History

In 2003, Congdon Park’s quiet pond and small flower garden experienced an important change with an initiative by the Delavan-Darien Rotary that created what has become Congdon Gardens. The small planting of annuals became a perennial garden with a large fountain as its centerpiece. It consists of seven granite boulders that signify the seven continents of the world united by water. It was donated by the family of a prominent Delavan Rotarian.

Each year from 2005 through 2020 a new garden has been designed and established:

2005/2006    Fountain Garden and brick paths
2007              Linden Garden designed by Roy Diblik (retired in 2015)
2008              Gazebo Garden designed by Roy Diblik
2009              Independence Garden designed by Patrick Fleming
2010              Peony and Day Lily Exhibition Garden designed by Tom Cleven
2011              Willemson Pergola Garden designed by the Willemson Family
2013              Signature Garden designed by Shawn Kelly
2014              Floating Garden designed by Shawn Kelly
2016              Re-landscape Gazebo Garden
2016              Re-Plant Floating Garden
2016              Install Dog Watering Station and People drinking Fountain
2018              Light Peace Garden Fountain
2018              Install Lion’s Club dedicated patio
2018              Install Mattison dedicated patio
2020              Pave Dog Watering Station
2020              Lighting of Congdon Garden Hwy 50 Sign

Funded solely by private donations, Congdon Gardens was developed with the help of outstanding landscape architects, designers, and plantsmen and is maintained by a devoted corp of volunteers. Congdon Gardens awaits your involvement whether as a donor, a volunteer, or an appreciative visitor.