Principal Belvedere

A River View Garden

The Principal Belvedere, Italian for beautiful view, runs parallel to the Ruan Allée on the west side of the Garden for a commanding view of the Des Moines River and the downtown skyline.

Eight seasonally planted stone urns trace the railing of this stone and cement terrace. Two boxwood parterre beds offer a canvas for strong displays throughout the growing season, starting with vibrant tulips in the spring and progressing with creative bedding schemes in summer and fall. A yew hedge provides a dark, private backdrop for Forms+Surfaces® architectural benches that offer visitors a chance to pause and take in the scenery. We also have a commissioned collection of Lunaform vessels, unique concrete containers thrown by Maine-based artisan potters that serve as lush seasonal accents to the parterre plantings.

The Principal Belvedere is made possible through the generosity of Principal Financial Group.