MADISON, Wis. — Looking for a bit of spring this weekend? PBS Wisconsin’s annual Garden and Landscape Expo kicked off Friday at the Alliant Energy Center. This year’s event features the newest innovations in gardening and landscaping, with information and advice spread among lush green plants, colorful flowers, vibrant designs of spring and delicious bounties from home gardens and Wisconsin.
When Ben Futa was in third grade, he wrote down what he wanted to be when he grew up.
âIt said âone day I will open a garden centerâ or âI will make my living selling plants,ââ Futa said.
And now, heâs making good on his childhood aspiration.
Futa has opened Botany, a pop-up garden shop located in the dining room of Thyme of Grace restaurant in the River Park neighborhood. Itâs not a place you would commonly expect a garden business, but restaurant owner Michele Lankford and Futa have known each other for at least 15 years so it was a natural fit. Plus, Lankford said, she simply sees it as an addition to what she already offers.