What’s In Bloom This Weekend? 

We’re finally seeing proof that spring has indeed sprung! These warm temperatures are making a lot of perennials pop, both in the Sunken Garden and Formal Garden. Daffodils can be seen blooming in every corner of the gardens. Blue squill is blooming on the Conservatory patio and near the Peacock statue and gazebo. Forsythia (a very lemony yellow shrub) is blooming in the front entrance. The Sunken Garden has many perennials showing their sunny little faces, including heartleaf Bergenia, pasque flower, marsh marigold; and a new cultivar planted last year — Twinkle Toes lungwort! Foliage is starting to come in on shrubs and trees, including ninebarks and elder. Perennials, like fernleaf peonies, hostas and rhubarb, are poking up through the wood chip mulch. If these temperatures continue as forecasted, the gardens will be flush with life in no time!

The big thing blooming in the Sunken Garden right now is the crabapples. The white ones lining the east/west walkways are called “Spring Snow” and there are two pink varieties named “Gladiator” and “Purple Spire” in the SG. Other blooms right now include vinca, anemones, primula, phlox, and various fruiting trees/shrubs such as juneberry/saskatoon, haskaps, and cherries.  

Many perennials are popping up and starting to show their spring foliage, which is always a happy and refreshing thing to see this time of year. The pond lily pads are starting to emerge; however, I don’t expect to see new blossoms on them for a bit. The fountain is in the pond – which is another nice thing for visitors to see. Lots of birds are starting to nest as well, so we’ll be seeing baby fledglings before we know it. 

Meredith Swanson, Sunken Garden Horticulturist

What’s Open? Cafe open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Gift Shop & Conservatory 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; North American Game Warden Museum 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat and Sun (Closed Memorial Day); Campground reservations here.

Late May in the Turtle Mountains. At 700 feet above the surrounding prairies, IPG is located within a unique forest and wetlands area known as the Turtle Mountains. After a long, snowy winter the ground needs time to thaw. Spring rains bring additional moisture and occasionally stall our staff from planting our magnificent annual floral displays.

We are almost out of the frost threat this year, but our microclimate is not always ready for the annual flowers, and in the past the Garden has lost substantial sums to cold nights into June. So, we proceed with caution to ensure we are hitting peak bloom between July and August. The annual display beds fill out week after week.

Our experienced horticultural staff is itching to get plants in the ground! This massive effort is aided by volunteer groups, who generously donate time in our rural location along the U.S.-Canada border.

The Sunken Garden is our perennial home and provides a stunning array of ever-changing color throughout the season. Staff is diligently pruning and pockets of color are exploding.

Our Grounds Maintenance fired up the mowers Thursday and are balancing the openings between rains to mow hundreds of acres of formal lawns, 7 picnic areas, our full-service campground and more. Although we aim to minimize the spread of weeds, we manage nearly 2,400 acres and appreciate your understanding during this brief spring pop!

Our Facilities Maintenance crew maintains hundreds of buildings, including washrooms throughout the grounds. Let us know if you see anything we missed and we will get right to it!

Much like the formal areas, our forests, wetlands and lakes are reawakening and provide striking beauty early in the season. The aspens have leafed out and oaks are following close behind. Miles of trails, the new beach at the Manitoba Women’s Institute Maple Grove picnic area, kayak rentals (reserve at Gift Shop) and CCC-era pavilions offer great exploration. The Turtle Mountains are home to hundreds of full-time and migrating birds, including ducks, grebes, warblers and the mighty pelicans.

Remember that the animals are getting their bearings as well! Please do not approach wildlife and notify IPG staff if you have concerns. Enjoy the chance to see moose, elk, deer, beavers and more from a safe distance.

Tim Chapman, CEO

Conservatory Thriving
Hard to believe it has been a year since we reopened! The plants are thriving in this beautiful new expansion and cacti and succulents are blooming all over! Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Rebutia, Mammilaria, Astrophytum and Uncarina are among the species showing off their stunning flowers. Remember to bring water or purchase a beverage at the Gift Shop or Cafe. 

Events and Music Camp
Don’t forget that International Music Camp’s Festival of the Arts Series is fast approaching! The Old-Time Fiddle, Guitar & Banjo Workshops are June 5-7 and include a live performance June 6 at 7 p.m. with Mitchell Makoons. $10 entry at the Burdick Center. All Festival of the Arts performances June 20 on are free following payment of the IPG gate fee. 2025 Admission is either $10 per day per person or $50 for a family annual season pass.