The Flying Pig inspires gardeners

Why not get away to the lakeshore where two women are making their dreams come true.

They're also inspiring gardeners and art lovers along the way.

FOX 11's Rachel Manek checked out The Flying Pig south of Algoma.

"We would sit up on the deck, dangle our feet and we could see it.  The vision was there.  Gave ourselves five years to make it happen," says Susan Connor, the co-owner of The Flying Pig.

It was about 10 years ago Susan and Robin were thinking of a grand plan.

A place where they could share their love of gardening and their love of art.

Where you could come get a cup of coffee, some wine and enjoy the place, and they thought sure we could do that... When pigs fly!

Well the pigs are flying!  All over the place.  Inside and out.  Made from metal, pottery, glass, even ping pong balls.

And one special pig flies above the sign welcoming visitors to The Flying Pig in Algoma on a quiet part of highway 42, and right on the path leading up to Door County.

Co-owner Susan Connor says it's all about celebrating Wisconsin artists.

"We want handmade, hand crafted, as many local, regional Wisconsin artists as we can find. Unique, fun, quirky, colorful, anything that'll put a smile on the customer's face, surprise them, educate them a little make them think. If something that's recycled re-purposed, inspire them to do something in their lives" says Susan.

And that's exactly how her partner Robyn Mulhaney wants you to feel when you walk through the gardens, inspired.

Robyn says, "I want them to stop looking at the plants at banks, and ones that are horribly pedestrian and to be inspired by form and concept and direction"

Robyn says that can happen with trees, plants, or garden sculpture.

"Whether it's a topiary or a deciduous tree that weeps, we should add those more into our garden especially for all around effect. When we are stuck with six months of snow on the ground you're hoping something is popping up out of the snow that makes us still want to look at your backyard" says Robyn.

Stroll across the "corduroy bridge" that winds around the pond, and the cottages that will be used for classes.

If you see something you like, take notes, then look for Robyn. She'll tell you about the hits and misses and some of her favorites.

And if you're like me, you'll go home with a few to try in your own space.

Susan Connor says, "We want you to spend a couple of hours here.  Be comfortable, we have places for your kids to play, huge sandbox, play area inside, coffee beer and wine, a couple of hours at least."