While traveling and working as part of an international work-exchange program, Peter and I met in New Zealand, where we were both working in horticulture-related businesses. After spending an educational and fun-filled six months in New Zealand, we continued our adventure with another six months in Australia together, working and living at two large wholesale nurseries near Brisbane, on the east coast. Peter, who is from Germany, then decided to check out Madison WI, where I was living, to see if it would be a place he would want to live and start a business. 

Peter and I were married shortly thereafter, and Schönheit Gardens was established in 2002.

With a degree in landscape architecture from UW-Madison, I began designing and maintaining gardens in the Dane County area, with Peter aiding in any hardscaping jobs and planting installations. 

In 2004 it became apparent that we needed more space to grow our business, and so the search began for the ideal small property close to Madison. We discovered the perfect property in our present location at the intersection of Bailey Road and Highway T in the township of Sun Prairie. With 7.3 acres of land, we could grow our own plants for our landscaping business, with the potential to open up for retail as well. The additional land gave us some room to grow in the future as well. 

On October 15, 2010, Jasper Lucas was born to Heidi and Peter! He's a healthy, active, fun little guy and will be out gardening and running around the nursery in no time. He loves people, so make sure to say "hello" to him if you see him around.

We hope to see you at the nursery soon!