Pond, Wetlands and Stream
Water seems to always be an attraction to children and adults alike, and these areas are planned to entice and thrill. Located at the core of the garden with an open lawn area at one edge and the forest at the other, the pond is visually highlighted with a small lighthouse perched on a rock outcrop, relating to the maritime history of Sheboygan as well as the book Keep the Light Burning, Abbie. A mast with a Christmas tree on top depicts the locally written book The Christmas Tree Ship. The wetland experience is enhanced with a boardwalk where children can walk above the shallow water immersed in wetland plants. Crane sculptures reside in the wetland environment and bring to mind the efforts to save the whooping cranes, The Song of the Whooping Crane. A smaller pond and disappearing stream act as features from McElligot’s Pool. To the east of the Japanese garden the small, braided stream begins. Children have multiple, safe access points along the rocky edge. The southern stream is intended to support The Wind and the Willows storyline, with sculptures of story characters and a large willow tree providing a reading area made up of log stools. To the west is the adventurous small, dry sea cave, with special lights and some spooky creatures.
- Explore the duckling’s nest, then float some rubber duckies down the stream –Make Way for Ducklings, The Story About Ping.
- Look for cranes on the walkway over the bog.
- Climb the lighthouse for a terrific view of the garden.
- Help plant the tulip and daffodil bulbs surrounding the windmill – Katie and the Windmill Cat.
Garden's Slideshow
Books
- The Story About Ping
- Wind in the Willows
- Katie, the Windmill Cat
- Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
- Make Way for Ducklings
- Song for the Whooping Crane
- The Christmas Tree Ship
- In the Three Sister's Garden
- Little House on the Prairie
- McElligot's Pool
