Kent/MSU Extension "Grand Ideas Garden" — Attraction in Grand Rapids

I visit a lot of gardens across the country because I have an American Horticulture Society membership so I get in free to reciprocal gardens. This place is not on their reciprocal list, but I happened to spot it on Google maps on my way to visit the Frederick Meyer Sculpture Garden. Just in the past week I've visited two or three small gardens in Michigan and Indiana. I have to say this free volunteer run garden was more impressive than any of the ones I've been to in the past week that have charged admission! The others have had a lack of flowers, which I figured was just the timing of the season it being August. However, this extension garden still had lots of flowers blooming and the variety of colors even in the greenery of hostas and other ground covers and bushes still made it a very colorful garden at this time of year. Also, I don't think I saw a single weed which is also not often found in the gardens that charge. This is a small compact garden with tons of different varieties of plants, a large water feature, plenty of benches, etc. They have really maximized their space. It's actually bigger than I expected for an extension garden and the paths that wind around lead you to more and more areas to explore. Highly recommend stopping if you enjoy gardens and are in the area. It's a very pleasant way to spend 20 to 30 minutes. Thank you to the Master Gardeners...

This garden is absolutely spectacular!!! What is even more spectacular is the fact that the garden is maintained by volunteers ALONE. I got a chance to talk to one of the volunteers upon entering the gardens, and she was incredibly helpful, friendly, insightful, and she made me and my confidant feel welcome. One of the major highlights of the gardens was the peace and tranquility that I felt as I walked around. Moreover, after spending time having a picnic in the gardens, I didn't want to leave because of the calming effect that the gardens exudes. I have been to a number of gardens including the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which was breathtaking, but the Extension Gardens at MSU could easily stand next to Frederick Meijer Gardens although it is significantly smaller in comparison.

To ALL of the volunteers, I would like to say thank you for maintaining the upkeep of the gardens so that people could appreciate the beauty and quality that is displayed...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK...it is much...

Awesome garden. Love taking An amazing garden publicly accessible with beautiful architecture.

Flowers of one kind or another always seem to be in bloom. I have visited several times and not been disappointed. There are quite a few exotics as well as regulars. The sprinklers are often running so that the plants are very healthy, but a tiny bit challenging to navigate when walking. Small price to pay for the beauty!

The waterfall is a favorite addition. The walkways are clean and well kept. The benches and bench swings are wonderful to sit at and soak it all in.

I enjoy stopping by around one to two hours before sunset for pictures, but have also liked it during midday, too. I see photographers stop by taking portraits quite often. I just like taking pictures of the flowers, myself.

It is generally quiet and peaceful, but the neighborhood does tend to have a loud vehicle pass by occasionally. The Kent County Jail and Sheriff’s Office are immediately...