Sometimes just a small road trip can give you a much need break. Last weekend, I took a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota and visited the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. Along with my daughter and her husband, we entered through the newly created Centennial Garden. It features a traditional European design, complete with a fountain in the center. The Centennial Garden collects rainwater and filters it into an underground cistern, where it is then used for irrigation.

After a couple of family photo ops, we headed off to the Ordway Garden. It houses the largest Bonsai collection in the Midwest. The ficus, pine, and jade trees on display are a wonderful assortment of Bonsai art. However, my favorite was located outside on the Huss Foundation Terrace.

The picture below shows the technique called "shari". It is the removal of the bark and cambium layer of the trunk that is meant to suggest the struggle against naturally occurring weather conditions. To me, though, it showcases the beauty and graceful form of the tree.

Debbie GrahamResults Radio
Debbie GrahamResults Radio
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We ended our visit with a walk though the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden. Masami Matsuda, a landscape architect from Nagasaki, designed the garden. The gravel paths wind in a meditative way through plants and rocks to a lovely waterfall. There are benches in the garden, so that one may rest and reflect.

Whether you're looking for a little calm or a little inspiration or just need to get out of town, the gardens at Como Park are well worth the trip.

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