Six greenhouses are open to the public, with the rest used for production. Nedveck says the selection is always expanding. We are working with new varieties all the time and test them for hardiness before releasing them for sale. Native Wisconsin wildflowers are of special interest. The Nedvecks try to deal with the Wisconsin genotypes of these species so that the genetic uniqueness of the area isn't lost.
Shade plants are another specialty, with hundreds of varieties of hosta.
Ranging from 2 to 48 inches, the plants have foliage colored various combinations of green, white, yellow and blue-green, in different textures and shapes. Nedveck's theory on the popularity of shade gardening goes back to the early days of the environmental movement. Thirty years ago, people were planting trees like crazy. Now those trees are grown and are shading yards everywhere. Some Milwaukee-area gardeners bring family and friends on their visits.