While traveling and working as part of an international work-exchange program, Peter and I met in New Zealand, where we were both working in horticulture-related businesses. After spending an educational and fun-filled six months in New Zealand, we continued our adventure with another six months in Australia together, working and living at two large wholesale nurseries near Brisbane, on the east coast. Peter, who is from Germany, then decided to check out Madison WI, where I was living, to see if it would be a place he would want to live and start a business. 

Peter and I were married shortly thereafter, and Schönheit Gardens was established in 2002.

With a degree in landscape architecture from UW-Madison, I began designing and maintaining gardens in the Dane County area, with Peter aiding in any hardscaping jobs and planting installations.

 In 2004 it became apparent that we needed more space to grow our business, and so the search began for the ideal small property close to Madison. We discovered the perfect property in our present location at the intersection of Bailey Road and Highway T in the township of Sun Prairie. With 7.3 acres of land, we could grow our own plants for our landscaping business, with the potential to open up for retail as well. The additional land gave us some room to grow in the future as well. 

Four years and several greenhouses later, we continue to grow and expand our nursery and garden center operations as well as the landscape design, construction and maintenance departments. Plans for more greenhouses and display gardens are in the works for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. 

We hope to see you at the nursery soon!