St. Cloud is more than 160 years old and has a population of nearly 70,000. Including the nearby communities in its metropolitan area brings the total population to nearly 200,000. Straddling the Mississippi River, it is known for recreation areas that take advantage of its location. However, it may be best known for the two beautiful gardens that lie along the river and attract thousands of visitors to walk the paths and admire the colorful plantings.
Munsinger Gardens occupies a 14 acre site that was once a sawmill, then a city park and garden, and finally improved in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration, a program designed to put people to work during the Great Depression while adding to the beauty of America. With many large pine and oak trees, this garden specializes in shade-loving plants. Its beauty includes ponds, fountains, a wishing well and a gazebo. Many special events take place on these grounds, including untold numbers of wedding photographs.
Across the street and up the hill, the more open Clemens Gardens is home to sun-loving plants. Started in 1986 by Bill Clemens as a gift to his wife, the 7 acre site now has six separate gardens, including a rose garden with more than 1100 bushes. There is a bronze statue of Bill and Virginia, who especially loved the gardens after she became confined to a wheelchair. The couple donated the gardens to the city of St. Cloud.
Although it was very overcast, exploring the gardens made it a lovely day.
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