The last garden I had a chance to visit on my trip to Washington state was Nishiyama, part of Everett Community College. I was fortunate to be given a private guided tour by the director of the Nippon Business Institute Japanese Cultural Center, Mayumi N. Smith.
The garden was spectacular. It occupied a small area, and yet its design created the illusion that the space was much larger. The topography was also an illusion created by the water fall feature and by being aligned with just the right type of trees and other plantings to create a screen from the outside world. The walls and gates were also very authentic.
As a cultural center, the garden plays a larg part of connecting the community with Japan. Director Smith also proved to be the most courteous of hosts - she went well out of her way to entertain my request to visit the garden. Her friendliness made my visit all the more enjoyable.
As a cultural center, the garden plays a larg part of connecting the community with Japan. Director Smith also proved to be the most courteous of hosts - she went well out of her way to entertain my request to visit the garden. Her friendliness made my visit all the more enjoyable.
The central bridge of the garden was made from salvaged wood from the famous Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, Japan (near Hiroshima). I was fortunate to have visited that bridge and walked its length in 2007, so it was a real treat to have the opportunity to once again walk its planks. It represents my having come full circle from 2007 to 2017. A very Zen experience - life is great!
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| Kintai Bridge 2007 |
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| Dave & Mayumi Smith 2017 |
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