The International Peace Garden will be hosting their very first Christmas celebration in two weeks, inviting folks to join Santa as he personally gets a sneak peek into the newly constructed Conservatory which features their world-class collection of cacti and succulents. 

Now, I must note that they've transplanted about 1/3 of their collection into the new ground in the Conservatory and even though they were working hard to get it ready for December 9th, there were too many plants to relocate!  Moving some 4000 plants is no small feat!

CEO, Tim Chapman, says their 'Santa at the Garden' debut will bring Jolly Old St. Nick to the Peace Garden but it will also coincide with a sneak peek of the new Conservatory for anyone who wants a tour of what's already been moved to their new home.

"It's not quite done where we want to be for a Grand Opening, but it's the holiday season and we want to give back and give people a bit of a look at how it's coming together.  With 1/3 of the plants replanted there are a lot of beautiful plants displayed already, but there is still a lot of work to do."

"So, it's going to be fun to have kids and family and everyone to really take in the festivities and see some green plants starting December!"

Chapman says next week they'll be raising a pretty big Christmas tree and adorning it with decorations.  The tree area will include trains and holiday villages so that the inside of the Conservatory will be as much of a winter wonderland as the outside!

Much of the programming will surround kids' activities including pictures with Santa.  Kids will have the chance to get creative and bring home a decorated cookie from their “Cookie Decorating with Gerry” station. There will be plenty of crafts to keep the little ones busy, and their gift shop will be brimming with holiday treasures. Independent vendors will also be on hand. 

And for anyone who wants to check out the newly renovated Conservatory with the Don Vitko Cacti and Succulent Collection during their sneak peek, they can chat with the Peace Garden's on-site horticulturalist, who will be on hand to discuss this amazing collection and the wide range of specimens on display.  "He'll be able to explain the process and the significance of some of the plants and what's ahead, looking at next summer," adds Chapman.

The Grand Opening for the Conservatory will take place next summer when the cacti and succulent collection is placed in its new home in its entirety.

Please listen to more with Tim Chapman below as he shares more on the Conservatory!

Admission to the IPG and Conservatory for December 9th 'Santa at the Garden' will be $5 per person over the age of 5. 

Event details:  Saturday, December 9th from 11:00 am-4:00 pm at the Conservatory building at the International Peace Garden

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