One of the greatest features of the Hormel Historic Home is the Peace Garden.

Filled with many colors of the rainbow, it is a place to enjoy birds, trees, flowers and beauty. Since its dedication in 2002, the garden has been the setting for countless wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, concerts and children’s activities. Guests can enjoy the area much like the Hormels might have and the YWCA organization did many years ago. Daylilies, hydrangeas, hostas, hardy geraniums, roses, tulips and more can be seen and enjoyed when you visit. We are fortunate that area garden experts, the HHH staff, and volunteers help to keep it thriving.

This year we were privileged to be included in the annual Yard and Garden Tour sponsored by Spruce Up Austin. According to their website, www.spruceupaustin.org, “Spruce Up Austin is an action-oriented group. Members are local citizens and volunteers dedicated to improving the City of Austin with tree planting and educational programs.” Their yearly garden tour allows the organization to raise funds that support projects such as public seminars, the Tree Trek project at East Side Lake and annual Arbor Day projects.  In their 26 years they have invested over $500,000 in to beautifying our community. The HHH Peace Garden was one of five featured spaces that encouraged and inspired visitors to appreciate the landscape around them.

Luther Burbank, botanist, horticulturist and pioneer in agriculture, said “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” I hope visitors to our garden find soul food in the Hormel Historic Home Peace Garden.

During my recent visit with Tom and James Hormel, I asked them about their memories of their grandmother Lillian’s gardening skills. Tom was able to recall his grandparents California garden very vividly. He described a descending stairway that went down to the next street a couple hundred yards below the level of the house. He said the whole pathway to the garden was paved and there were fountains and a little river and fishponds in certain places.

He said there was an English garden feel to the space that was very exciting.  Lillian obviously had a vision for her garden that was recognized by all. We don’t have fish in her Minnesota garden but there are at least three ducks that visit each year that we have fondly named George, Lillian, and Jay.

Please stop by and find peace in our garden whether on a stroll, during a concert or at an event.

 Peace Garden Concert: The Bazillions

6:30 p.m., July 18, free

Kid friendly rock-n-roll performed by Twin Cities parents and educators. Duo brings songs to life through illustration, animation and activities. Bring a chair or a blanket and your children for a fun energy filled night in the garden.

 Teddy Bear Tours

9 and 9:45 a.m., July 20

Pre-register for these fun, interactive tours intended to introduce young people to our historic home. Cost is $6 per family of 3. $1 for each additional person. Call 507-433-4243.