Welcome to Betty Holmes and Gardens, Eau Claire. After 28 years working for the City's Park Department, Betty is ready to retire in two years to discover the challenges and joys of hybridizing and perhaps, begin a small greenhouse business. Her home has changed significantly in the past 10 years: mid-size greenhouse, arch and gazebo, fishpond with waterfall, and many smaller flowerbeds that feature lilies.

Paul and Margaret Almquist reside in Eau Claire. Their gardens are nearing the end of the transition from mostly food production to mostly aesthetic. Lilies predominate in the landscape but the number and variety of companions is increasing. Spring 2006 additions will include a water feature and a garden railroad.

The mid-size yard of Tom and Kathy Vandeberg, Woodville feature lilies that begin blooming in May with martagons, ending at frost with Orientals. Named clones, Hoepner's seedlings, and Tom's own lilies are featured amongst their collection of clematis and hosta. A pond and water feature and small greenhouse add character to their home. Very good example of how garden microclimates are maximized using appropriate plant material ranging from full shade to full sun.

The home of Dick and Karen Witt, Eau Claire, on approximately one acre of woodland gardens with about 1000 different hosta cultivars and a wide variety of companion shade plants. If you're looking for transitional ideas between sun and shade, the Witt gardens offer plenty of ideas.

Wind Song Place is the home to Russ and Sue Kaul, Eau Claire. The 4200 sq. ft. garden is dedicated to lilies. A huge honey locust provides the shade between the sun loving lilies and shade loving perennials. Besides their own seedlings, lilies grown from plant material acquired from the NALS auction or exchange, commercial lily growers and include recent 4n work of Dr. Bob Griessbach, and fellow hybridizing robin members, Art Evans, Jeff Stiller, and Ed McRae. Mixed perennial beds add color to this nearly one-acre yard. A small in-ground pool attracts many different bird species and critters, which add interest especially to host summer nights! Growing lilies has not been without challenge.