Japanese garden comes to Meijer Gardens | News

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- A new Japanese garden is a step closer to reality at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

A boulder placement ceremony was held Tuesday at the future site of the $22 million garden.

Plans for "The Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden" were announced in February. The eight-acre garden is being designed by a Japanese landscape architect who will oversee the work in person.

"The Japanese garden is probably one of the world's oldest and valued garden styles," says Joseph Becherei. "In many ways it's a work of art and I think it will be quite distinct from the other attractions we have here."

Zen-style moss and bonsai gardens are planned as well as bridges, waterfalls and a tea house. The garden is expected to open in 2015.