Subject: Re: Any native plants/ecosystems ngs?
From: <OperaGoer@webtv.net>
Organization: WebTV Subscriber
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 17:11:02 -0500
Message-ID: <MOD$970905.23995@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$970822.19926@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
There was something in Michigan City, Indiana along Lake Michigan
somewhere. It was all run by volunteers and donations and was beautiful.
We saw a brochure on it after being told word-of-mouth about a pretty
site for travelers in the area. The place was called The International
Friendship Gardens, begun sometime in the 1920's I think....it was
landscaped into sections, with each section having the name of a nation
and "outfitted" with only the native plants, shrubs, trees and flowers
from that particular nation, i.e. Japan, Netherlands, etc. We were told
of weddings and Affairs-of-State that were conducted there when in fll
bloom. The pictures were wonderful. It can be done. It would surprise
most people how many countries actually have some cold weather and the
flora/fauna that survives it. We finally did get to see it while passing
thru in the late fall (not as much blooming)....the one remaining
original-founding gentleman was in his late 80's and having a difficult
time encouraging people to volunteer their time and trouble for the sake
of the gardens. But the pendulum has again swung around to home-care and
beautification and perhaps his dreams and his living could be
resurrected....if not there then somewhere else....I should mention that
he told us that the flora/fauna of foreign countries was all donated by
the dignitaries OF those countries who made periodic pilgrimages to the
'Gardens to make certain their countries' were being properly
represented. I wonder who has the PhotoAlbum that we were shown? Perhaps
on a closet-shelf of one of the grandchildren....