“The additional space provides more room for the plants to grow, more access and ability to maintain the plants, more space for visitors to walk and sit to enjoy the collection, and space for events to occur within the conservatory itself,” said Tim Chapman, CEO of the International Peace Garden.

The newly renovated cafe and gift shop are completed and open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p. m. The bright and airy building that includes an interpretive center is among renovations being made in preparation for this 2022 summer season full of events. During the most recent winter storm, several trees in the park were damaged. The staff and volunteers are working to get the fallen and broken brush cleaned up.

The large conservatory’s addition is not set for completion until spring 2023, although the Peace Garden has more than enough to see and do.

Horticulturists Jonah Neufeld and Jack Stanton with Visitor Services/Hospitality Manager Valerie McCallum were moving all the cacti out of the conservatory recently. In preparation for the new building, they have been placing many of the cacti and succulents in storage. The very tall cacti are being cut into sections and will later be propagated and placed in the new conservatory.

Submitted Photo The new conservatory is under construction at the International Peace Garden. Photo courtesy of Riley Brodal.

The renovations also include a children’s interactive garden called The Nature Park Playground. The Nature Park Playground will be a sensory and learning garden with different sections focused on animal concepts and scented, herbal plants.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the International Peace Garden, with a celebration set for July 29-31.

The grand opening of the Peace Garden in 1932 had approximately 50,000 people in attendance. “This year, I would be happy with 51,000 in attendance,” said McCallum.

For a full schedule of events, more information or to learn about volunteering go to peacegarden.com or call 263-4390.