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.
