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.