Northwind Perennial Farm Market

Northwind Perennial Farm Market ties Burlington to a wider gardening circle through programs that bring in collaborators from the Chicago Botanic Garden, including Richard Hawke’s Midsummer Perennial Walk and Talk at the farm. That partnership sits alongside a setting built around curated gardens, acres of nursery plants, a turn-of-the-century dairy barn, and stonework spread across the grounds. Northwind also carries the imprint of the people behind it: Colleen Garrigan is identified as co-owner managing the retail end, Roy Diblik is named as a perennial plant expert, and Steve Coster is remembered as a friend and business partner.

Why it matters locally

Roy Diblik’s role as a recognized perennial plant expert and Colleen Garrigan’s role managing Northwind’s retail side give this market a distinctly plant-centered identity rooted in the people running it. Northwind’s calendar extends that focus with one-hour garden design consultations led by Bob Kugach for do-it-yourself gardeners who want help selecting and arranging plants in a naturalistic style.

The farm also uses its grounds as an educational and gathering space. Children ages 4 to 11 can take part in Cassie’s Corner classes in the newly restored corn crib, while adult visitors can attend talks on cohesive garden design, small-space impact, and perennial-focused programs featuring names like Richard Hawke, Neill Diboll, and Roy Diblik. Private tours of the display gardens and event rentals further connect the site to celebrations and group visits in southeastern Wisconsin.

What you'll find there

Northwind reads less like a produce lineup and more like a perennial farm built around gardens, plant selection, and hands-on garden knowledge. The mix on offer centers on the farm’s own landscape and services rather than a roster of outside vendors.

• -Browse acres of nursery plants set across the farm grounds.
• -Explore curated gardens and extensive display gardens during visits or group tours.
• -Book a Custom Garden Design Consultation with Bob Kugach for help selecting and arranging plants in a naturalistic style.
• -Bring garden tools and knives for blade sharpening with Leo during scheduled visits.

Events at Northwind are part of the draw, from Cassie’s Corner children’s classes in the restored corn crib to seasonal talks and workshops on cohesive garden design, midsummer perennials, and small-space gardening.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed at Northwind, and restrooms are not available, two details that can change how you plan a longer visit. The market operates seasonally from June through September, so timing matters if you want to pair a shopping trip with one of its on-site programs.

Northwind sits at 7047 Hospital Road in Burlington, on grounds that include curated gardens, nursery plantings, stonework, and a turn-of-the-century dairy barn, so it helps to arrive expecting more of a destination farm setting than a quick curbside stop. If you are interested in the educational side, look for dated offerings such as Bob Kugach’s design consultations, Richard Hawke’s walk and talk, or monthly sharpening visits from Leo. Payment methods are clearly presented on site, which adds some practical clarity before arrival.