Green thumb

A yard that once held nothing but a metal fence has been gradually transformed into a garden that is blossoming with life.

Follow the path into the backyard of Nancy Thiele’s home and be greeted by the bright colorful flowers and a charming display of yard decor.

After years of hard work and dedication, Thiele’s garden has been chosen as the Wausau Area Garden Club’s garden of the month for July. The “Featured Garden of Summer 2025” is located on the east side of Wausau at 1334 Prospect Ave.

Thiele was last chosen for garden of the month 10 years ago in 2015. Since then, she has continued to add to her garden with more plants and sculptures.

Thiele said that she tries to spend time gardening everyday, with hours of hard work going into it.

“It takes hours and days, but it’s my passion,” said Thiele.

She has been working on the garden for about 30 years, but when she originally bought the house, the yard only contained a metal fence. Everything else she has had to grow and install over time.

When choosing the plants and flowers she wanted to grow, Thiele said she focused more on a variety of colors rather than specific types.

“Colors always make people happier,” she said.

Animals and insects also enjoy the colors, as bees, cardinals, wrens and robins all call her garden home.

In the center of it all is a tea house that provides shade as well as a spot to relax and enjoy the serenity of the garden.

“I like the tea house. That would have to be one of my favorite parts.” said Thiele.

Along with the tea house is an assortment of lawn decorations, bird houses, bird baths, bird feeders, garden lights, antique decor and a fountain.

Thiele said she hopes more people will visit her garden before the month of July is over. The garden is open for the public to admire until July 31 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.