Willowglen Nursery closing retail sales after 20+ years

In 1986 Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee officially opened Willowglen Nursery 15 miles northwest of Decorah. The site was named literally because of the willow glen on the property. Initially they envisioned retail sales of their perennial plants in various Decorah venues such as Farmers Market. But after opening up their site for a visit day they were convinced that people would happily come to the picturesque setting where full garden displays were as popular as their retail facility. Since then they have been making wonderful friends and serving local customers as well as visitors from all around the country. Lee says she hopes she has "made Northeast Iowa a little more flowery.
 
But now they have decided to redirect their horticultural energies and will be closing the garden center at Willowglen after a shortened 2010 season (the end of June).  Willowglen will remain, including the display gardens. They view their change as only "retiring from retail" and envision expanding some of their current activities such as:

•    garden and landscape design & consulting
•    public speaking & writing on gardening topics
•    garden tours by arrangement
•    seminars & classes
•    willow work, rustic craft & fine art
•    Dried & fresh willow for weaving, trellis & fence work
•    Hardwood cuttings
•    Custom baskets
•    Classes & workshops

They consider the transition as a work in process where they will "carve out some sabbatical time, knowing that something interesting will happen." So they encourage interested parties to check their website occasionally to see how things are unfolding.

Although the willow on the property initially contributed to the name, Lee eventually became a willow enthusiast and expert, currently working with three acres of cultivated willows. Willow is considered a great renewable resource and has been used for baskets, fencing, buildings and charcoal for centuries.

Lindsay Lee and Lee Zieke