Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Chinese Garden, Asian Garden
Three years ago I had this
little patch of ground hidden away in the back of the property and decided to
turn it into my own Asian garden.
With few financial resources to use on this project and even less skill
or knowledge about landscaping the stylized Asian look, I was on a real mission
and a real challenge.
Fortunately I was physically
able to do the hard work like dig out what remaining grass was growing, build a
couple of berms, and slope the area to achieve a pleasing vertical and
horizontal perspective. I searched
through the used book store and found many books on Japanese garden design and
did a lot of research on the web.
I kept my eye out at nurseries and garden centers for plant materials (on
sale) that would fit into my design, lugged them into the backyard, dug, amended soil, and re-dug and
amended soil until I placed them were I thought they should be to achieve the Asian look.
Although I was pleased with
the initial results, I quickly realized that it would take several years of a
dedicated maintenance regime for the garden to look like a beautiful Asian
garden. Since that time I have worked and watched the garden mature, from the
moss floor spreading out into a full green carpet, to the ferns, azaleas, pines,
and bamboo filling out.
The garden isn't truly emblematic of the basic structure and philosophy that a traditional
Asian garden requires, but I think I did accomplish the desired result which
imparts a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility and the
feeling of being a part of nature.
And although the garden, as with all gardens, will continue to grow and
be amended again and again, I’m happy with it as it is now. Most importantly, the garden
reminds me that it’s the journey not the destination that teaches and inspires.
If you are interested in
learning more about the Asian style of garden design or just visiting an
authentic Asian garden, there are two internationally acclaimed gardens in
Portland. Both of these gardens have informed, inspired and delighted me, and they are well worth
the trip and the admission fee.
The Portland Japanese Garden is thought to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and is
truly a haven of tranquil beauty.
On
Monday, November 12, you can visit the garden free of admission. For more information follow link above to
their website. This Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm the Friends of
the Garden will have their annual Maple Plant Sale. More information about this event is also on their website.
Also, offering a glimpse of Chinese culture, beauty, and harmony is the
Lan Su Chinese Garden located near Chinatown in downtown Portland. Inside the garden is an authentic
teahouse such as can be found during the Ming Dynasty. Light meals and snacks
are offered along with numerous varieties of tea to suit every mood and season. Live performances range from Chinese er-hu music to song and poetry.
Life is good - bye for now. Evelyn
.JPG)
