Wander Minnesota: Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College
(credit: Amy Rea)
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Amy Rea
If you take a little drive out beyond Edina and into Bloomington, you could find yourself atNormandale Community College. You might note that the buildings look attractively modern and the grounds well-kept, and you might think that’s all there is to see, if you’re not a student there.
You would be wrong.
(credit: Amy Rea)
What’s that interesting appendage on a wall tucked back behind the Normandale Student Center?
(credit: Amy Rea)
A lovely, serene spot known as the Japanese Garden. Yes—Normandale Community College is home to a beautiful Japanese garden, and has been for years.
(credit: Amy Rea)
The Japanese Garden opened in 1976 after four years of work and was the result of much intense effort and fundraising by the Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs.
(credit: Amy Rea)
Part of the Garden Clubs’ efforts involved bringing in a Japanese garden architect, Takao Watanabe, from Japan to design it and oversee the installation.
(credit: Amy Rea)
It’s hard to believe, but before the Japanese Garden was created, this was basically swampland. The college donated the land to the Garden Clubs, and today the garden is owned by the college and its Japanese Garden Committee.
(credit: Amy Rea)
The garden is a balanced effort, with Minnesota greenery fitting in well with the more exotic varietals.
(credit: Amy Rea)
There’s a pathway that goes around the perimeter of the garden, along with several small scenic bridges positioned perfectly for the best views of various aspects of the garden.
(credit: Amy Rea)
Trees are carefully groomed and maintained.
(credit: Amy Rea)
The pond has a koi pond, stocked with fish large and small, most of them very colorful.
(credit: Amy Rea)
Normandale’s buildings are a presence, but a respectful one in the distance rather than an overbearing one.
(credit: Amy Rea)
Looking this direction, it’s hard to believe that a busy Bloomington intersection is nearby, and the Southdale/Galleria area nearby as well.
(credit: Amy Rea)
A quiet waterfall is tucked into a hillside.
If you need a peaceful retreat that’s an easy drive from the metro, this one is hard to beat.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Tuesday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
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