Parque Masayoshi Ōhira

While visiting Mexico City, I had an opportunity to visit Masayoshi Ōhira Park in the borough of Coyoacan in the southern part of the city. 

The park's origins appear to date back to 1942 when it was referred to as "Pagoda Park" due to the type of oriental structures located within. These structures appear to have disappeared following a fire in the 1970s. 

There was also a labyrinth of bushes within the park for people to explore.

Actresses and actors were often sighted within the garden grounds - apparently, the Churubusco Film Studios was nearby and several films were shot on location.

In 1980, the prime Minister of Japan, Masayoshi Ōhira made the first official visit of a Japanese prime minister to Mexico. 

As part of the bilateral relations being explored, it was thought that the park should be remodeled with a traditional Japanese design, including the construction of a torii gate. 

After two decades of neglect, the park was completely remodeled in 2014 with funds from the Japan Mexican Association. Cherry trees, maples, peonies, wisteria, and plums were all planted.

I was surprised by the park when I first arrived, I was expecting it to be much smaller. It was well maintained and the plantings were nice even for December.

Unfortunately, the waterfall feature was not functional during my visit.

Stepping stones across the lake were also a nice feature.

The torii gate was exceptionally large. The only drawback was that the circular fountain in front was not functioning.

Overall, a nice Japanese garden surprise in the midst of Mexico City and well worth a visit.

Gibbs Garden

Gibbs garden is a wonderfully large garden located about an hour north of Atlanta, Georgia in Cherokee County. The gardens are the creation of Jim Gibbs, founder of Gibbs Landscape, one of Atlanta’s largest landscape companies. As part of the gardens, there is an extensive Japanese stroll garden, considered the largest in the United States. Although a private estate, the gardens are open to the public. In some ways it is better managed than large botanical gardens that I have visited, so visiting is easy and hassle free. 

To find out more about the history of the gardens, checkout this episode of the PBS show In The Garden.

Website: https://www.gibbsgardens.com/

When I first planned on visiting the gardens I did not know what to expect. Often times I read about "large," and "great" gardens, only to be disappointed by the claims of size or quality. That was not the case with the Gibbs Gardens. Sticking to my objective to see the Japanese garden was difficult because of the surrounding gardens along the pathway. The property is 292 acres total of which the gardens and manor house occupy 220 acres. If you want the full garden experience, it may take several full day visits to appreciate.

I however, was focused on the Japanese garden. Once I arrived at the large gate to the Japanese garden, I was aware that it would be a long day. the garden reminded me of the Seattle Japanese Garden, but it was much larger and less open (in a good way) - the Seattle garden is beautiful and well maintained, but there is a large open area at it's core. The Gibbs Japanese garden, on the other hand, seemed more natural. The strolling pathways were intermixed with well established trees and the series of ponds helped to break up the area into more manageable views. 

I was impressed with the degree of planning that went into the placement of every tree, plant, stone, pond, and the many different Japanese lanterns and ornaments throughout. In some ways the garden was overwhelming - each step provided a slightly different view and perspective that completely changed how one felt as they strolled about. It was inspiring to say the least. I was also amazed at how the play of light was taken into account by the design. Depending on the time of day, the sun would completely change the appearance of stones and plants, all of which was done by design.

As usual with a garden of this size, I planned on a full day visit. As a result, I was able to acquire photos of morning, mid-day, and afternoon scenes, many of the same spots within the garden, and all appearing different at each time. In fact, I shot approximately 600 photos, using two different cameras. The garden provided me with an opportunity to captures some of the best garden pictures I have ever taken.

There is no doubt that the Gibbs Japanese garden is worth a visit. It was a most beautiful site to behold. Imagine, as well, the beauty of the garden in the fall. As my photos demonstrate that there is much to see in August. November will surely prove a feast for the eyes.

Photos:

look closely the stone is a turtle