Friends of Scheig Center Gardens

09/05/2026

STOP SMELLING THE ROSES! Take a few steps back and take in the whole garden area. See how the colors, textures and sizes work together to create a total view. The Scheig Center Gardens offer examples and ideas for garden views in all four seasons. The gardens, located in Appleton's Veteran's Memorial Park, are free and open daylight hours.

08/25/2026

GOLDENROD # 2 - BEES LOVE IT! When other flowers are fading, goldenrod is starting to bloom and is a critical food source for honeybees and native pollinators. "The heavy, nutrient-rich nectar flow helps honeybee colonies build up vital winter honey stores and stimulates the queen to lay more brood for spring... Goldenrod is often blamed for fall allergies, but the actual culprit is wind-pollinated ragweed, which blooms at the exact same time." Consider planting one of the 100 species of goldenrod in your garden.

08/25/2026

GOLDENROD KNOWS WHEN THE FIRST FROST IS COMING!
"There is an old farm rule that has been passed down for generations, and it holds up better than you might expect. When goldenrod first blooms, first frost is roughly six weeks out. According to the Farmers' Almanac, this old folk rule is surprisingly accurate across much of the United States... It is what botanists call a photoperiodic plant, meaning it flowers in response to shortening day length rather than temperature." Goldenrod is in full bloom everywhere you look at the Scheig Center Gardens, along with all the other late summer blooms. The gardens, located in Appleton's Veterans Memorial Park, are free and open daylight hours.

08/20/2026

CAN YOU GROW CACTUS IN WISCONSIN? Yes, Eastern Prickly Pear are hardy enough to survive Wisconsin Winters. Cactus plants need well drained soil and do best in full, direct sun. Young pads may be de-thorned and cooked as a vegetable. The berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Check out the cactus and all the late summer blooms at the Scheig Center Gardens today! The free gardens are located in Appleton' Veteran's Memorial Park.

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

IT'S TIME FOR BLACK-EYED SUSANS TO STEAL THE SHOW at the Scheig Center Gardens. This bright yellow flower blooms from mid -summer thru fall and if left standing will provide winter seeds for songbirds. They are drought tolerant once established. Planted in waves, or with other perennials, they make a statement! Check them out along with all the summer blooms. The free gardens are located inside Appleton's Veteran's Memorial Park.

08/03/2026

IT'S THE TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE HIBISCUS FLOWERS TO STEAL THE SHOW at the Scheig Center Gardens! The plants are colorful and easy to grow and pollinators love them too. These sun loving plants are hardy in zones 5-9, although they are slow to wake up in spring. Check out the hibiscus and all the late summer blooms today! The free gardens are located inside Appleton's Veteran's Memorial Park and open daylight hours.