This photo shows one key piece of Portland Oregon’s vast and varied Japanese garden. Actually, it’s five distinct gardens combined (see the map/drawing below).
Not exactly bonsai, but still…
I have a soft spot for Japanese style (and other beautiful) gardens. The same goes for trees in nature. Though neither are bonsai and bonsai is probably why you’re here, still, the connection is obvious (or is it…?). In any case, be sure to visit Portland’s treasure if you are ever in the area.
Five gardens in one. This bird’s eye map gives you a pretty good idea of the layout of the five gardens. Each one is marked by little black diamonds. Check out the live version of this map on their website.
While you’re there you can stroll over the wonderful water garden.
Visit Stone Lantern for a selection of the best Japanese gardening books.
It’s a beautiful garden. It’s one of my favorite things about living here in Portland. The Japanese Garden and nearby arboretum are graced with lots of big native conifers, which lend a timeless quality to the landscape lacking in many newer gardens of this type. The waterfall area is especially gorgeous.
Portland also has an amazing Chinese garden, located in the heart of downtown, hidden behind mysterious walls. From what I understand, the larger specimen trees were acquired from the yards of local residents (with their consent, I’m told). I’ve seen some amazing bonsai on display there.
Al
Hi Al,
Yeah, I’ve seen the Chinese garen. It has some great features, but overall doesn’t do it for me the way the Japanese garden does. The level of artistry and care in the Japanese garden is so high.
The last time I was at the Chinese garden the plants seemed a little unkempt, including the bonsai.