The International Peace Garden spans Canada and the United States celebrating the longest unfortified border in the world. Near the geographic center of North America, Rugby, North Dakota, the garden begins where the natural water borders of the great lakes open onto the prairie, and the prairie begins to rise to the mountains. I visited here in 2009 as the highly charged political debate engulfing our country seemed to paralyze our nation. Yes, 9/11 happened in 2001, and the Iraq war was rattling our national psyche. I longed for peace in a garden as only nature could bring. Now in 2025 as our country and the world grapple with conflicts, I try to remember conflict is part of life. Peace Gardens reminds me citizens around the globe see gardens as a path to peace.
Category: Midwest Region, US
Turtle Island–Wisdom for All
Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, and it is used by some American Indigenous peoples and some Indigenous rights activists. The name is based on a creation myth common to several indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands of North America.
Tulip Fever, Can you pick just one?
I am recovering from a fever. Tulip Fever. Seduced by their charms and captivated by their colors, petals, fringes, and the brief burst of beauty heralding the arrival of spring, I despair from the longing to possess these flowers in my garden.
Resting Places
There will always be work to do in a garden, but why create a bit of heaven on earth if we don’t occasionally sit and feast our eyes on the beauty right in front of us?
Memorable Moments 2018
2018 was a wonderful year of visiting gardens. We took three trips; a short spring trip to Atlanta, GA, a six-week road trip through the US, and a 30-day fall trip to England. Looking over my journals and photos of the past year it is full of memorable moments of the beauty in our world. I want to share a few marvels that delighted me along the way.
A Contemplative Atmosphere
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, Cincinnati, Ohio
I’ve been extensively exploring gardens for over 10 years. My favorite photographer and husband Rich has willingly traveled along without complaint. That is right up until I wanted to visit cemeteries. He didn’t want to do that, but I did, and so we did. Initially I was the one climbing the hills and shooting the photos of all the amazing things there are to find in cemeteries, now we are both exploring this part of life.
Arranging Flowers & Ideas
Penelope Lively in her book, Life in a Garden, writes “. . gardening has this embracing quality in that it colors the way you look at the world.” I like that thought and I believe it. I believe it is a very good thing.
Magical Mosaics
Matthaei Botanical Garden, Ann Arbor, MI affiliated w/ University of Michigan.
We were confused about where to park and as a result we ended up at the far side of the office building away from the main entrance of the conservatory. This turned out to be the best possible start to the day.
Paul loves to garden . . .
I was walking the red brick sidewalks of Germantown near downtown Columbus, OH when I stopped mid-step. Before me, evidence of a passionate plants person appeared. Gardeners can’t hide their enthusiasm for life, they reveal themselves, with flowering vines leaking out through the fence,
A room with a garden too!
When I travel to visit gardens my husband and I have fully embraced Airbnb accommodations. We’ve traveled to New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many of the US States staying with hosting individuals in a room with a view. We look for properties with photos of gardens as part of their home since that assures us we have something in common before we arrive. I have nothing but good things to say about this type of travel experience, we meet interesting people, enjoy fantasy real estate both in location and floor plans. We find great surprises.