Turkish novelist and playwright Mehmet Murat Ildan once said, “When you increase the number of gardens, you increase the number of heavens too.” This is exactly the kind of belief that the Northern Plains Botanical Garden Society (NPBGS) is built upon. The organization was founded in April 1998 by the NDSU Horticulturist Dr. Chiwon Lee. Since then, the NPBGS has ballooned to over 400 members. They seek to “enrich our community and the common good through the use of plants.” In other words, they are committed to increasing the number of heavens within the Red River Valley.

The NPBGS currently runs a public garden open May through October in North Fargo. The term “garden” is a bit misleading, as the space is a series of meticulously planned and cared for gardens. If you have never been there, it is breathtaking. Included in the attraction are the following gardens:

· Turnaround Garden – designed to beautify the parking lot

· Seed of Opportunity Garden – dedicated to educational projects involving children

· Alphabet Garden – a selection of plants representing each letter of the alphabet. It is a collaboration with the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm

· Gladiola Garden – includes many gladiola varieties

· Hummingbird Patio Garden – features red flowering plants to attract hummingbirds

· Alerus Financial Butterfly Garden – includes several species of butterflies and their caterpillars

· Rain Garden – features deep-rooted plants designed to collect runoff rain

· Mums Test Garden – designed to test new varieties of mums. It is run in cooperation with NDSU

· Woodland Garden – includes a variety of woodland, shade, and sunny edge plants as well as a small fairy garden tucked beneath the trees

In addition, plans are currently being developed for a “Garden of Mind and Soul” Japanese-style garden to the east of the existing garden. This garden will feature two acres of numerous gardens, relaxing ponds, and waterfalls. It will also include a pavilion, tea house, and gift shop. The pavilion will have the capacity to house up to 400 people, making it a perfect destination for weddings, conferences, and other social gatherings.

John Zvirovski, Vice President of the NPBGS, spoke on the benefits of botanic gardens at last Saturday’s 11th annual fundraiser. Zvirovski is North Dakota’s first Advanced Master Gardener, and was introduced by NPBGS Executive Director Jackie Williams as an “amazing advocate of all that is green.” Zvirovski discussed the benefits a botanic garden brings to the community and surrounding area. “Botanic gardens promote community and togetherness and are a great way for people to get involved,” he said, adding the gardens are especially appreciated after a long, brutal winter. “The dynamics of spring get us all energized.”

Zvirovski focused a lot of his lecture on the educational aspects of botanic gardens. Conservatories and “hot houses” allow people of all ages to see vegetation that cannot be grown in this area. In addition, these structures allow plants to continue to thrive even during winter. Most people in this area are very familiar with a plant’s life cycle. Nothing can survive a Red River Valley winter. Conservatories and hot houses, on the other hand, allow plants to thrive all year round, which allows people to enjoy and appreciate something other than the white blanket of snow. For young people, these structures give them the ability to see exotic and foreign plant life up close and personal, something that cannot be achieved through a book in a classroom. “Education is key,” Zvirovski said. “It is the kids that extend a botanic garden.” The timeless nature of gardens is one of the things that make them so appealing. “Gardens can span generations,” he explained.

In addition to the educational aspect, botanic gardens can serve as resources for area gardeners. “A botanic garden will offer the public an opportunity to learn more about what grows well in our climate,” Jackie Williams explained. The space can also give gardeners a place to gather with like-minded people.

Last weekend’s fundraiser was designed to raise the funds necessary for the NPBGS to continue its current garden, as well as progress with its future plans. In addition to the “Garden of Mind and Soul,” the NPBGS has submitted plans to the Moorhead City Council to beautify the site of the old power plant. Proposed structures at that site include various gardens, and educational/event center, and a conservatory/arboretum. This site would add to the already impressive offerings of the NPBGS and make Fargo/Moorhead a destination spot for avid gardeners all over the country.

Botanic gardens can offer something different for everyone. Some may enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful colors or the meditative quality of the space. Others may take advantage of educational aspects to enrich their knowledge of vegetation, including plants found here as well as abroad. Still others may simply value the garden for its ability to remind us of the beauty that nature provides.

The poem “God’s Garden” by Robert Frost eloquently describes the beauty of a garden. He writes:

God made a beauteous garden

With lovely flowers strown,

But one straight, narrow pathway

That was not overgrown.

And to this beauteous garden

He brought mankind to live,

And said “To you, my children,

These lovely flowers I give.

Prune ye my vines and fig trees,

With care my flowers tend,

But keep the pathway open

Your home is at the end.”

For more information about the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society or how you can help make their vision a reality, visit www.npbotanicgarden.com. The botanic garden is located at 1201 28th Avenue North in Fargo.