Visitors to the International Peace Garden will have some new things to feast their eyes on this summer, said Doug Hevenor, CEO, and Kathy McGhan, administrative manager for the International Peace Garden.
McGhan said she thinks one of the most eye-catching things is changes to the Sunken Garden's octagonal-shaped pond. There are repeated octagonal-shaped plantings of rose bushes, perennial flowers, flowering trees and shrubs, annual flowers and fencing. The addition of the fencing will keep deer away from the plantings and has allowed the garden to plant many flowers they were never able to before.
"The Sunken Garden is a must see for North Dakotans," said Hevenor, who said it is largely completed now and should be finished by mid-June.
Hevenor said more than 12,000 perennials will be planted in the garden in June, "spectacular" and "diverse" plantings.
A new interpretive center and conservatory is also planned, said McGhan. Hevenor said that building is under construction and should be finished this fall. It will be the first conservatory in North Dakota and only the second in Manitoba. The building will include a cafe and a retail shop and the International Peace Garden is working with state and provincial officials to develop a tourism kiosk that will have information about events in North Dakota and Manitoba. A lot of people visit the gardens without traveling to Manitoba or North Dakota, so the tourism information could entice them to travel further into the state.
The state Legislature provided $1.5 million during the 2007 session and $1.85 million this session for improvements at the Peace Garden, said Hevenor.
In 2010, visitors will see the development of the 911 Memorial Contemplative Garden sponsored by Rotary Clubs International to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Rotary in North America.
Upcoming events at the Peace Garden, which is open year-round, includes the annual Old-Time Fiddlers Contest June 5-6, with participants ranging from age 8 to senior citizens who will compete and perform. Also on June 6 will be the second-annual Gardening Boot Camp, which will include presentations on native plants for northern North Dakota and southern Manitoba and on how to create an all-season garden. Hevenor said this event will be special and people will be able to ask questions about gardening from the experts gathered to give presentations. Lots of sites offer garden shows in the dead of winter, but it will be fun for people to attend a garden show and ask questions when they can actually go home and put the advice to use in their own gardens right away.
The 27th annual Peace Festival will be held June 26-28, with family activities planned, discussions, potlucks and camping. The theme is "Homemade Peace." The first ever North American Dog Agility Council Fundraiser will be held the same weekend, on June 27-28, with a dog agility competition. The International 46th annual Ham Radio Festival will be held July 11-13. The Annual Knights of Columbus Field Mass will be held at the Masonic Auditorium on July 12, with a rosary said in five languages at 11:30 a.m. prior to the mass and a catered meal being served following the mass.
The Fun, Art, Music and Entertainment Festival will be held Aug. 2 with a classic car show, art and musical entertainment. The 7th Annual International Peace Garden Relay will be held Aug. 7, with a walk to benefit cancer research and vitims of cancer.
The Mason's annual meeting and banquet and the Order of the Eastern Star's meeting and banquet will be held Aug. 8.
The fifth International Country Gospel Festival will be held Aug. 15-16. Horticulture Day is Aug. 22, with the 7th Annual Quilt Show and Sale being scheduled Aug. 22-23.
The International Metis Rendezvous is scheduled for Aug. 28-30, with cultural workshops, food, musical performances, and a rendezvous village.
The garden's second annual Girlfriend Get-Away will be held Sept. 11-13, with different types of craft sessions, a tea party, sumo wrestling, and staying overnight in the dorms.
For more information about events at the Peace Garden or about admission, call 1-888-432-6733 or 263-4390.
