Northwind Perennial Farm

Hidden in a hilly, bucolic pocket of land in southeastern Wisconsin, 10-acre Northwind Perennial Farm features an enormous old barn, several outbuildings, a handful of farm animals and a stand of trees. Display gardens feature the farm's 400-some species of perennials, shrubs, native plants, ornamental grasses and shrub roses, nearly all grown on-site.

Wander through the woods to see the shade-loving phlox and carex, then head over to the gardens surrounding Northwind's two ponds to take in the allium, baptisia, amsonia and stachys. A third area, denoted by a tall pyramid of stones, is a European-style gravel garden with plants set in the crushed rock bed. As you stroll the property, you'll notice a lot of garden art, much of which is available for purchase in a spacious barn that also holds decorative birdhouses, chimes and painted mirrors. The small Sparrow's Nest building is stocked with antiques. Don't miss a spin through the compact barnyard, where you can watch the antics of the resident goats, geese and donkey.

The property is extremely picturesque, making it a popular site for weddings. Northwind hosts annual gardening talks, Yoga in the Garden and an art fair. It opens for a month at Christmas to sell fresh wreaths, garland, greens, berries, ornaments and unique gifts made by local artists.