The David G. Porter Memorial Japanese Garden is a small Japanese garden located on the grounds of the University of Guelph arboretum in Ontario, Canada. Constructed in 1995 in honor of David G. Porter, a former professor, the garden was inspired by a 1993 visit taken by Mr. and Mrs. Porter to Japan. Although the garden is small in size, it has a remarkable number of authentic plants and features that create the impression of a much larger garden.
The garden looks remarkably different from when it was first constructed, although some of the original features remain intact. Today it is a mature garden with plantings that have grown in a way that help to isolate the garden from the other nearby gardens.
Here is a list of specific plantings: Japanese Garden Map and Plant List
Entering the garden through the "salutation gateway" you are confronted with a stone bridge that crosses a small reflecting pool.
A small waterfall feeds into the pool which is bisected by the stone bridge.
A large number frogs populate the west end of the pond.
Crossing the bridge brings the visitor to a karesansui (dry landscape) garden. Although small in size, it was seemingly larger as a result of the well placed plantings around and within, including simple boxwoods. The fact that the gravel had been raked earlier in the morning indicated that the garden was being cared for. The maintenance on the shrubs throughout also indicated that the garden was well managed.
There are also other interesting plantings and features throughout the garden that can be experienced via simple adjustments to one's location or perspective.
Overall, a small garden with plenty of examples that could inspire someone seeking to create their own small backyard garden.
