New Volunteer Tribute Garden

Essay by Steve LaWarre, Vice President of HorticulturePhotography by Erin Zacek

Volunteers are an exceptionally important part of the successful formula at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Every moment these beautiful spaces are open to guests, it is estimated two dozen volunteers are here supporting Meijer Gardens’ operations. Volunteers can be found serving in every area, and in every department. Whether for guest services, concerts, special events, or daily care of the conservatories and grounds, volunteers are a crucial part of the Meijer Gardens mission. It is fitting, then, that these special people would have a special garden—one honoring the work and dedication of these enthusiastic individuals.

The Volunteer Tribute Garden was dedicated in October 2006 as a space to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that has been the foundation of stability, viability and community connection at Meijer Gardens. It serves as a consistent reminder of the importance of volunteers and our volunteer program. Returning to its home in this garden—where it honors our volunteers—is The Tribute, by Oliviero Rainaldi.

Our expansion project, Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love, provided an opportunity to grow and reimagine several existing garden spaces; the Volunteer TributeGarden is an area that will see some dramatic change. Because of its central location, this garden is a gateway to many of the outdoor gardens and grounds. The expansion of the building and outdoor access presented an opportunity to design this space in a new way. Guests have been able to watch the garden expansion firsthand, and the new VolunteerTribute Garden will open with a rededication in late fall 2021.

An overhead view of the new pathway.

This is truly a gateway garden. Located along the main access path as guests enter the outdoor grounds, this new space is a thoughtful place of serenity, inspiration, beauty and artistry, at the heart of Meijer Gardens. Built on a commitment to be 100% accessible and incorporating principles of Universal Design, the new garden pathway winds around and between architectural walls and down past the picturesque pond, offering filtered views of the surrounding spaces. Two special locations will highlight tributes and donors as well as the individuals who have been named Volunteer of the Year—a fitting annual honor that began with the opening of MeijerGardens in 1995.

Colorful seasonal plantings will punctuate the Volunteer Tribute Garden entrance. Dozens of trees, shrubs and perennial varieties will provide a rich tapestry of horticultural diversity, with interesting textures, colors, fragrances, sounds and natural ambiance. Plant material to attract and sustain wildlife will also be incorporated into the landscape.

The Volunteer Tribute Garden is redesigned as an outdoor classroom and discovery space. The northern border of this garden is appropriately accessible from the Covenant Learning Center. A new boardwalk and wetland overlook provide access to native emergent and prairie plantings and a pond habitat specifically designed for reptile and amphibian diversity. The logs, branches and stone slabs seen along the pond edges—and just below the surface—are intentionally placed to provide habitat for salamanders, turtles, frogs and other wetland wildlife.

The Volunteer Tribute Garden will be ready to enjoy this fall. It is exciting to imagine how this space will grow and change over the next few years. This is why a garden is never finished. We are glad you can be part of the journey. This garden is a prominent reminder of the many opportunities available through the Meijer Gardens volunteer program.

This place, enjoyed by so many, wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and commitment of our many volunteers.