Monday, May 10, 2010

Japanese Garden-Como Park

On Mother's Day we decided to forego our traditional brunch but instead have a picnic in Como Park, which has many delights: zoo, conservatory, kiddie rides, picnic grounds, and lots of greenery.  Tops on the list of attractions is this lovely, peaceful garden that is a result of a partnership between the sister cities of St. Paul and Nagasaki, Japan.  Despite a previous cloudy and rainy week, the temperature and weather were perfect!

About the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden


The Japanese Garden opened in 1979 with funds donated by the family of Mrs. John G. Ordway. Mr. Masami Matsuda, a ninth-generation Master Gardener, designed the garden in the chisen-kaiya (strolling pond) style as a gift from Sister City Nagasaki. The Garden stays true to its Japanese traditions, using the elements of rock, water and plants to create a tranquil environment that guests are invited to experience from many angles.

The Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden is the second Japanese garden to grace Como Park. The first was created in 1904 and disappeared from the Park Commission reports in 1909. The four white granite lanterns in the current garden are originals of the 1904 tea garden.

10 comments:

  1. beau jardin japonais, toujours des endroits tranquilles.

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  2. Hope it was a wonderful day, Kate.

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  3. very lovely collage of photos. very zen like effect.

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  4. A good friend took me here many years ago. It was such a beautiful spot.

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  5. How neat to have this in your town. I love Japanese gardens. They really are the masters of zen.

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  6. It's been many years since I visited Como Park, but I remember it as a wonderful place for kids (and adults) to spend an afternoon...

    I don't recall this garden as it was created long after we left the Twin Cities. Looks like a beautiful spot, though.

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  7. Finally found where you were hanging out. Nice shots. I take it wasn't named after Perry 'como'. hahaha

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  8. A Japanese garden always seems right. It is a place of serenity.

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  9. I love the concept of the sister city; one can learn so much from another culture.


    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  10. Great photos of the Japanese garden! Domo arigato! I'm holding my client appreciation lunch there this Saturday!
    Sayonara

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