Seeking Peace– International Peace Garden

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.

The idea of an International Peace Garden originated with Dr. Henry Moore, a Horticulturist graduate of Kew Gardens in London and a resident of Ontario, Canada.  Dr. Moore attended a horticultural conference in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1928 and was impressed by Canadians and Americans’ congeniality and shared interests. He proposed a garden to celebrate this international relationship.  He believed a garden is “where the people of the two countries could share the glories found in a lovely garden and the pleasures found in warm friendships.”

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.

Dedication of the International Peace Garden took place on July 14, 1932.  “Horticulturalists and gardeners from both countries offered to carpet 400 acres with flowers and trees,” and celebrants pledged,  “We two nations dedicate this garden and pledge ourselves that as long as man shall live, we will not take up arms against one another.” Of course, the great depression changed and challenged everything.  Funds for development disappeared, but labor appeared!  The US Civilian Conservation Corps provided 600 men to work the 2400 acres donated by the two countries for this garden.  The men worked to clear brushland, build lagoons, and construct the first building.  World War II then sapped all development.

As a world-weary from war emerged in the late 1940s, the ideals of the Peace Garden helped heal the wounds of war. Funds were collected from small towns, rotary clubs, veterans, Eastern Star, Masons chapters, and many more organizations to build a peace chapel, entry gates, picnic areas, rose gardens, and garden dreams. Canadian and US governments contributed funds to the development of the garden.

A channel of water blends the borders of both countries from the entrance gates to the Peace Tower at the end.  The Peace Towers, dedicated in 1983, has four soaring columns symbolizing the dreams and ambitions of immigrants who built new lives in Canada and the US with the common base of democracy.    Two towering spires on the US and two on the Canadian sides represent the earth’s four corners coming together.

Today, the gardens include 400 acres of formal gardens with 180,000 colorful annuals, 7000 flowering shrubs, and 100 varieties of deciduous trees.  The sunken gardens have been revitalized with new plantings and a conservatory designed by French-Canadian architect Gaboury Etienne.  A contemplative garden designed around steel girders salvaged from the World Trade Center attack of 9-11-2001 stands as a reminder of that terrible event.

It was also the only time the NATO agreement was activated, as our allies stood up to defend our country from future attacks. 

I did indeed find peace in this garden.  I was inspired to hike through the woodlands to enjoy the lake views.  The 59 inscriptions in the peace chapel revealed words of wisdom and a bell carillon played softly on the hour.  One of the quotes is from George Washington, his words: “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all”. Visitors wandered easily between the borders, speaking languages from around the world.

All of this history emphasizes the incredible power of a garden to bring people together with a love of nature and nurture, celebrating our commonalities in growing flowers, trees, and food. Recognizing that all little sprouts need clean water, clean air, and a foundation of good soil to thrive.

There is now an International Peace Garden Foundation: Planting the Seeds of Peace, which was formed in 1992 and established “to advance global friendship and international understanding through the creation of peace gardens and cultural exchange programs.”  Peace Gardens are developing around the world.

So, I sought peace in a garden just as citizens throughout the world have done for years. Conflicts will continue, and as gardeners, we may intuitively seek peace in our gardens, but perhaps there is no higher goal than to help others find peace in a garden.  So, let’s grow more gardeners and plant seeds of peace!

The Peace Chapel anchors the west end of the Formal Garden and offers memorable quotes by world leaders on peace and its fragility. It is a place for more formal gatherings but welcomes everyone to come in, sit, and contemplate a world at peace.

The Peace Chapel at the International Peace Garden in North Dakota has 59 inscriptions that reflect themes of peace, friendship, and hope. The quotes are from philosophers, historians, and religious figures.

All the inscriptions are collected in this volume: Reflections of Peace, Friendship and Hope: The Peace Chapel at the International Peace Garden 1970-2020 Paperback, by Kari L. Barchenger (Author) –