Virtual Tour

Entrance to the West of the Lake Gardens

West of the Lake Gardens is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. We are open from Mother's Day until mid-October. There is no charge to view the gardens.

Former residence of John and Ruth West.

Now the offices of the West Foundation, Inc.

Sunken Garden

Plantings of annuals frame a sunken pool accented with water plants and an inviting sitting area.

Rose Garden

Hybrid Tea, Floribunda and Granidflor roses generate the fragrance of this garden.

Formal Garden

An intricate knot of crushed stone and flowering annuals surround pots of succulents and Italian sculpture.

Mae West Garden

Named for its curvaceous form and bold colors.

Path Garden

Mrs. West's first attempt at gardening. This originated as a wheelbarrow path to the lake.

Red & White Garden

This garden is filled with a mix of annuals and perennials in a color scheme true to its word.

The Pond Garden

A new addition to the West of the Lake Gardens. This 20,000 gallon reflecting pond was built in 2008.

The Loop

Spring plantings of daffodils, hyacinths and tulips in Spring. Hosta, daylilies and a formal border is planted for the summer season.

The Woods

Four varieties of Lamium maculatum complement groupings of Hosta, Japanese Painted Fern and Astilbe.

Virtual Garden Tour