Having lived only a block from these famous gardens, I made a visit recently that took me back 70 years when I used to walk barefoot through this World’s Fair re-incarnated nursery exhibit.
Vernon Krider, founder of Krider Nurseries in Middlebury, brought his exhibit back home from the 1933-1934 Chicago World’s Fair and had the forethought to re-construct it in 1935 directly across the road from his nursery business. At that time they were one of the largest employers in town and the reason Middlebury was able to secure one of the largest post offices of that time because of the volume of nursery stock that was shipped through the U.S. Postal Service.
Reconstructing the exhibit was not a simple task but one that took many, many days because of its grandiose and formal design. He wanted it to be a focal point for everyone visiting his nursery business and one that would give each person that wandered through it a sense of peace and amazement.
What made it so exciting back then were the unusual features throughout the stroll through the gardens. Every turn drew a new and unbelievable chill down the spine with little nooks of overhanging flowers or a secluded bench to rest.
As I recall, back then there were two large ponds, each had beautiful lilies with lily pads covering a good portion of the surface, but not enough to inhibit the excitement of watching the goldfish dashing about. Other pond plants enhanced the surface and perimeter with fountains spraying a constant and mesmerizing bounce off the water’s surface.
Inching one’s way along the formal design would bring sigh after sigh of the beauty. This was a showcase of everything the nursery had to offer and why it was so successful.
There was a large rose garden with all the favorites, as well as newer introductions of hybrid teas (the thornless red rose was their exclusive patent), perennials throughout including the latest developed varieties available, and an abundance of annuals to enhance every turn.
Mid-way through the exhibit was one of the most unusual displays anyone had ever seen — a giant toadstool tall enough to gather under with several smaller ones that could be sat upon. It became a photographer’s magnet — everyone with a camera had to shutter their family or friends under the giant toadstool. Oh, what fun!
The anchor “extraordinaire” at the very rear of the exhibit was an amazing replication of a Dutch windmill. How exciting! This, along with the giant toadstool display was reproduced on catalogs and brochures sent to many, many inquiring clients.
This became a summer job to many youngsters in Middlebury who would “stuff” catalogs and brochures to be sent to inquiries throughout the United States and abroad. I took my turn at this as well.
While the formal design of the gardens is gone and a memory, it has been re-incarnated as a glorious park. With the help of the Middlebury Parks Department and many volunteers it has become a focal point yet again that will take your breath away with its wondering pathways that include perennials galore, spring flowering bulbs, blossoming trees of all kinds, a quilt garden, and at this writing much of it in bloom.
Last year I presented an 8-by-11-inch picture to the president of the volunteer group that I had taken circa 1960 at the entrance to the formal gardens. It may be in the historical museum across the road from the park.
If you’re looking for a serene afternoon someday, take a stroll through this park — and be sure to take your camera.
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Daffodils bloom at Krider Park in Middlebury. PHOTO PROVIDED
Krider Gardens brings back memories
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