Japanese gardens are stylish, exotic and have unique characteristics. The special feature of this type of garden style is the unique combination of plants, stone and water in the garden. Not only do Japanese gardens have an importance placed on the combination of these three elements, but they are also heavily influenced by the philosophies of Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist. This type of garden has an ancient history, one that dates back to many centuries ago. The Japanese garden design harmonizes with nature, it is subtle, yet exotic and extraordinarily beautiful. Japanese gardens are recreated over the world and there are several in the United States which look truly authentic. The gardens particularly worthy of note in the United States are in Oregon, Cleveland, Washington, Missouri and California.
The Japanese garden in Oregon was founded in 1962 and it is renowned for its peacefulness and serenity. This particular garden has five specific garden styles: strolling pond garden, a tea garden, a natural garden, a flat garden, and a sand and stone garden, and this garden is arguably the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.
The spectacular Japanese garden in Cleveland shows its love for nature in its exquisite garden design . Like Oregon's Japanese garden, this garden also features dry landscape, a stroll garden and a tea garden styles. Missouri's Botanical Garden is one of the oldest flower gardens in the Unites States and also features an ornamental Japanese garden. Showing its love for nature, this Japanese garden was designed with great care, its design is natural, clear, peaceful and it too harmonizes with nature. The garden is named Seiwa-en which means the garden of pure, clear harmony and peace. When walking around this 14 acre elegant garden, one can certainly have this feeling of peacefulness and tranquility. The garden was designed by the late Professor Koichi Kawana which ensured its authenticity and the exotic garden also features a four-acre lake which is complemented with waterfalls, streams, water-filled basins, and stone lanterns, reiterating the importance of the unique combination of water, stone and plants in the garden.
The Ohme Garden in Washington is another elegant garden which also features a Japanese garden. The flower garden in California too has an exquisite Japanese garden and features the common elements of a typical Japanese garden. At this particular flower garden one can find a garden for meditation, an exhibit house, koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate, and a Fujidana (wisteria arbor). This garden is known as the Japanese Friendship Garden. |
