Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, in Georgetown, KY is a Japanese Friendship Garden between the local citizens of Georgetown and the citizens of Georgetown's sister city, Tahara in Japan. It is also Kentucky’s "Official" Kentucky-Japan friendship garden. Local landscape architects Steve Austin and Jeff Singer helped design and build the garden which features bluegrass landscaping framed in the style of a Japanese stroll garden.
After passing through the “Tokugawa Gate,” one encounters a “zigzag” path that is pleasure to walk through. At the far end of the path one encounters a red bridge that traverses a dry rock stream, which then leads to the Elkhorn Viewing Pavilion.
A large Koi Pond is visible from the pavilion and is the central feature of the garden. At the far end of the pond is a “mountain” waterfall that feeds into the pond.
Athough the design and intent were good, I could tell there were problems with this garden. Built in 2000, maintenance issues were evident - plantings unkept, broken lanterns all about, missing rain chains, etc. Too bad, the garden has all the features and hardscape associated with a nicely planned garden.
However, at the far end of the Elkhorn Viewing Pavilion is a very well planned and executed Zen Rock garden. I was able to enter the garden through a back entrance as well as view it from the viewing deck above. This feature was the most authentic aspect of the garden.
Overall, a nicely planned and unique garden that needs some restoration, care, and love.
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