For many years, the Rose Garden at MSU Tollgate Farm was one of the oldest and most beloved gardens on the property. The garden produced rose blooms for decades and was a favorite of visitors and volunteers. Kate Harper, long-time Americana Board Member and granddaughter to Adolph and Ginger Meyer, said that the garden always reminded her of her grandmother, who “gardened every day, rain or shine,” and created award-winning flower arrangements for institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Unfortunately, a Rose Rosette Disease infection was identified on the Tollgate property in 2016. Over time, the disease devastated the Rose Garden as well as singular specimens in other gardens at Tollgate. The Rose Garden was a total loss.
Thanks to the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of Tollgate’s volunteers, under the leadership of Roy Prentice, Tollgate Farm Manager, and with Americana’s support, the rose garden has undergone a major renovation. Two volunteers, Renee Cottrell and Joe Pyden, were particularly important to the design and implementation of the new garden, which now features a variety of new roses with companion plants to provide visual interest and protect the new roses from disease. Vertical sculptures have been installed to support climbing roses, and benches offer places for visitors to sit and enjoy the view.
A ceremony was held on August 7 to dedicate the new garden space as the “Founders Garden” in honor of Adolph and Ginger Meyer, Americana’s founders. Americana trustees Rick Foster, Kate Harper, Kathryn Underwood, Liz Kirkwood, and Denene De Quintal joined MSU Tollgate leadership and volunteers for an overview of the restoration process and to celebrate its completion. A plaque was installed to recognize the Meyers for their foresight in gifting part of Tollgate Farm to MSU and for their commitment to agricultural and environmental education. Americana was honored to support the rose garden project and deeply appreciates MSU Tollgate for dedicating the Founders Garden to the Meyers.
