We love Hosta, and carry many unique varieties along with a great
selection of other perennials for sun and shade. Pictured here: "Guacamole"

e are a family-owned and operated garden center and have been your neighbors in Cottage Grove for over 15 years! We welcome the opportunity to show you that we are the perfect choice for all your gardening needs.

Whispering Gardens began in a backyard in 1993 and has developed into what you see today at our Cottage Grove store. Our initial love of perennials spread to trees, shrubs and annuals when we purchased an existing nursery in 1996. It has always been our goal to be able to provide a personal touch and the best customer service to our fellow gardeners. Our business started with a passion for working the soil, planting the seed, and waiting with faith for the results. Today, you will find a full-service garden center and gift shop that grew out of that passion.

Whispering Gardens' name is dedicated to the memory of LeRoy Lankow, father and grandfather of the current owners. His lifelong love for the garden is what inspired the dream in his family. We grew up around his gardens, learning the rewards of hard work, a gentle hand, and unwavering faith. When he was taken home to be with the Lord, we always knew that when we were in the garden, that we would hear his "whispers" of wise words, his laughter and his stories; thus Whispering Gardens was born.

What was once a small greenhouse that leaned up against a workshop has now become a retail greenhouse, a garden gift shop, and a large display/event garden. We are known for our beautiful hanging baskets and our many varieties of Hosta and Tomato plants. We carry a large selection of unique annuals and bedding plants. We are Hosta enthusiasts as well and have many types of Hosta for the serious collector, along with many unique and sturdy perennials to compliment your yard. Each spring, we seed over 100 different types of Tomato plants including many Heirloom and miniature varieties including Brandywine,

Sungold, Lemon Boy, Tiny Tim, Tumbling Tom, Goliath, Beefsteak, and Plum/canning tomatoes.

Also, there are many colored varieties like Pineapple, German Red Strawberry, Elberta Peach, Green Zebra, Striped Stuffer, Black Krim, Cherokee Purple; the list goes on and on. You will find many kinds of basil plants and other herbs, along with many kinds of hot and bell pepper plants, eggplant, cucumbers and other squash and fall crops to grow in your vegetable garden. Look over our Clematis collection and also grapes, raspberries, and Rhubarb plants. You will also find many varieties of fruit trees, shade trees, and specimen flowering trees and shrubs. We also carry colored mulch, landscape rock and soil that we can be delivered to customers around the area, or loaded into your vehicle or trailer onsite.

Enter into our gift gallery where you will find a diverse selection of home and garden gifts, many of which are handcrafted by local artisans accented strongly by designs from artists throughout the United States. Choose from wind chimes to welcome you to your garden, or hand carved wood signs and sculptures to accent your lake home. As you look around the store, you will also find that we have many different fountains and water features for your home, patio, and garden. We have gardening lotions, soaps, and candles, wall hangings, gazing globes and rain gauges. We also carry water plants, fish, and pond supplies, garden pest control, and many different types of fertilizers, including many organic choices.

Guests are always welcome to wander the paths of our display gardens. At the front of our property is a 1 1/2 acre display and event garden that can be rented or leased for private parties, field trips, weddings, and photo shoots. The garden includes a formal gazebo area, a fully landscape perennial garden with wandering paths and sitting areas, and a large waterfall and pond as a centerpiece. Contact us for information on renting this area for your special event.

We invite you to share in our dream. Consider yourself a welcomed guest to a piece of heaven on earth. Walk through our gardens, enjoy the birds, flowers and fragrances, and just take some time to let the busyness of life be carried away with the clouds.

Garden Design assistance is available most days. Or, for a small fee, we can come to your home and put together a more extensive design for installation. Our staff is knowledgeable, and we will always do the best we can to service your needs. Thank you for visiting Whispering Gardens!