Spring Fever

Spring has finally sprung here in Cheese Country. After the long, hard winter we have had here, people are peeking outside, eager to start the spring activities. Tops on the list of many people in our area is working in the garden.

The garden center choices in our area are numerous. Up in New Glarus, Brenda's Blumenladen is loaded with plants, trees, shrubs and garden ornaments. Near Brodhead on Greenbush Rd, Ahrens Acres is a full service greenhouse as well. Just west of Monticello on Hwy N, Garden Path Greenhouses is a popular spot. A few miles north of New Glarus, you will find Sugar River Nursery on Hwy 92. Down by Lena, IL., are three more options - Lily Pad Garden and Nursery, Judith Ann's Garden Center and Double K Nursery.

Here in Monroe, I like to visit The Garden Spot, located on the corner of 13th St and Hwy K, just a ten minute walk from the downtown area. Do not let the modest storefront fool you. The Garden Spot has two important elements - a friendly, helpful owner and a large variety of plants and gardening needs. There is always a good selection of shrubs and trees (fruit trees, shade trees and evergreen trees).

We stopped in today and already there is a variety of perennial flowers, fruit plants and herbs along with the trees and shrubs. More stock is arriving next week, and as the weather continues to warm up, the annuals, hanging baskets and vegetable seedlings will be available. Now is the perfect time to put down some new mulch for the growing season, then come back in a couple of weeks for the flowers and vegetable plants. Seeds and gardening accessories are also available for purchase indoors. If you have no idea what you want to plant, ask for advice. The owner is knowledgeable and personable.

We like to support local businesses, and trips to The Garden Spot are a spring and summer tradition around here. Stop in next time you are in need of something for your garden.