Linda Larson: Nationally recognized gardens in our backyard
After a long winter, even if it was mild compared to last year, some may wonder why we live here in central Minnesota. We love our outdoor spaces and we have good reasons to be proud.
Minnesota did pretty well in public garden rankings compiled by Good Plant Care. On March 28, “Bring Me The News” reported Normandale Japanese Garden in Bloomington came in at 90, Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud was 100, and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul was 186 out of 200. All are free to visit.
I’ve been to all three. The Conservatory is a beautiful place to warm up during a cold day. The small-for-building-but-big-for-a-greenhouse space is “one of the few remaining Victorian-style glasshouses in North America.” In the past, winter flower shows showcased poinsettias. Currently, a spring flower show runs now through April 28, featuring “12,000 tulip, hyacinth, daffodil, crocus, and muscari bulbs,” according to their website.
Normandale Japanese Garden is best experienced at a slow pace. Walking quickly, you could finish in a few minutes, but it’s worth pausing on one of the bridges to watch for koi. The clever layout is a photographer’s dream. While the theme is true to a Japanese garden with rocks, water, and a mixture of plant textures, the plants are hardy here in Minnesota. Unless there’s a big tour group (bad timing for me last summer), it’s a peaceful spot.
Closer to home is Munsinger Gardens.
On March 13, USA Today ranked Munsinger and Clemens Gardens here in St. Cloud as number 8 in the article, “Botanical bliss: Top 10 US gardens for plant lovers.”
For those of you who haven’t visited yet, plan on spending a couple of hours on the winding trails of Munsinger Gardens, near the Mississippi River, and the geometric brick paths of Clemens, across the road. Clemens has a section devoted to roses, which can be tricky to grow in Minnesota. The rest of Clemens is formal with features like fountains. I like to walk up the stairs to the top to view the entire garden, overlooking its precise yet pretty plantings.
I’m partial to Munsinger because I have an emotional connection. When I was a graduate student, I spent time reading and writing next to the river. Knowing how much I like the garden, my husband proposed to me there. When we visit now, we stop at “our” swing. I have a feeling I’m not the only one with happy memories.
If anyone needs an extra incentive to visit Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, WJON reported on March 8 that Jupiter Moon Ice Cream will lease the gift shop this summer. Enjoying flowers while eating ice cream is a great way to celebrate a central Minnesota summer.
All of these places are excellent, but I think the best gardens are the ones we care for—the indoor aloe on the windowsill, the bright geranium in a pot on the front step, or the row of green beans in the backyard.
— This is the opinion of Linda Larson, a St. Joseph resident. She is the author of "Grow It. Eat It," which won a national award, and "A Year In My Garden." Her column is published the second Sunday of the month.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Linda Larson: Nationally recognized gardens in our backyard
