The Portland Japanese Garden, nicely perched on a hill just above the famous International Rose Test Garden, is considered as the most authentic Japanese Gardens in this side of the Pacific Ocean. I can see why Japanese garden lovers rate it as such, not that I am an expert on Japanese gardens.
I do have some ideas what Japanese gardens look like. I’ve toured a few great Japanese gardens. I've read and seen enough Japanese gardens and their hybrids in books and on videos. I've designed a tiny version of a Japanese garden in our home garden
Japanese gardens make use of certain elements: the use of water, rocks, and water cascading down rocks; greenery, soft element of moss and the harder element of giant, rough foliage of elephant ears, and the heavenwards sword-like blades of Japanese irises and reeds, and the dominance of evergreens; open spaces with sand or pebbles meticulously raked to mimic waves; wooden footbridge arching over still pond or rippling brook and connecting lands, creating a peaceful vista on the reflecting body of water; rock statuaries or pagodas.
Japanese gardens, like Chinese gardens, rely heavily on the proper arrangement of the various elements. The elements convey meaning and subtexts through their presence, more so by their placement in relation with one another. The elements tell a story of creation, of nature, of beauty, and man's interplay with nature.
Japanese gardens are not big on colorful blooms which are fleeting and short-lasting, but on the textures of living and non-living elements in the garden. Japanese gardens focus more on the long-lasting looks and effects of the elements, and the even longer-lasting story unfolded or hinted at by the elements.
And, yes, this Portland Japanese Garden has all those essentials of Japanese gardens. But the essentials are so masterfully placed and played that the over-all effect is breathtaking and peaceful, and makes the Portland Japanese Garden authentic-looking.
Typical of Japanese gardens, tranquility reigns in this place. You can sit on the stone benches along the low-wall or stone fence that surrounds the Sand and Stones Garden.
Or you can be in the viewing deck of the pavillion gazing at the Flat Garden with raked sand and pebbles creating sinuous patterns around two plantings symbolizing a sake cup and sake-filled gourd. This garden represents pleasure and happiness wished upon all viewers and visitors.
The Flat Garden, with sinuous patterns on raked pebbles around two symbol-filled plantings
Truly, the Portland Japanese Garden has provided peaceful streams, their moving waters gently gurgling to lull you to just watch and be still. The still bodies of water give you opportunities to be calm and to contemplate on the beauty of nature.
Its paths lead you to lazily wander through the various sections of the garden, and in such unhurried state, you enjoy what's around you.
Even the simplest swaying of the tiny branches in front of you, for example, becomes a dance, and the chirping of the birds becomes a concert of Nature. You notice little aspects of Nature, those that get pushed to oblivion or to the background in all our hurried and harried life. Thus, you appreciate the beauty in even small things or in things you normally would have taken for granted.
This Garden is just the right place to disconnect from modern stresses and to find an inner sense of calm -- and joy -- from Nature.
And at some points the paths in this garden open up for you a beautiful view of Mt. Hood, leaving you gasping at the grander view of the beauty of Nature. Up close there's beauty in the garden to a panoramic beauty beyond the garden, all for you to enjoy. Wow.
In Japanese legends, a zigzag bridge in a garden, such as in the photo below of the koi pond and a large swath of blooming Japanese iris and fern, will protect you from evil spirits since they can only travel in a straight line. It doesn't hurt to believe.
The Portland Japanese Garden also offers a Cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space, and a Japanese Cafe (Umami).
Portland -- blessed with temperature and rainfall conducive to gardening and growing vegetation -- actually has many other beautiful gardens. The likes of the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and some outstanding private home gardens help boost Portland's fame as the garden city in the Northwest U.S.A.
Just within Portland's famed Washington Park alone, you can enjoy two gardens: the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden. These two are considered the best of their kinds in the United States. Portland offers you a garden that is sure to give you sensory overload (sending your senses of sight and smell on overdrive) in the Portland Rose Garden; or, a garden that promotes tranquility and meditative rejuvenation in the Portland Japanese Garden. Pick your choice. We have chosen BOTH, and never regretted!
Comments