As I’ve shared before, I think my home state of Michigan is wonderful. There’s a lot of beauty and a lot to do, and Graham and I got to explore more of it during our two week visit this month. This post is devoted to photos from the lovely Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. I’d been there previously just once while I was in high school, for their annual butterfly exhibit (the largest in the country). But I’d never had a chance to explore their Sculpture Park before, and this year they’ve also just added a beautiful Japanese Garden. I hope you’ll enjoy going along for a little virtual tour.
We started in the Tropical Conservatory, which is full of bright colorful birds and exotic plants.
From there we set out to explore the new Japanese Garden, which was expansive and beautiful.
There was a great little bonsai garden:
And a peaceful Zen rock garden:
A little robin was enjoying the Japanese Garden as well.
After we were fully Zen-ed, we walked to the Sculpture Park and enjoyed the unique artwork and the beautiful gardens that surrounded them.
Little animals enjoyed the Sculpture Park as well. Who wouldn’t?
//
So that was our delightful afternoon at Frederik Meijer Gardens. All these years I’ve been traveling to Michigan for visits home, not once did I make it back to Frederik Meijer Gardens. It was always there, but I never went. Now I’m completely enchanted, and look forward to visiting it again.
Is there a place like that near you, or not far away? A place you’ve always meant to go to, but haven’t yet? If so – I challenge you to visit it before the end of the summer. You might discover something special.
Oh goodness, I love this set of pictures. I kept scrolling through thinking, “Oh, I want to tell Emily I love that one!” and then I’d said it so many times it just became too many. So I love them all. What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Lauren! It was such a beautiful place, I was happy to be able to share some of the loveliness! :D
Ooh, I really like your challenge at the end of this (gorgeous!) post. The only place that jumped to mind is The Book Barn in Niantic, CT, but I’ve been there twice already and loved it both times! I’ll have to do some research. :)
I just google image searched the Book Barn and it looks so very lovely! I would definitely support a 3rd visit. I’m sure there are other wonderful places around you too that you could make a mission to visit – sometimes it just takes a little searching!