A “Summer Floral Showcase” on Manitowoc’s north lakefront is in the final stages of a significant parking and landscaping upgrade. Don Cisler, the head gardener and horticulturist, at West of the Lake Gardens, tells Seehafer News.
Cisler said they came up with a creative way to add 39 parking stalls that could become a destination in itself.
He says about 60,000 bricks have been laid in a multi-colored, herringbone pattern. Cisler also pointed out new plantings of a variety of trees and bushes are being added to a buffer-zone between the fence and new parking area.
Cisler stated the only day that the bricklayers took-off was last Friday when we had snow.
Tom Bare, the President & CEO of the foundation in memory of Ruth Dunham West & John West, said the over $500,000 project is very much needed.
Cisler admitted there “were some concerns expressed by the public” about removal of numerous trees on the property.
Bare spoke about the number of visitors from other states.
Cisler said planning for next years garden is done in February and added he has to get his flower order in to Tom Hartman before Thanksgiving. The head gardener says they’re hoping for a Mothers’ Day weekend opening in 2019. There is no admission charge for visitors to see the beautiful lakefront gardens, which, according to Bare, require an expenditure of between $350 and 400 thousand dollars to operate each year. He said their mission is made easier with 6-to-7 part-time high school & college employees. As a side note, Tom Bare told us that the West Foundation has donated over $50-million dollars to various causes & groups in the community since the early 1990’s. Photos of our visit to the Gardens can be seen in the gallery below.
