THE BOOK
Fred G. Lebed, inspired by his grandparents' love for gardening, recounts his journey from childhood fascination with plants to adulthood, where he and his wife Deb nurture their passion for gardening in their own yard. Through experiences like planting a rose bush for his daughter and participating in a Master Gardener program, Fred's enthusiasm for horticulture grows. Encouraged by a friend and author Ron Faiola, Fred embarks on a project to document unique greenhouses and nurseries in Wisconsin. His upcoming book will feature 50 off-the-beaten-path establishments, highlighting the dedication and stories of their owners, who often inherit their love of plants from previous generations. These nurseries, steeped in history and tradition, represent a vanishing Americana, offering not just plants but a connection to the past and hope for the future. Fred's narrative promises an adventurous journey through Wisconsin's countryside, complete with expert tips and local recommendations, celebrating the resilience and passion of greenhouse owners and the beauty of nature itself.
A PRODUCT OF
CHILDHOOD DREAMS
A RARE BREED OF ENTREPRENEURS
LINKING THE PAST AND THE FUTURE
GROWING BEAUTIFUL THINGS
THE AUTHOR:
FRED LEBED
Over the past quarter-century, Lebed has been the proprietor and manager of The Prairie Group, Inc., adeptly advocating for clients across various sectors such as healthcare, technology, transportation, business solutions, energy and utilities, and financial services. Now embarking on a new venture, Fred—a passionate gardener—is crafting a distinctive book spotlighting Wisconsin's Greenhouses and Nurseries along with the dedicated gardeners behind them.
"Those Grandparents of mine were certainly an influence on me that would last a lifetime. My current yard is the home of strategically scattered plant sites of all kinds. You name it, I have them! I often gather freshly cut flowers as Sunday morning gifts for my neighbors. Nestled in the back is a wonderful greenhouse where I can exercise my passion to grow all year long. Little did I know back then, that I am now teaching, influencing my three young grandchildren how to grow."
