The Planter's Palette and More

Of course they are not open yet for the season, but we can dream, can't we? Bookmark this page to look back at in a couple of months. This is another of my favorite garden hangouts.

Miniature Gardening

The Planter’s Palette at 28W571 Roosevelt Rd., Winfield Illinois, is truly magical in every sense. It’s easy to see why they’ve been in business all these years because as long as I’ve been visiting I have only seen merchandise in tip-top condition. Sign up at their website to receive the newsletter and get dates on garden walks, demonstrations, and more.

Take the wagon along when browsing for easy carting of purchases to the cashier. The plants are a little pricey—but I guess the price includes the excellent and eager garden experts available to answer your every flower/tree question, which they do splendidly.  Spend your money on buying those plants you can’t find other places. One of the best and most interesting selections of metal, cement, ceramic planters, birdbaths and other embellishments I’ve found in the area. They also have garden gifts, lush hanging plants, trellises and more.

Food Timeout:  When leaving, hang a left or a right: If you take a left and head west all the way and past the Fox River, you’ll run into the tony town of Geneva, Il. Take a left (south) at Third Street where you will hit a diverse restaurant selection—i.e. Can’t make up your mind--too many choices for lunch or dessert? For the sweet tooth, Graham's Chocolate at 302 and 318 S. 3rd Street is a fun stop. For lunch, just stroll along the main drag and sniff in the scents until you’re either too tired to walk anymore or until you find the right menus and prices.

Or if you’re headed back east, (that means you turn right coming out of the garden center), stop at Cantigny Golf course at 27W270 Mack, Wheaton,IL  I understand the white tablecloth dining room, Red Oak Room, is only open for Sunday buffets and special events starting in 2011 (which might work out if you're stopping at Planter's Palette the same time, but always check hours and times on their website before making plans). However, the Fairways Grill offers a typical luncheon menu. But the real feast is the view: the most spectacular of gardens of all—the golf course!   P.S. Cantigny also has beautiful gardens separate from the golf course. More on that later.