Ruan Reflection Garden

Contemplative Reflection Pool
in Downtown Des Moines

Seating, Shade & Respite

If seating, shade and respite are what you seek, then The Ruan Reflection Garden, located in the heart of the property, is the place to visit. It also serves as an attractive link for the Ruan Allée, Principal Belvedere, and Koehn Garden. For this reason, many pass by it on every visit. In addition, it is a pathway to future gardens built northward.

Feel Miles Away

This ellipse-shaped area is bookended by 12-foot-tall sky frames, with a reflection pool and fountain in the middle. As such, it’s a contemplative garden space formed by a native American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) hedge that encircles 34 Syringa reticulata (tree lilac) trees. Because of this, it forms a natural barrier to the rest of the gardens creating a space away, yet connecting to it all.

Beautiful by Design

The garden was designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects of Chicago. It was constructed by Des Moines-based Neumann Brothers.

The Ruan Reflection Garden is made possible through the generosity of Janis and John Ruan III and the John Ruan Foundation.

It’s important to realize where some ofthe inspiration came from: French-inspired courtyard fountain gardens. In brief, they are usually small, enclosed, symmetrical, and built around a simple stone water feature with muted colors and fragrant plants.

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