Chapman added they did not start in January this year, and took a measured approach with programming every second week so they could reschedule if weather was an issue.
The programs have two major themes – history and plants. The first, on February 11, begins with a panel discussion on the history of the Peace Garden itself. This will combine history from their archives and perhaps some families’ recollections of the Garden. On February 25, David M. Neufeld of the Turtle Mountain Souris Plains Heritage Association will be on hand to talk about the work the organization does to protect and promote the heritage of the region.
In March, they move on over to plants and their friends. On March 5, Johannes Olwage and Jonah Neufeld will discuss caring for succulents. The next one will be special, discussing pollinators with Deb McCallum. Those bees and butterflies are the 2026 theme for the Peace Garden, so it will be interesting for visitors to see how it will fit in to the attraction come summer. On April 8, there will be a presentation on creating a pollinator garden with Senior Sunken Garden Horticulturalist Meredith Swanson.
As well as the presentations, each day will have a craft connected to either the date or the topic and a tea time. Also of importance is the tour of the cacti and succulent garden. These plants are in bloom at this time of the year, and Chapman said they are stunning this winter.
“This is only the second full winter of the refurbished Conservatory, and everything is doing really well,” Chapman said. “ It is really unbelievable how they do in this climate controlled space. Out here there is always something in bloom whatever the season.”
“The best part of this is to see the reactions of people. You get them out on a frigid day, and they see the growth here. You can guarantee folks come back.”
He said last year the visitors for the senior’s days were pretty well split between both sides of the border. There were usually 10-12 people each time and he hopes they can continue to build on those numbers from communities within reasonable driving distance. Family members who may not be of the exact age can still come and participate.
This kind of themed event can also continue in other areas. From February 7-8, there are the Cross-Country Ski Provincials in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park and the Garden. The skate ski races will take place at IPG on February 8. Chapman said they are looking to make that a military appreciation day, reaching out to CFB Shilo and American bases like Minot and Grand Forks. It would be a great way to say thank you to those important people for the work they do.
Overall, the Garden is looking forward to bringing some warmth into a lengthy and cold season.
“Winter is already seeming long,” Chapman said. “The Conservatory is looking great, and we really want to welcome people here to enjoy it.’
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff