TOUR AMERICA 2022, INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS, DUNSEITH, ND

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Temperature 83 Degrees, Abundant Sunshine, Strong Winds

International Peace Gardens, American & Canadian Border

Today we went to the Gardens to see what we can see. Unfortunately, they proved to be somewhat of a disappointment. I was expecting to see per their web site row upon row of colorful flowers. That was not the case. The simple reason being the weather here has been both unseasonably cold as well as wet. Speaking of which, last Tuesday we were told they received 3 1/2 inches of rain in just one hour. Therefore, they have been unable to plant most of the flowers during the past month. And a lot of what they had already planted was heavily damaged on Tuesday by the rain and wind. We were also told that if one comes the around mid-July much of the flowers will be planted or replaced and finally in full bloom. Well, we don’t have that long so lets go for a walk and see what we can see.

This stone cairn was placed here at the dedication of the gardens in 1932. It is just inside the actual entrance to the gardens.

This large clock was received in 1966 from the Bulova watch company. It is 18 feet in diameter and displays a unique floral arrangement each year. The number of plants can range from 2,000 to 5,000 depending on the type of plant and the design on the face of the clock. As is obvious some flowers have been planted but there are numerous more that have to be. When will they all bloom is anyone’s guess right now. I’m sure, though, that when they do it will be stunning.

Beds of flowers which have recently been planted.

This is the Sunken Garden area with an octagonal pond as its focal point. Remember the rain I mentioned in the beginning that fell last Tuesday? The water in the pond was 2 inches up from the bottom of all the planters.

The pond has two adjoining pools, this one on the American side of the pond. And across the pond you can see the other pool

which is on the Canadian side.

This is the 49th Parallel which marks the boundary between Canada and the United States. In the top picture, Canada is to the left and the United States is to the right. This small brook runs along the 49th Parallel through the whole length of the Gardens

Trees, shrubs and flowers encompass the pond.

We did find some of the beds which had recently been planted with flowers.

Within the Garden you’ll find

The Carillon Bell Tower which plays on the quarter hour.

And my favorite The Peace Chapel. The Chapel anchors the west end of the Formal Garden.

The Chapel is definitely something special. As you sit here in quiet and solitude you find rest for your soul.

On its walls are though provoking quotes by world leaders on many aspects of life.

Quotations such as this encircle the chapel and are written on its walls.

Though the Garden was not in full bloom I still found it to be a very special place that is hard to describe. As you walk slowly through the formal gardens and view the various exhibits you feel a certain sense of peace within that goes with you when you leave. I would definitely love to come back again but this time in late July or early August.

Yes, I would encourage you to put this on your bucket list of places to visit. It’s a long trip and a bit out of the way but definitely worth the trip. Come in late July or early August and you’ll be blown away by the thousands of flowers in bloom.

Oh yes

Yet another new T-shirt.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.

Our continuing mission remains the same: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before.