On August 7th, garden club members toured the
gardens of Nancy and Joe Frost in rural
Highland, a good example of the Driftless Area.
Members were not disappointed as the views
were spectacular with layers of rolling hills, some
tilled, others forested or growing with
perennials.
To the west was a planting of 20,000
trees and shrubs, mostly conifers with ash and
oak that the Frost's planted in 2003, two years
after moving to their property. The trees are now
huge and go on and on; what an undertaking!
The forest had been a treeless pasture and now
provides a windbreak along with habitat
including a recent bobcat. They also have 18
acres in CRP which they planted with a
pollinator mix of native grasses and forbs.
The
vegetable garden is adorned with tall sunflowers
of all color combinations. Nancy said many had
self-seeded and allowed to grow if not in the way
of vegetables.
The flower beds were lovely,
tucked above and below rock walls. Chickens
clucked happily and staked out spots to settle in
for the night. The large patio provided a serene
setting for visiting, meeting and treats.
Thank
you Nancy and Joe for opening your gardens for
us to enjoy.