A World Apart Design Principles in our Seattle Japanese Garden The essence of the Japanese Garden is a tranquil sanctuary set apart from the outer world, in which one contemplates, communes and ultimately is transformed by nature as expressed inside the garden. Our own Seattle Japanese Garden, located in the U W Botanical Gardens (formerly the Washington Park Arboretum) is a fine illustration; a quiet respite tucked just off busy Lake Washington Blvd East. The garden, a 3 ½ acre property was designed and constructed under the supervision Juki Iida, the world-renowned Japanese garden designer. Completed in 1960 and celebrating this year its 50th Anniversary, the garden is often noted as one of the finest Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
The garden is built in the "stroll" style, where the visitor must walk the garden to experience it. In Japanese garden making, people are a harmonious component and as the garden is viewed from different vantages, they are invited to appreciate the features anew, the depth of the garden is revealed and by so engaging, the outer world is transcended.
Time and Seasons
The Japanese reverence for nature is conveyed in the celebration of seasons and at the same time the acknowledgement of longevity. Rock and evergreen plants give the garden its permanence - structure against which the seasonal plants display the fleeting change of seasons and the passing of time. (Juki Iida, the garden designer personal selected 580 large granite rocks from Snoqualmie Pass for installation in the garden.) The ceaseless movement of water is another portrayal of time and longevity, as are the tortoise and crane. Simplification
The principle of distilling nature to its essence and evoking it with a few carefully chosen and orchestrated pieces is fundamental to Japanese design. This again relies on the observer to engage by contemplating, interpreting, filling is the details. The water of our Japanese Garden's lake brings to mind the sea and the rock and islands, miniatures of Japan. There is lore of mystical islands which floated until the Ruler of the Universe commanded that giant tortoises support them on their backs, and hence you may see in our Turtle Island the head, flippers or shape of the tortoise. Pines suggest cranes and weathered lantern of mankind's presence. Enclosure To create a world apart, of natural serenity, enclosure is essential. Here walls and fence provide the separation as well as a unifying element. The gate is the threshold into this quiet world of calm, the place where one leaves worries and hustle behind, prepares oneself to enter.
Borrowed Landscape
Shakkei, literally "nature which is captured alive" is the technique of selectively including aspects of the outer world, while intentionally blocking others. It can be the nearby tree just on the other side of a fence, or a mountain view carefully framed. Although borrowed landscape gives the impression of a larger space, when well articulated it heightens the feeling of enclosure.
 
Unity
Water, rock, fences, repeating plants or even shapes serve to unify the garden, underlining the effect of a world apart.
This is a unique year in the history of our local treasure, the Seattle Japanese Garden celebrating its 50th year with a myriad of special events.
So go, take time, become a harmonious component.
For hours, events, fees and details: www.cityofseattle.net/parks/parkspaces/JapaneseGarden.htm |
April Honey-Do's for the PNW Garden
- Ready the irrigation system. Activate it if winterized. Check for operation and coverage. Generally systems are turned on late-April but every year is different. If your system has a rain sensor, the clock can be turned on anytime, as the sensor will override the clock if we have had rain.
- Annuals can be planted late this month and into May, including tender perennials like dahlias or cannas.
- Time to start mowing the lawn. It is also the perfect time to overseed lawns. Wait until May to fertilize.
- Fertilize perennials and young shrubs and trees - in general only one application per year but roses, delphinium, dahlias and Siberian/German iris need regular feeding. Be judicious - fertilize established shrubs and trees only if needed.
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Treat for slugs and/or aphids - several very good organic products available.
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It is still a good time for planting in general.
- And of course, there is the weeding.
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10 Ways to Add Pizzazz to Your Garden
- Pipe in music - Low tech or high tech, there are lots of options
- Hang art - Lots of cool choices intended for the garden
- Plant colorful annuals. For a riot of color, nothing blooms like annuals, but also consider mass plantings of Coleus
- Hang a bird house or feeder - Perhaps by a kitchen window where you can watch their flitting inside or out
- Build an arbor - The addition of architecture to a garden gives instant focus and strength
- String a hammock - Pizzazz comes in many forms - some of them horizontal
- Add an ! - Columnar plants like Italian Cypress `Tiny Towers' add drama to any planting
- Tuck in a container - Better yet, an empty container, which creates an interesting yet restful void to lush plantings
- Lighting - extends the use of your landscape outside; extends enjoyment of it inside
- Hang a mirror - First a bit of disbelief, then delighted surprise!
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