This Hidden Garden in Grand Rapids Might Be the City’s Best Secret

I’ve lived in Grand Rapids for years, but somehow I had never heard of this gorgeous little park until my coworker Wendy mentioned it.

She found it by chance near her house and quickly fell in love. And now, so have I.

Tucked away off Ball Avenue NE near the Kent/MSU Extension building, the Grand Ideas Garden (or GIG for short) is a peaceful, beautiful space designed to inspire both beginner and experienced gardeners.

It’s not just a pretty spot to walk through (though it definitely is that) It’s also a hands-on learning space.

The Grand Ideas Garden is filled with colorful signage and plant displays that show you how to recreate the look in your own backyard. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or not, it’s hard not to leave feeling inspired.

I learned about shade-loving plants, smart watering techniques, and even how to design a pollinator-friendly space, all just from wandering around.

Earlier in the year, the garden hosts a Bare Root Plant Sale and a free virtual gardening class. You can order plants ahead of time, pick them up in Grand Rapids, and start your spring garden with confidence.

Bonus: the proceeds from the sale help keep this little educational garden going strong. You can keep up with those by following their facebook page.

If you’ve never visited, make some time before the season ends. It’s peaceful, it’s practical, and it’s a lovely reminder of how much Grand Rapids has to offer (sometimes just a few blocks from home.)