Constructed in 1998 and planted in 1999, the garden is located just north of the footbridge over Loring Pond. The center circle garden will eventually be a woodland garden dominated by birch trees shading understory native wildflowers.
Until the birch trees mature, the understory is being planted with a variety of annuals and some wildflowers. Eight color wedge-shaped beds surround the birch circle and feature perennials and some annuals in shades of yellow-orange, red-pink, blue-purple and white. Beyond the color wedges is another set of wedge-shaped beds called ''The Tapestry of Color'' that feature evergreens, shrubs, grasses and annuals.
Paver paths and benches surround the garden, which is accessible for people with disabilities.
Peak Display Time: While perennials begin blooming in spring, the best time to view this garden is from mid-June until frost.
Volunteer gardeners welcome! An active volunteer garden group helps maintain this garden. If you would like to get involved, call the Loring Garden Friends Hotline at 612-673-5395 or e-mail gardenatloring@minneapolisparks.org.
Directions: The garden is located just west of downtown near the intersection of W. 15th St. and Hennepin Ave.
Traveling By Bus? MTC Bus Routes l, 4, 6, 12 or 28 deliver you to the bus stop adjoining the Irene Hixon Whitney Footbridge that connects Loring Park to the Sculpture Garden.
Historical Profile: More information about this and other parks is included in Parks, Lakes, Trails and So Much More, a richly detailed account of the histories of Minneapolis’ renown recreational system.
