Each major trail intersection in the circulation paths at Van der Brohe Arboretum features a Franciscan Garden.
Following the tradition of St. Francis, trees, shrubs, plants and grasses in each installation have been selected for their ability to provide shelter and sustenance for wildlife.
Sponsorship and Design of the Gardens
The nine Franciscan Gardens at VDBA were each funded by a local sponsor and planned, installed, and maintained by a designer with assistance from Arboretum volunteers and staff.
Designers include Master Gardeners of Manitowoc County members Bernie Zimmer, Carol Lallensack, Eileen Kummer, Linda Brandel, Marilyn Starzewski, and Steve Lankton, as well as Horticulturist Erik Desotelle, and VDBA Founder John Durbrow.
The designers worked with the sponsors’ interests and within the dictate that all plants selected will provide forage and habitat for birds and wildlife. That selection criteria favors the use of native plantings and requires a marked shift in gardening ethics.
Related Article: Master Gardeners Tour Grounds
For example, whereas gardeners usually are trying to eliminate insects from garden plants, Master Gardeners have selected plants that host the broadest array of them. Bugs are food for birds, and many insects are essential pollinators.
Plants are also selected for their berry and mast production, and the nectars that feed hummingbirds and pollinators. And, typical to most gardeners’ intents, all plant selections will be favoring those of the highest aesthetic qualities.
It is hoped that visitors to the Arboretum will be inspired to create similar installations on their own properties throughout the Western Great Lakes Flyway. Garden Plans are available for download below.
| Garden | Plan | Sponsor | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Download Plan | The Durbrow Family | John Durbrow Bernie Zimmer |
| B | not available | Hanna Edelglass John Bowditch in honor of their families | Eileen Kummer Linda Brandel |
| C | Download Plan | Pheasants Forever Ch. 590 | Marilyn Starzewski |
| D | Download Plan | Dave Abts | Carol Lallensack |
| E | Download Plan | Jim and Barbee Lester | Erik Desotelle |
| F | Download Plan | Gail and Jerry Fox | John Durbrow |
| G | Download Plan | Johnson’s Nursery | Erik Desotelle |
| H | Download Plan | Domnitz Flowers | Erik Desotelle |
| I | Download Plan | Don Schweiger & Jean Carron | Steve Lankton |
| Bird Garden #1 | Plant List | VDBA | John Durbrow |
| Bird Garden #2 | Plant List | Renee Thompson | John Durbrow |
To date, all of the nine available Franciscan Garden plots have been sponsored. Additional plots may be designated in the future. Landscaping professionals, garden clubs, and other like-minded organizations are encouraged to inquire. It is a wonderful way to give back to the community while promoting your business or club. Sponsorship has been recognized by an engraved stone panel which will be displayed as long as the plantings are maintained by the sponsor.