enchanted by its allure and be inspired to create your own little piece of paradise.

Address:  W1604 WI-23, Green Lake, WI 54941

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

 

Finding Peace and Tranquility at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem in Homestead, Florida

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary  is a non-profit nature preserve located in the Redlands area of South Florida. This sanctuary covers 20 acres of land, and it is a beautiful example of the region's natural beauty. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other small animals. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's tropical hardwood hammocks, lush gardens, and historic structures, which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.

One of the most unique aspects of Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is its focus on nature-based mindfulness experiences. The sanctuary offers a variety of programs and activities designed to help visitors connect with nature and find inner peace. These activities include guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and nature walks. Many visitors find that these activities help them to reduce stress, improve their mental and emotional well-being, and deepen their connection to the natural world.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

As a non-profit organization, Patch of Heaven Sanctuary relies on donations and volunteers to maintain and improve the sanctuary. Visitors can support the sanctuary by making a donation, volunteering their time, or participating in one of the sanctuary's fundraising events. By doing so, they can help ensure that this beautiful and peaceful sanctuary remains a natural treasure for generations to come.

Address:

21900 SW 157th Avenue

Miami, FL 33170

Hours: Open to the public Wednesday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: 

Adults: $20

Children 12 and under: $10

 

Guided tours are by appointment only. Tours are $35 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

In addition to tours, the Sanctuary hosts special events throughout the year.

Enjoy you trip! 

            Sherri

Tropical Backyard Garden 2021 Tour in Arkansas

 

  

I am late on posting a garden tour from last summer. After the hard winter, it took most of the summer for what did survive to grow.

 

In February 2021, we had ice, snow, high winds, and negative nine-degree weather for a week. This is not something that you would ever expect to experience in southern Arkansas.

While we did enjoy playing in the snow, I was concerned about the damage it was causing.

I knew that the palm and banana trees would suffer, but I was not sure about the more native plants and trees. Six out of the eight palm trees died. Most of them being over ten years old.  

I cleaned up and set back to see if anything would put back up.

Slowly, the banana trees and a few other plants started to grow.

The crape myrtles, loquat, and some bushes struggled to put out new growth in July. Normally, this would happen in April. 

 

Everything continued to struggle throughout the summer, but by August, my lush paradise had returned. Well mostly..... things were smaller than normal and some of the trees still had dead limbs mixed with the green ones. The hibiscus and sun coleus that I had wintered in the greenhouse performed extra well, making up for the lack in the rest of the garden.  

This past winter was mild as usual and the trees and plants continue to recover. We have added new hardscapes and plants to the garden this year already.  I am hoping this summer will be better since I am already seeing a lot of green and new growth from the established plants and trees.

Happy Gardening!!!

   

 

How to Have a Tropical Garden in a Non-Tropical Zone - Arkansas

                                                                                                     (Photo: early Summer)
I love to travel and have big dreams of living in a tropical location one day, but until then I will make my paradise in Arkansas.

                                                                                                   (Photo: mid-summer)

This is my fifth year having a "tropical" garden in Arkansas (border of zone 7b & 8a). Let's start with just facing the facts though, you cannot have true tropical plants lower than zone 10. So how do I have a tropical garden? Lots of creativity and thought. Many different plants have come and gone over the years.

                                                                                                                 (Photo:early summer)

The first step is to find cold hardy plants and trees that look tropical but are cold tolerant. The key to a tropical look is something with large colorful leaves. If you can't spot the plant from across the garden center, it is not going to work. 😀 Think of the flowers on the plant as a bonus and just look at the foliage.

Some of my cold tolerant trees and plants:

                                                                                                               (Photo: early Summer)
Loquat tree 

Hardy from zone 7-10
Medium growth rate
Looks very tropical
Does not require much care
Some of the leaves turn yellow and fall off in the hot summer no matter how much you water it!

                                                                                                        (Photo: mid Summer) 

Windmill  Palm Tree

Cold tolerant down to zone 7
The snow doesn't seem to bother them here.
This is the only palm that I have found to survive the winters here.
Put a little slow release fertilizer on them in spring for extra growth. They will do fine without it.

                                                                                                (Photo: early to mid Summer)
Banana Trees

Three varieties of cold hardy banana tress grow here: Musa basjoo, Musella lasiocarpa or dwarf banana, and Musa velutina. All will die completely back to the ground in the winter, but will put up new trees from the roots in the spring. The stem will live if you cut it back and wrap in the fall.

