The landscape supply and garden center, nestled along County Trunk K, has a modest exterior that you might almost miss if you’re driving through Oconomowoc. However, those who have made the transition understand that it’s much more than just a nursery. Since its establishment in 1995, Oconomowoc Landscape Supply has developed into a particularly helpful resource for city contractors, church committees, and experienced landscape architects in addition to backyard gardeners. What began as a small supply hub has grown into a major regional force, quietly shaping Wisconsin’s outdoor culture.
When the company opened its full-service garden center in 2005, using cutting-edge greenhouses, it underwent a true transformation. This change was more than just putting in some plants; it was bringing in a new rhythm to the way people plan, shop, and interact with their surroundings. The center’s ability to turn design visions into shovel-ready reality has improved dramatically over the last 20 years. Their crew offers warmth and expertise whether you’re planting dahlias for the first time or constructing a tiered retaining wall around your lake house.
Key Details About Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Oconomowoc Landscape Supply & Garden Center |
| Address | N68 W37850 County Trunk K, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 |
| Established | 1995 |
| Garden Center Expansion | 2005 |
| Services Offered | Landscape supplies, decorative stone, mulch, topsoil, firewood |
| Plant Variety | Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables |
| Customer Segments | Homeowners, contractors, municipalities, schools, churches |
| Hours of Operation | Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM, Sat: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sun: Closed |
| Reference Website | www.olsonls.com |
The growing popularity of self-sufficiency in recent years has prompted homeowners to turn their attention outside. The garden has evolved into a haven that combines statement and escape. Oconomowoc Landscape Supply leaned into this trend with a very clear purpose as it gained traction. Their greenhouses provide native species that are significantly adapted to Wisconsin’s climate, and their staff offers guidance based on science that has been proven to work rather than marketing speak. Offering what grows well is more important than selling what’s trendy.
The supply center has also established a niche in community development through strategic alliances with nearby churches and schools. For instance, the center provided supplies for a butterfly garden project at an elementary school in the spring of 2023. Native and pollinator-friendly purple coneflowers and milkweed were planted by the students. It developed into a seasonal custom that fostered curiosity and environmental awareness, going beyond a simple science lesson. Though it rarely makes the evening news, that kind of influence subtly molds a generation’s understanding of sustainability.
It’s the experience, not just the inventory, that makes this place unique. The staff is described by regulars as being very dependable and versatile. There is always someone who seems to know just the right product to suggest, whether you’re looking for mulch in seven different colors, topsoil that drains perfectly, or decorative gravel that blends in with the outside of your house. More significantly, even for novice gardeners who have never handled a trowel, they take the time to explain it in a way that is incredibly clear.
The retail floor features rows of robust perennials and flowering annuals arranged in beautiful patterns that gently lead customers through design selections without being overpowering. In just fifteen minutes, a young couple planning their first vegetable garden received advice on critter deterrents, planting schedules, and soil composition. Season after season, people return because of these insights, which are presented in a conversational rather than a performative manner.
The center cultivates rather than just sells by incorporating customer education into their everyday operations. The garden center was a lifeline during the pandemic, when people turned inward and supply chains were delayed. As outdoor gatherings became more popular, there was an unprecedented demand for firewood, which was always a winter staple. Employees swiftly changed course and began providing curbside consultations and pre-packaged bundles. They responded very effectively, adjusting to new requirements with little difficulty.
The impact of Oconomowoc extends beyond the boundaries of real estate. Numerous contractors who come here to pick up supplies also work for well-known clients throughout Waukesha County. Real estate advertisements, bridal photo shoots, and even magazine spreads have featured landscapes embellished with ornamental stone that was sourced from this exact location. According to one designer, their signature stone mix—warm granite mixed with crushed charcoal—has grown to be a client favorite and can be found in the backyards of both Milwaukee Brewers employees and local CEOs.
The center maintains a surprisingly low price point by utilizing its extensive inventory and solid supplier relationships. They are also a popular option for public installations because of their quality and accessibility. A truckload from Oconomowoc is frequently the starting point for town square renovations, park beautification initiatives, and even roadside median plantings.
The way the company combines emotion and function is especially creative. More than just showcasing what’s in stock, their seasonal displays are painstakingly curated by staff who treat arrangements like artwork. They narrate a tale about the possibilities. Gold and burgundy cascading mums, heirloom pumpkins, and dried corn stalks were all part of a recent fall display. It was mood-setting as much as retail.
The center is thoughtfully responding as we enter a new era of climate consciousness. These days, they provide native plant bundles that are perfect for restoring habitat, encourage drought-tolerant planting techniques, and stock biodegradable weed barriers. They’re contributing to the development of the sustainability movement rather than merely following it by incorporating ecological consciousness into staff training and product selection.
