The Sister City Peace Garden in Shawnee, Oklahoma, was constructed as a token of camaraderie with Shawnee's Sister City, Nikaho, Japan. It is located near the entrance to the local airport in a somewhat usual and open space. Although the intent was noteworthy, the location did not seem suitable for a Japanese garden, especially the plantings.
On first examination, I was disappointed. The garden seemed to suffer from serious neglect, but also, seemed to be a victim of major acts of vandalism. It was difficult to get any pictures that showed the garden in a positive light. Then, I encountered a jogger passing by who informed me that the garden suffered a direct hit from a tornado in April - mystery of the supposed vandalism revealed. Very sad for the community.
storm mangled bench
blown over stone marker
bent over flag poles
However, there were still signs of maintenance needs that preceded the tornado. Perhaps they will find the resources to restore the garden someday. I know that once restored, I would be glad to return and see the garden the way it was originally meant to be seen.
Located on the grounds of Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO), the Kyoto Garden is a part of a more extensive garden display within the museum. The garden was created in 1985 as part of a sister-city partnership between the city of Kyoto, Japan and Oklahoma City. Financed by the government of Kyoto and built by master gardeners from Japan, The garden was an excellent example of an authentic Japanese garden.
I first visited the garden in 2016. At that time I found the garden to be in need of some restoration. Unbeknownst to me, there had been an effort in 2014 by Barry Fox, the grounds manager at SMO, to improve the garden from the impact of devastating weather during the 2000s that had left the garden in need of restoration. I was unaware of these circumstances and incorrectly assumed the garden had been neglected. After 30 years, there had been much to do, and I had only glimpsed the beginning of what would later become a more elaborate restoration.
In 2022, the Kyoto government provided the assistance of four master gardeners from Japan and the help of local volunteers, the garden was fully restored.
Check out this video of the Newly Restored KYOTO Garden:
I was overjoyed at the site of the new Kyoto Garden. Its transformation was remarkable. I had always considered this garden to be a well planned and executed garden. The blue stones within, all originally brought over from Japan, were some of the most beautiful stones I had ever seen in a Japanese garden in North America. Now with the plantings, gravel, and grass all restored, the garden was, once again a magnificent example of an authentic Japanese garden.
2016
2023
The difference is remarkable. In time, I am hoping that the bamboo backdrop has the opportunity to survive weather extremes and once again become a green back drop for the garden, The more open space has created a most pleasant view, but the bamboo, over time, will help to soften the hard exterior of the museum building.
2016
2023
It was a pleasure seeing the garden once again, and having the opportunity to meet with Barry Fox.
His efforts to restore the garden, and his commitment to eduction, will help ensure that the Kyoto Garden plays a long term role in helping people better understand the joy experienced by visiting a Japanese garden.
The Japanese Garden at the Oklahoma State University Botanic Garden in Stillwater, Oklahoma is a good example of a garden designed to educate people about some of the plants and features associated with Japanese gardening.
The garden is small and seemingly cramped with features that are too numerous for the area dedicated to the garden. Unfortunately, the garden needs a lot of work. Weeds are numerous and many plantings are just not well cared for. Although the effort is noteworthy, and the mission of education positive, the overall appearance would benefit from a "less is more" approach.
The small red wooden bridge is really not a good idea. I would remove it from the garden.
On the other hand, there are some nice features that create wonderful scenes.
The wooden zig-zag bridge is a nice feature worthy of some attention and care.
Unkept lanterns do not contribute positively to the overall appearance of the garden. These could be easily fixed. Perhaps with some volunteer (or student) time and some more funding.
I really liked the possibility of the garden. However, it needs some work. The problem I see here, as I do in many gardens, is that OSU needs to recognize that a Japanese garden requires much more maintenance than other types of gardens. Without constant care, Japanese gardens quickly revert to nature. People think that Japanese gardens are "all natural," but nothing could be father from the truth. They are completely fabricated by humans, hence, remove the humans (regular maintenance), and you loose the garden.
