Minnesota Water Garden Society

Jason and Kelly

The backyard paradise Jason calls a “wondrous oasis” includes a pond with waterfall and streams that fills the patio area with the sweet sound of water. The path along the side of the pond has a feeding rock for feeding the large Koi. The birds love to bathe in the stream and perch on the driftwood and small concrete bridge over the waterfall. A lighthouse, underwater lights, and landscape lights illuminate this fenced courtyard pond setting. As you leave the pond area, you will pass perennial gardens and find a “mushroom fountain” in a pondless water feature in the front yard under a grove of mature oak trees.

This historic home, built in the 1880’s, was the residence of Minnesota Governor Marshall and childhood home of Deb.  Norm and Deb moved  into the home in 1997. When they added an addition off the back of the home, the motto for the backyard renovation was “less grass and more gardens”. In 2001, the waterfalls and pond were professionally installed in this garden oasis which includes a variety of perennials, trees, and shrubs. The Koi and Goldfish overwinter in the pond with the use of a livestock heater. Don’t miss the garden art “Larry’s palette”, created from Deb’s Dad’s workshop with Mom’s Iris planted close by. “Our garden and pond give us great joy, pleasure, and peace.”

Bill and Rosemary

This oasis of miniature landscapes, symbolic plants and sculpted trees evokes the intense intellectualism of the classical Chinese literati. As you enter the property, the pond area flows throughout the backyard with the use of unique stone. This garden draws upon the architectural history, traditions and artistic style of Chinese residential gardens. Created by their “Landscape Painter”, this extension of their home will eventually be a place for poetry reading and creation, musical performances, drinking and dining, and loving life; a walled escape from politics into art.

A 20’ x 25’ pond in the back yard abuts the patio allowing close up feeding of the many Koi. A split waterfall then tumbles six feet to a lower 8’ x 10’ pond where the water is pumped back up to a gentle waterfall by the patio. Several paths around the ponds and through the gardens take the visitor through a large garden with a mix of perennials, shrubs and annuals, taking advantage of the wet, dry, shady, sunny, hilly, and flat aspects of the terrain. Tons of Dresser Trap Rock and an upper deck looking down on the large pond further enhance the experience. Be sure to see the front gardens and a smaller pond located by the front door.