庭

I had the opportunity to visit two vastly different Japanese gardens. The large and stunningly beautiful Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon and the tiny and deeply symbolic Japanese Friendship Garden in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Both of these experiences were not only unique and enjoyable, but also provided an interesting look into Japanese culture.

The Portland Japanese Garden is truly a walk into the heart of Japanese aesthetics. Located in Washington Park, it is a wonderful example of a traditional garden. In addition to the garden itself, there is also a cultural village, art exhibition, cafe’ and gift shop. The garden is over 12 acres in size, so it is easy to lose yourself in the peace and serenity of this beautiful expanse. The city seems to melt away as you walk along the gently flowing paths and take in the beautifully manicured green spaces and plantings. The really interesting thing about the entire garden complex is that it shows just how differently the Japanese culture views and incorporates its own ideas about aesthetics and nature into even the smallest of things. You get the feeling that each item, from the largest structure to the tiniest stone was purposely curated and placed for optimum beauty, meaning and grace. The Japanese have very specific ideas about beauty and how that is represented in nature and outdoor spaces. Two of my favorite parts of this garden were the koi fish pond and the karesansui gardens.

Where the Portland Japanese garden is expansive, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Fort Wayne Indiana is tiny. Only .11 acres in size, what it lacks in size it makes up for in meaning. A gift from Fort Wayne's sister city, Takaoka, Japan, the Friendship Garden is a small and permanent reminder of the sister city relationship which was established over 40 years ago. This garden speaks to this cities desire to embrace and honor a piece of Japanese culture in the heart of a Midwestern city. Consisting of one small path, you are drawn into an almost shadow box interpretation of a traditional Japanese garden. All the components of the garden from the plantings to the sculptures come from Japan. Just like its big sister in Portland, Oregon, this garden also carries an overwhelming air of peace and serenity that are expressed through representations of green space, water and rocks or stones. It is these three basics components that are the core of any Japanese garden no matter it is size.