The 1.5 acres of gardens and grounds on the Kneeland-Walker property are suitable for strolling or holding special events. The grounds contain many plants that are characteristic of a midwestern Victorian-era garden, such as flowering quince and climbing rose, and old-fashioned favorites like hollyhocks. Mass plantings of annuals in combination with perennials produce the profusion of color so popular at the turn of the 20th century.

Lee Somerville, author of Vintage Wisconsin Gardens, includes several photographs of the gardens at the Kneeland-Walker House, which Somerville lists among her favorite gardens in the state.

Volunteers, including SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardener volunteers, are the heart and soul of our gardens. Volunteers plant, prune, weed, and maintain the grounds. There are scheduled work days, but volunteers are also able to work at their own convenience.

We are always seeking volunteers to help in our gardens. Interested? Complete our volunteer form.

The Walker Family kept several horses in the Coach House until the last was sold in the 1940s. There were bridle paths throughout the property. Mr. Walker and neighborhood teens exercised the horses regularly, both on the property and on trips to Waukesha County.

The Chicken Coop is a small building just behind the Coach House. It is now used for storage. It also contains a bathroom, one of seven on the property.

In 1995, the 19th Century Schoolhouse was constructed in the former hayloft on the second floor of the Coach House. It is used as part of the Wauwatosa School District’s second grade history curriculum.