This Memorial Day my wife and I found ourselves with no kids or grandkids hanging out at our house. With no other commitments, we both said “Road Trip!” .
We really enjoy the St. Croix River valley. From our home in the Twin Cities it is only 30 minutes or so to the river. Once we got to the river we headed north along highway 95. This is a route that we have traveled many times. Usually we do this on motorcycles but the Minnesota weather was not cooperating so this was a car day.
Just on the north end of Marine on St. Croix, is a wide spot in the road we have passed many times before. We had never stopped there even though there is a cute store with lots of yard things and whirly gigs out front. As we turned into the parking lot we could see that it there was another business just behind the store. We just found Funkie Gardens.
What a fun surprise! The office is a red building with white trim with a white picket fence out front. As you go through the gate there are several red wagons for you to take with you to haul the treasures you find. This place has lots of treasures too.
Funkie Gardens specializes in perennials and woodland plants. They have varieties that you just won’t find anywhere else.
As you head around the side of the office to where all the plants are displayed you realize how big this place is. They have an area carved out of the woods where they keep the inventory. This is all surrounded by a webbed electric fence to keep the deer out. The deer would have a great time if they could get through the fence.
The employees wear really cool purple tie dyed shirts or sweatshirts. One I talked to was a retired biologist. These guys know what they are talking about and are passionate about their plants. I found Funkie Gardens to be almost more of a learning experience than shopping trip. Everyone was very helpful and enthusiastic.
We even found an old stump that they have made into a fairy house. They have miniature plants on display so you can build your own fairy garden. Our grandkids would enjoy this place.
Funkie Gardens advertise over 300 varieties of sunny perennials and over 400 varieties of hostas. That is not hard to believe when you walk around the property.
If you are near the Twin Cities or Western Wisconsin and looking for a fun gardening day trip, I do recommend Funkie Gardens. As a bonus you are right next door to Crabtree’s Garden Gate where you will find a very large assortment of lawn and garden gifts and accent pieces.
Do you know of a nursery like Funkie Gardens near you? Send us a comment we would love to hear about it.
