Spring is finally here and that means it’s almost time for another season at Friendship Botanic Gardens! 

We officially open for the season on May 1st, but we need your help to make this our best year yet. On Saturday, April 12th we’ll once again host our annual Wake Up The Gardens volunteer workday, and we need some dedicated volunteers to help us get the grounds ready for their 2025 debut. Tasks will include raking, pulling brush, and cleaning up limbs and debris so that our entrance and garden areas can look their very best. Light refreshments will be provided. Volunteers are asked to bring their own work gloves if possible. If you can help, please RSVP at info@friendshipbotanicgardens.org.    

On May 1st, The Gardens is partnering with Dig The Dunes for another Beer Run for the Rescues. Runners will hit the trails before heading to one of our region’s best local breweries. Best of all, 40% of ticket proceeds go to Giant Paw Prints, Lakeshore Paws, and the Michiana Humane Society.    

Exciting new features will soon grace The Gardens!    

The Sons of Norway Lodge, FBG Board Member Oleif Olsaker, and the Michigan City Senior Center Woodcarvers have graciously gifted us an exquisitely hand-carved wooden viking statue. This carving — named 'Thor' by the volunteers who created him — will replace the Norway Garden’s current Viking statue, which was damaged in a fire many years ago on the FBG grounds. Read more about all the skilled artistry that went into crafting this new statue in the March 4th edition of The Beacher. 

Thor isn't the only new feature coming to FBG. Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous foundation, The Gardens will soon be home to a Wind Phone! A Windphone is an unconnected telephone booth that serves as a symbolic monument for those grieving a loved one. We’re honored to be home to such a unique memorial piece which is sure to enrich the experience of those who visit our grounds.