Help Build a New Greenhouse in Viroqua

My name is Sarah Mercer, and I run Little Bird Plants in Viroqua, WI, a hand grown houseplant shop and garden center, and most recently a space for local musicians, makers and artists.

For the past six seasons, I've had the privilege of growing for this town in a historic greenhouse, formerly known as the flower basket. Its been my passion to create a space where our community can gather, learn, and find beauty—especially during our long Wisconsin winters. Over the years, we've welcomed local schools, Thoreau College, the Driftless Folk School, and countless plant lovers into this space for workshops, classroom sessions, and volunteer opportunities. It’s been a dream come true to share my love for plants with Viroqua.

Now, I’m facing a big challenge. The greenhouses we currently rent will no longer be available after this summer, and we need to move out in September. To keep Little Bird Plants alive and continue serving our community, I’m raising funds to build a new greenhouse and community space in town. This new greenhouse will protect our collection of tropical plants and propagating stock, as well as expand our offerings for years to come—providing classroom/ workshop space, small musical events, tropical garden beds, a market garden for local produce, and a welcoming place for people of all ages to connect with plants and each other year round. This is just the beginning!

With your support, we can build a new home for Little Bird Plants and ensure that this special place continues to inspire, educate, and bring people together.

I want to express my deep gratitude to Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School for the opportunity to rent the greenhouse properties on 520 E Terhune St for the past two seasons. Thank you to Thoreau College for uplifting and supporting my work from the beginning, and to Arwyn for welcoming me into her world and being my mentor—teaching me so much about growing, plants, service, and hard work. And thank you to this town for welcoming me and supporting my work for many seasons.

For more information on the project: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IF9bBGJ6lYA3cvQF4fHkdc0I3Jh_ZVyvfyu6KklK8a0/edit?usp=sharing

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you'd like to help us build! We hope to have our new greenhouse built by October, and open to the public this winter. Thank you