Casual community party at Memorial Gardens July 19

By Correne Martin

A picturesque garden and a boisterous party—how might they mesh if brought together?

Well, the St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens Committee hosted a couple hundred people last July, upon bringing the idea of a party gathering to the serene gardens. They will host Went to a Garden Party once again on the 10 acres of city property, Wednesday, July 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. The entire community is invited to this open house in the gardens, rain or shine.

This free, casual event is intended as an opportunity to showcase the gardens to the public. There will be samples of Eagles Landing wine and Potosi beer, Valley Fish and Cheese specialties and complementary music to enjoy. Local and statewide Master Gardeners will be in attendance to talk with anyone having questions and give informal tours, while informational pamphlets will also be available for the taking.

The Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a Business After Five during Went to a Garden Party.

Whether or not you’re familiar with perusing the spacious grounds of various perennial and annual flowers that adorn pocket parks, walking paths, memorials, a musical harmony park, shade gardens, patios and over 50 species of historical trees, the evening will be a great time do so.

“If you haven’t been there in a while, we have some new things. If you’re considering events there, this is your chance to see what’s available. If you don’t know the history or the purpose of the memorial gardens, this will provide time for people to meet those who are involved with it,” said Tom Nelson, garden volunteer and conservator.

The memorial gardens are home to the local Master Gardeners group, a growing number of weddings and receptions, the highly-popular local Oktoberfest celebration, plant sales, the Kids in the Garden program and a memorial tree planting program. They, along with the 700-plus new trees on St. Feriole Island alone, are a key reason why Prairie du Chien is a Tree City USA.

The memorial gardens are a special place for the community, Nelson said. The many volunteers who care for the gardens and continue expanding them would love to have a bounty of visitors on July 19.

“Come experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the gardens.”