In 2010, Brucemore is celebrating the centennial anniversary of the formal garden through a series of programs called 100 Years and Growing.

The formal gardens are special not only because they are the centerpiece of Brucemore’s 26-acre estate, but also because they were created by O.C. Simonds, a leader in the regional prairie landscape movement during the country place era. Simonds, who was devoted to bringing recognition to the new field of landscape architecture during the turn of the twentieth century, is credited globally for shaping the American landscape, developing university programs, and helping found the American Society of Landscape Architecture. His efforts created new understanding about the importance and legitimacy of the discipline. Many of the design tenets espoused by Simonds are still germane today, including the importance of using native species in landscape design.

Brucemore staff and Ruth Fox, an OPN landscape architect and the chair of Cedar Rapids’ Visual Arts Commission, recognized the significance of Simonds’ efforts and the landscape at Brucemore. Together, they created programming around 100 Years and Growing to herald the role that cultural landscapes, both built and natural, play in revealing aspects of a country’s origin and development.

Brucemore’s landscape is one of the few remaining intact residential designs by Simonds, though he left a broader legacy. The grounds represent a time of phenomenal growth in the country’s history when westward expansion forever changed the shape and texture of the Midwest. The grounds illustrate enduring long-term benefits of a plan conceived around beauty and respect of the land.

100 Years and Growing Events:

Seasonal Landscape Hike – Winter
January 23, 10:30 a.m.

Growing Appreciation Program: Framing Landscape
A mansion tour focusing on the landscape brought inside through art

February 27, 10:30 a.m.

Seasonal Landscape Hike – Spring
April 22, 6:00 p.m.

Growing Appreciation Program: Seed Savers Exchange
April 28, 6:00 p.m.

Brucemore’s Historic Neighborhood Walk
May 8, 12:00 p.m.

Historic Landscape Tour
May 25 and 27, 6:00 p.m., and May 29, 10:30 a.m.

Brucemore in Bloom
June 8 and 10, 6:00 p.m. and June 12, 9:30 a.m.

Seasonal Landscape Hike – Summer
June 22, 6:00 p.m.

Growing Appreciation Program: Historic Landscape Preservation Speakers
July 17, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Barbara

Geiger July 17, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – William Grundmann

Seasonal Landscape Hike – Autumn
October 16, 10:30 a.m.

For the avid garden program attendee, there is the Growing with Brucemore Pass. The Growing with Brucemore Pass can be purchased in three different levels which will enable the holder to gain access to a selected number of events, regardless of the individual price. The pass is valid for all of the above events except the Historic Landscape Preservation Speakers on July 17. Reservations will still be required for all events.

Growing with Brucemore Pass
Purchase 4 of 9 for $30

Purchase 6 of 9 for $45

Purchase all 9 for $60

Beyond attending the garden programming of 100 Years and Growing, enjoy Brucemore’s estate, 26 acres of park-like landscape, free of charge anytime the gates are open.

Please visit the website’s events section to find out further information about these programs. Select events are available for online registration. If you would like any additional information, to make reservations, or to purchase tickets please call Brucemore at (319) 362-7375. Event tickets and the Growing with Brucemore Pass are also available in the Brucemore Store.