“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
— William Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida
The Shakespeare Garden
- at Ellis Park -
REVITALIZED
The Friends of Shakespeare Garden is a grassroots community organization that is committed to revitalizing, restoring, and maintaining the historic Shakespeare Garden in Ellis Park.
Our mission is to bring the beloved historic garden in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, back to its earlier glory with an eye to the future. We want to enhance the garden’s beauty and tranquility while also providing a location for historic, environmental, cultural, and educational events.
What is a Shakespeare Garden?
A Shakespeare Garden is a themed garden that cultivates some or all of the 175 plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. Although rare, Shakespeare Gardens can be found around the world. Many in the United States were formed to show solidarity with our British allies during WWI. In English-speaking countries, these are often public gardens associated with parks, universities, and Shakespeare festivals.
“The Shakespeare Garden has contributed to the overall beauty of Cedar Rapids for nearly 100 years. In 1926, the women of the Wednesday Shakespeare Club recognized the need for and wished to provide a place that could be shared by all, and one cannot help but be amazed by their dedication to this community. I feel this garden is of great significance in both understanding the history of Cedar Rapids and envisioning our future. The design will honor the history while also reflecting the growth and development of Cedar Rapids.”
-Sylvia Popelka
Time Check resident, FOSG board member & historian, Wednesday Shakespeare Club
Upcoming Events in the Garden
How Does this Garden Grow?
June 14
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Landscape designer Natalie Ross will share insight regarding her designs for the revitalization of our nearly 100-year-old garden. Wednesday Shakespeare Club members will describe plants from Shakespeare's play "Midsummer Night's Dream." And, enjoy a plant market from a variety of gardeners.
Make Music Day
June 21
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Enjoy Father's Day at the Shakespeare Garden in Ellis Park!
An hour of madrigals from the time of Shakespeare and polkas (part of Cedar Rapids' Czech heritage) performed by the East Side Brass Quartet.
Midsummer Garden Arts Fair
June 27
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Join us for the annual Midsummer Garden Arts Fair in the Shakespeare Garden at Ellis Park!
Stroll in the garden with refreshments starting at 6:30pm.
Settle in your lawn chir at 7:00pm for music, dancing, and poetry!