Was Destination Garden Center #1 a bit too far for you? Perhaps Destination Garden Center #2 is more in your driving range. Woodstock, Illinois is certainly closer for Chicagoans than Nashville, Indiana. I’ll sweeten the temptation by making it a twofer. You know, a twofer. Two fer the price of one. Still not enough? Then let’s coin a new phrase and make it a fourfer. Two garden centers, a charming town square, and the Victorian house from the movie Groundhog Day. There. Now I have your attention.
Mike and I visited Gardens of Woodstock recently when we needed a few more items for our pond redo. Two things impressed me. The first was no surprise – the grounds are lovely. Take a leisurely stroll to see waterfalls, ponds, and plain old pretty. So pretty that you might want to hold an event there. Whether you are planning a garden club meeting or a wedding, their event room could be just what you are looking for.
For me, I like that they have planted what they sell. It’s always a plus when you can see a garden center’s plants in a natural setting. For example, when the tag says a hosta gets really big, seeing it really big helps you decide if that is the right plant for you.
The second thing that impressed me was a surprise, and that’s how healthy their plants looked. This summer’s heat and drought have not been kind, yet their plants were thriving. In August. Absolutely thriving. Absolutely worthy of taking home, so we did. In our typical style, we came home with a cartfull, or should I say carfull?
Notice how I have followed my mantra of low maintenance by using a tree, a shrub, and three of a kind. Aren’t you proud of me?
I’d like to say that we went to Rich’s Foxwillow Pines afterwards, but I can’t. Sorry. Perhaps you can plan your day better than I was able to. If you are looking for a specimen tree or specialty hosta, Rich’s is the place to go. Rich’s has a Hosta Sale and Arts & Crafts Fundraiser coming up August 25th. I always like seeing Rich’s exhibit at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. Look for Rich at the show in his trademark rocking chair.
Our visit to Woodstock is never complete without a drive past the lovely Victorian house from Groundhog Day. You may remember this movie where Bill Murray is repeatedly reliving Groundhog Day in Nowheresville, USA. The movie makers wanted you to think the town was Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Fooled you. It was mostly shot in Woodstock, Illinois. The house is now a bed and breakfast.
Photo from the website of Royal Victorian Manor Bed and Breakfast
You can even visit the Woodstock Town Square, where other scenes were shot. Here is the shot where Bill jumps out of the Opera House bell tower.
Don’t ‘plant’ this outing for a Sunday. Gardens of Woodstock and Rich’s Foxwillow Pines won’t be open. Go any other day, and you won’t be disappointed.
You are invited to come see our garden! We’d love to have you visit on Tuesday, September 25th, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. We’re at 331 Forest View in Elk Grove Village, IL.
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