The Japanese
Garden ©
The Japanese garden is walled from view by the visitor, opening only through
the entrance, where lion-dogs (male on the left, female on the right) stand
guard. Subtle variations of light, shade, and view are revealed as one proceeds
through the areas. This garden can inspire a tranquil and contemplative
state of mind for the visitor who is not in a rush.
Some features of the Japanese garden are the temple bell, the moon bridge
and reflecting ponds, the canyons with spring-flowering trees, stone lanterns
and pagodas, and the Japanese house on the hillside across the lake. The
Japanese house exhibits elements of traditional Japanese life. A path north
of the house leads through the north canyon camellia garden; to the south
it leads to a wisteria arbor.
The courtyard is a Zen garden, a raked gravel composition that invites contemplation.
Beyond is a smaller court, which contains a collection of bonsai, or dwarfed
trees and plants.
From the bonsai court the path winds downhill among plants in a woodland
setting. Of particular interest are Japanese cedars, groves of bamboo, plants
in the tea family, and shrubs native to Asia.