What is the Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society?
Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society is a membership of garden enthusiasts who learn, teach and work to grow healthy, long-lasting gardens. WHPS was founded more than a decade ago by a group of individuals who wanted to promote the love and appreciation of hardy herbaceous plants to every level of gardening expertise. Today, the society has over 500 members.
Programs
The Wisconsin Hardy Plant Society meets regularly at Olbrich Gardens to exchange ideas and information, and learn more about gardening through excellent programs with keynote speakers discussing topics such as container gardening, growing healthy shade perennials, planting bulbs, groundcovers, hardy shrubs, etc.Newsletter
WHPS publishes a newsletter six times a year with listings of coming events, articles contributed by members and others on topics ranging from favorite plants, gardens visited, member tips, etc. In April each year, we make an effort to publish a comprehensive list of plant sales, tours and other gardening events throughout the coming season.Plant Sale A terrific and economical plant sale is held each year. Members contribute plants from gardens throughout the area. It's a great way to get your garden growing! Proceeds from the Plant Sale are donated to worthy garden causes.
Plant Exchange
Each fall, one of our members hosts a very informal Plant Exchange. Members bring plants that they purchased but are unable to use, perennials divided in garden cleanups, woody plants, extra bulbs and even a few houseplants. It's a great couple of hours to spend touring a member garden and making some great plant finds--for FREE!
Trips and Tours
Members have traveled to gardens in Dubuque, Rockford, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Portland (Oregon), England, Scotland and other destinations to view gardens of distinction and get ideas for future projects. We have also taken daytrips and multi-day bus tours to other areas of the state.WHPS also joins with the Dane County Master Gardeners program each year to present at least two evenings of area garden tours. Members can tour 4-6 private gardens, with an opportunity to meet the host and enjoy some of the loveliest and most interesting gardens in our area.