                                                                                                            (Photo: mid Summer)
Cyperus Alternifolius Plant  (Umbrella Palm)

Hardy to zone 7
Easy care
Dies back to the ground in the winter, but returns with vigor
   and will grow to about six feet by then end of summer
Clumping

                                                                                                                      (Photo: early Summer)
Lily Turf

Hardy to zone 5
Easy care
Fairly drought tolerant, I only have to water occasionally

                                                                                                       (Photo: late spring)
                                                     
Canna Lily

Hardy to zone 7 or more
They come is many colors, flowers and foliage
Die back to ground in winter
I fight with leaf rollers all spring and summer on these, but they are worth it.

                                                                                                                     (Photo: early Summer)
Hardy Hibiscus

Some are cold tolerant to zone 4
They die back in the winter and put out new growth in the spring.
Insects love them
If it's a really humid summer, mine get a black mold/fungus on them sometimes.

Ginger

Most hard ginger grow in 7 - 10

I have peach, white, and a variegated. All multiply like crazy without any care other than an occasional watering.

                                                                                                         
Calla Lily

Cold tolerant to zone 8, but they do fine here
Available in many colors
Bloom in spring only

Bougainvillea

Hardy to zone 9. With that being said, I do have these in the ground and they come back without being mulched for me.

                                                                                                                (Photo: late spring)
Quick Fire Hydrangea

Hardiness Zones 3a - 8b
Bloom out white then turn pink

                                                                                              (Photo: early summer) Pineapple Lily

Hardy to zone 8, but they do fine in the ground here

                                                                                                             (Photo: late spring)

Bush Clematis

Hardy 3b-7b
They are a little picky about the heat here. They don't look great by the end of summer.

Variegated Yucca

Hardy to -30 to -35 Fahrenheit (-34 to -37 C.)

                                                                                                                    (Photo: late spring)

Next, if you are like me, you will find the cold tolerant plants didn't quite give that resort feel you were looking for, so you go for the true topicals. I fell in love with Aechmea blanchetiana bromelaids (the big orange ones) my first trip to the Florida Keys. They are not easy to find for sale, even in Florida. I finally found a lady selling them from her yard and got one. Since then, I have order different kinds from Florida Nurseries and Puerto Rico. I feel like these bromeliads have made the biggest impact in the garden. They are fairly easy to grow and are easy to move indoors in the winter. I am writing a post on their care soon and will share the link here when I post. My mother lives next door, so I can put most of my plants in there. Some of them I bring into my sunroom.

Some of my favorite tropicals: 

                                                                                                                (Photo: early summer)
Aechmea blanchetiana bromelaids

Aechmea blanchetiana bromelaid and Neoregelia Petra bromeliad

                                                                                                                               (Photo: early summer)
Aechmea Blanchetiana 'Lemonade'

Neoregelia  Maria Bromeliad

The bromeliads are in pot in the ground. I just move the mulch back, loosen the pot, and take them inside for the winter.

Orchids

Purple Turmeric

Pineapple plant

These can easily be grown from a pineapple purchased at the store. Just cut the top off and plant in a pot. I put the pot in the ground for the summer.

Coleus

Coleuses are one of my favorite ways to add a huge pop of color. They can easily be rooted from cuttings and carried inside for the winter.

Lastly, add accents that give the feel you want. My taste is a mix between Florida and Bali (with a few other counties thrown in). 😁 Don't be afraid to mix looks! It's your garden and if it makes you happy, use it!

My garden decor: Planters, torches, statues, bamboo wind chimes, bird baths, and lanterns

Fertilizers

I use a slow release fertilizer in the spring and again in the middle of summer. In addition to that, I use liquid Miracle Gro every two weeks during the middle of the summer when it’s so hot and humid. This may sound like way too much, but the plants get so stressed and need these extra nutrients. Crazy, I know, but it helps! On the banana trees, I add about a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the fertilizer mixture once a month or when they look  a little yellow and wilted. This is just what works for where I live and will need to be adjusted for your area.

The plants listed above are just some of the many in my garden. If you see something that I didn't mention and have a question, just ask. 😊 Hope you get inspired to create your own paradise! 

Happy Gardening! 


*Link to blog post two years ago to see more plants
https://www.livelifebehappytravel.com/2017/07/tropical-garden-in-arkansas.html

* Updated garden tour post

2020  Garden Tour here

2021   Garden Tour here