Manitowoc native Don Cisler is wrapping up a 25-year career as Head Gardener/Horticulturist at West of the Lake Gardens early next month.
Cisler, who will turn 65 in September, said his retirement is effective July 2nd in what has literally been a labor of love for him. Don was feeling melancholy as we spoke with him on Wednesday afternoon.
“[I] took on a lot of projects here over the years, and I’ll hang my hat on them,” he said. “We did some wonderful improvements here, and think we did it all with John and Ruth West in mind. I say that because we weren’t out to change the gardens in any way, but all along we wanted to enhance what was already here.”
Manitowoc Company President John West died in 1989 and his wife Ruth, an arts philanthropist, passed- away the following year leaving behind their home on 6.5 acres of lakefront property.
Seehafer News asked Cisler what it was like to go to work each day at the breathtaking site overlooking Lake Michigan.
“It’s an absolute pleasure, and an honor to be a part of this,” Cisler said. “We keep John and Ruth’s memory alive. I’m very proud of that.”
Cisler explains the real seasonal work is just beginning.
“We are just getting underway, and we will be sticking approximately 18,000 annuals in the ground,” he explained. “It’s pretty close to a months effort to get everything in.” And then, there are 6-plus acres of lawn to be cut as well as making sure the beautiful rose gardens are set for their first blooms around the official start of summer, June 20th.
Cisler is also excited about the look of the grounds, especially after the newly-installed landscaping & environmentally-friendly parking area.
Taking over the position for Don is his assistant Aaron Pumphrey.
“He’s been a great mentor,” he said. “I have learned a lot from him.”
The Pulaski native moved to Manitowoc specifically for this job, and called Manitowoc a “great community.”
As for his future plans, Cisler remarked, “My wife Kris and I are looking forward to finishing and enjoying our own landscape at home, and looking forward to retiring right here in Manitowoc. There is a lot of exciting things happening here right now.”
An estimated 2,500 people visit West of the Lake Gardens each year from across the U.S. & even some foreign countries. It’s open 10-to-5 7-days a week from memorial Day weekend through early October.
Also, the Lester Bentley Mural Room on the estate property is open Saturday & Sunday from 11-to-4.
Docents will be on hand to answer questions for groups of up to 4 at a time. Masks are required inside the building.
