Meijer Gardens is holding a boulder ceremony for Japanese Garden | Arts & Culture

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP -  Meijer Gardens is bringing a centuries-old Japanese tradition to the gardens today (October 9) at 2pm.  The placement of the boulder marks the ceremonial beginning of the Japanese Garden.  Following the ceremony, there will be narrated tram tours overlooking the construction site, which will be free to members.  Otherwise, regular admission rates will apply.

The new garden will be located in the northeast corner of the 132 acre property, according to the Meijer Gardens web site.  It will convey the essence of Japanese tradition: tranquility, simplicity and beauty.  The design will re-imagine existing features of the land - water, elevation changes and quiet surrounding - and include a variety of design elements such as scenic bridges, waterfalls, and a tea house, and zen-style, moss and bonsai gardens, among other features. The garden will also feature works of contemporary sculpture by major international artists whose aesthetic and form will work in harmony with the space.

The original plans called for the construction to start in early 2013. The $22 million capital goal has already met, so the site work has begun.  The Japanese Gardens should be completed in spring of 2015.

Source:  www.meijergardens.org