Rosebrock Gardens

Creating beauty while preserving local flora and fauna in a sustainable manner were the guiding principles for this 5.5-acre garden on the shores of Lake Michigan. The mid-century modern house, built into the brow of the bluff, has extensive views of the water. Since 1993 the property has been in the loving care of Margarete Rosebrock Harvey, ASLA, and her husband, with the intent of creating a four-season-interest garden when viewed from inside the house. It is divided into five differently maintained areas to showcase maximum diversity.

The garden is extensive, from tropical plants and succulents to specimen trees, shrubs, and perennials in the upper level horticultural area, from quiet bird watching spots down the 90-foot wooded slope, to the lower-level meadow with mainly native vegetation for the preservation of insects and monarch butterflies, which the owner raises. Rustic furniture around the fire pit await with the most glorious views of the lake on this ancient Nipissing Terrace. Artefacts of natural materials, including old chimney pots from a former home in England, punctuate the display garden. A children’s play area is adjacent to the frog pond with curvy bridge. Other water features include two goldfish ponds and an artificial stream. All rain water, leaves, and woody debris are retained on the grounds and composted. Most unusual plants are labeled for our guests. It will be a pleasure to welcome all keen gardeners to this perennial work in progress!

Read recent press coverage of this garden in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (July 1, 2021) and in the Shepherd Express (July 6, 2021). 

Open Days 2021: Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

REGISTRATION
Members $5 per person; General admission $10. Children 12 and under free.