Link to the Riverside International Friendship Garden website
August 4, 2007: Grand Opening Ceremony for the Riverside International Friendship Gardens.
2 photos above by Tom Rhoher; all other photos by Marilyn Rebarchek
The Russian garden was formally dedicated by delegates from Dubna, Russia on July 12, 2007.
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| The mayor of Dubna Russia dedicates the garden with
the help of an interpreter. The Besedka element was donated by the friends of Dubna Russia. Over 150 people attended the dedication ceremony. |
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| The German Square | The rock garden in the German Garden |
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| 'Limelight' hydrangea | 'Matrona' sedum | Colorful pods of hyacinth bean |
 The French Fountain |
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| 'Spring Snow' crabapples trees in the spring | 'Spring Snow' crabapple in bloom | |
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| The fountain in the French Garden | Roses in bloom |
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| The Moon Gate entrance to the Chinese Garden | Inside the Chinese Garden |
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| Astilbe in bloom | Clematis flowers | Redbud tree in spring |
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| Clethra with the Chinese garden beyond | Water lilies in the rain | 'Hello Yellow' blackberry lily flowers |
MGVs in cooperation with the City of La Crosse and RIFGI, are working together to create and maintain internationally themed friendship gardens in Riverside Park. Research and planning work continues on the project, with this year’s (2005) design focus on the gardens of Russia, China, France and Germany. Much of the infrastructure has been completed in the gardens, including a 5,000+ gallon pond installed and orchestrated by a MG to teach other MGVs and public volunteers about pond installation and maintenance. MGVs have also developed relationships with people from these countries to gain more knowledge of their environment, garden design and culture. This has included working with Frances’ customs/regulations in the acquisition of locally grown climbing roses from Epinal. The hard structure elements of the gardens continue to be installed by several local contractors. Visit our website and “watch us grow.”
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| Marilyn and Jackie (garden designers) represented the RIFG at several community organizations in order to raise funds for the gardens. | A Pergola was constructed in the German Garden. |
MG's with help of a local garden center installed a 5000 plus gallon pond. The public was invited to a demonstration on building the pond.
Installation of precast bridge and pond completion.
Seeds of international friendship to be planted at Riverside ParkBy GERI PARLIN / La Crosse Tribune Story originally printed in the Nov 4, 2004 La Crosse Tribune |
| Right now, the Riverside International Friendship Gardens
are mounds of freshly turned earth and compost at the north end of
Riverside Park. By June 2005, they will be so much more. Chuck Hanson, president of the group, said in a press conference Wednesday that volunteers have worked for months to get this far, but it has been joyful work. "We want to create here a thing of beauty. These gardens are an expression of who we are as a community," he said, and how La Crosse reaches out to the world. Ground has been prepared for four gardens — French, German, Russian and Chinese — to match our sister cities in in Epinal, France; Dubna, Russia; Luoyang, China; and Friedburg, Germany. But room exists for more sister cities, he said, including one from Norway and possibly from Ireland. Master Gardener Marilyn Rebarchek of the Bluff Country Master Gardeners said, "It's a perfect fit for us. We look forward to early spring when we can come and plant in the garden." Parks Superintendent Gar Amunson said the city is happy to partner in a project like this. "It was a nondescript piece of land," he said, and this project will turn it into something special. Mayor John Medinger said one of his greatest joys has been La Crosse's Sister City collaborations and this garden extends that connection. "There is so much going on that ties us to the world," he said. And this garden will be a positive way to reach out. "This is our premiere park. It's going to be great for tourism and great for the people in La Crosse. I'm glad to be associated with it," he said. And now other people need to be associated with the garden, Hanson said. "We always can use another pair of hands," he said. Even more important now, he said, are financial donations. Plants have to be ordered by Feb. 1, he said, and they need the money before they send in the orders. But if money isn't possible, he said, consider pulling on a pair of garden gloves and coming down to the garden to help. "Young and old, this is the kind of thing that can unite us. Please join us in this important effort." |
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About the Riverside International Friendship Gardens The gardens are located on the north end of Riverside Park. The shape of the beds has been determined, compost has been hauled in, and plant lists have been chosen. Hardscape elements such as fountains, benches and fences should be installed by May 30, weather permitting. Planting is scheduled to be completed by the end of June. You can support the garden by sending a check to: Riverside International Friendship Gardens, P.O. Box 3473, La Crosse, WI 54602-3473. To volunteer, or for more information about the garden, call (608) 791-GROW. |
