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Frederik MeijerFred Meijer, founder of Meijer, Inc. and noted philanthropist, died Friday, November 25 in Grand Rapids. He was 91.

The Meijer name has became known for many civic and charitable undertakings, but Fred’s most significant contribution came in 1994 with the creation of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The conservatory and park combines his passion for sculpture and his wife Lena’s for gardening. 

Comprised of 132 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and display gardens, it features indoor tropical, arid, carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens, as well as a sculpture park, children’s garden, farm garden, and amphitheater for summer concert events. 

Since its opening, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has become a top cultural destination in the Midwest region, and known internationally for the quality of its art and gardens.

Flickr / ellenm1
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has become known internationally for the quality of its art and gardens.

The Telegraph:

Always on the mind of the keen gardener is: what’s new? With a long tradition of plant exploration and amateur breeding, in past years the majority of new introductions originated in the UK but, more and more, the latest, coolest plants are coming from across the Atlantic.

Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina likens it to an American version of our Victorian era. Even for some previously British stock-in-trade plants such as hellebores, the bulk of new varieties now come from the United States, sometimes fuelled by UK genetics that hopped the Pond.

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Jeff BallOn Friday, November 11, 2011, Jeff Ball passed away peacefully at home in central Michigan. He battled prostate cancer for 7 years and was with hospice care since September. Jeff was a full-time garden communicator for over 30 years. He wrote 9 books, a weekly yardening column for the Detroit News Homestyle section, and columns on tools and vegetables in Michigan Gardener. He also produced garden videos, a CD-ROM, and a garden planner software package. For 8 years he was the gardening expert on the NBC Today Show in New York City.

It was a pleasure working with and knowing Jeff. He provided practical advice and keen insights to gardeners and homeowners alike. Filled with warmth and wit, his clear writing was a joy to read. He will be missed.

– Eric & Jonathon Hofley