Children’s storybook characters will come to life at Peace Garden

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This article was published 11/01/2024 (1019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A layer of winter’s snow may have covered all signs of summer at the International Peace Garden, but when spring arrives, staff will start to roll out their plans for a new storybook experience for kids.

The seeds have already been planted in the minds of horticulturalists Michelle Burnett and Jess McInnes Gee, who will create dozens of flower beds, displays and walkways depicting well-known and beloved children’s books.

“It’s probably going to be our most interactive and intricate theme that we’ve done to date,” said McInnes Gee during a live presentation on social media.

Both Burnett and McInnes Gee created the designs from several books including, Charlotte’s Web, The Lorax, Curious George, Alice in Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, Dr. Seuss, the Wizard of Oz, Goodnight Moon, and Harry Potter.

“For Harry Potter, these are a combination of four separate flower beds that we’ll plant to create this cohesive theme inspired by Harry of course, and his glasses and his scarf, as well as the golden snitch and the Hogwarts house colours,” said McInnes Gee.

There are numerous types and varieties of flowers, plants and grasses that will be used in all the displays, including begonias, petunias, dahlias, rudbeckia, zinnias, sunpatiens, and dusty miller, which is a plant with silvery leaves.

Burnett said they were both inspired by the Wizard of Oz when they designed the famous road that leads to the Emerald City.

“The yellow brick road is such a classic visual we hope will be recognized by guests of all ages next season. We’ll also be including metal silhouettes of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion which will be placed at the base of the pathway,” said Burnett.

Additional displays will feature Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Cat in the Hat, and the Mad Hatter’s tea party. As the two horticulturalists described their up-coming displays they used phrases like, “funky textures” and “whimsical, bright colours”.

There will also be an area where people will be encouraged to pick and eat fresh fruits and vegetables as they walk by, said McInnes Gee.

“We plan to fill this garden to the brim with delicious edible plants that can be enjoyed by anybody passing through.

“A few of the varieties we’re going to be showcasing are patio pride peas, bright light swiss chard, midnight snack tomatoes, strawberries, sweet corn, green light cucumbers, and mad hatter peppers, which is specifically one we’ve chosen for this year’s theme,” McInnes Gee said.

There will be another space open this summer at the Peace Garden, designed specifically for the younger generation.

The Children’s Nature Play Area is described as “hands-on,” which means climbing, jumping, and exploring.

Climbing nets have been installed in the turtle area, dams and lodges built in the beaver zone, and there is a wolf-themed gathering circle with a granite boulder fire ring in the middle.

Local indigenous communities will create content that incorporates traditional teachings and native storytelling into each of the park’s play areas.

For those who are looking to embrace winter now, cabins are available for rent, and trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in both provincial and state parks.

A loop for beginners and kids goes through the Oak Grove. An intermediate trail that is about one-and-a-half kilometres takes you from the north parking lot to the chapel and back.

There is also an advanced trail that is about six kilometres and winds through a main picnic area, crosses Lake Stormon, and follows the peace park’s north loop.

Public restrooms are available at the terrace building at the end of the parking lot closest to the trails.

For more information visit https://peacegarden.com

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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