This undertaking is the fulfillment of a goal I have had for many years: to provide a useful garden history for Wisconsin gardeners, especially those who work at historic sites. I am indebted to all those who helped me shape my research and encouraged my vision.
There are too many to list by name, but the following were especially supportive:
Professors Arnold R. Alanen, Janet C. Gilmore, and Anna V. Andrzejewski, who guided me through my research while I was a graduate student in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The volunteers and staff of Heritage Hill State Historical Park in Green Bay and Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, who graciously allowed me to wander through their sites, buildings, and archives.
The Wisconsin Master Gardener Association, especially the members of my home Door County group, and those who garden at the many historic sites throughout the state.
My editor, Laura Kearney, who patiently corrected my convoluted syntax and grammar, shortened my sentences, and made me find answers to questions I had been avoiding. Mike Nemer, who expertly shepherded the book through the production process and attended to the details. And the book’s designer Steve Biel, who used his gardener’s eye to integrate the text and the photographs into such colorful harmony.
Last, though certainly not least, my family and many friends, including my children, Sara and Patrick, and their spouses; my sisters, Sheila and Mary; and Kris, Linda, and Jon.