Tim's Corner
It is the first full week of June and I cannot be prouder of our dedicated staff and volunteer base. The amount of work done out of public sight, out of regular hours and outside of "reasonable" weather is remarkable.
It is precisely this type of selfless, service-minded dedication that has made the Peace Garden one of the world's most unique and revered institutions through its first 90 years. A milestone we are celebrating all summer and specifically July 30-31!
This spring hit us with enough moisture to make up for the lack of water from the last couple of years. Add high winds and crippling ice, and we're still looking at months of clean up from Mother Nature's raucous April and May.
As a non-profit, we are fortunate to receive operating grants from Manitoba and North Dakota. We are still always looking for additional support in a remote area made even more remote this year by rising fuel prices.
Our staff digs in nonetheless! They clean up downed trees to ensure visitor safety while rushing to meticulously plant 80,000 annuals. The moisture brought additional challenges with flooding of key areas and buildings. Herbicide application and weed management also take countless hours in the sun when there are openings to get staff off mowers.
If you happen to live locally, you get it. If not, rest assured we do all we can to get plants looking their best as early as possible. The Manitoba and North Dakota winter doesn't always allow that transition until well into June.
And that is something to embrace! If you're fortunate to live close enough for regular visits, this resilient climate rewards us a magical if short summer season. Our team is busy pruning the perennials and trees for you to enjoy with their everchanging blooms into September.
The annuals will hit peak bloom in July and August. Consider a June visit to see how the progression of music and arts-themed floral displays begins. The reward with each following visit is well worth it!
In peace,
Tim Chapman, CEO
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