The Garden of Petal and Sea (Fernwood Botanical Garden)

I stumbled upon Fernwood Botanic garden while driving through west Michigan. Its origins date back to 1941, and was later opened as a public garden in 1964. In total, there is 105 acres of gardens at the site.

My interest was peaked by a Google search which indicated that a Japanese garden was included within the overall gardens and had been designed by Ben Oki, one of the world's leading masters of the art of bonsai and curator of the Huntington Botanical Garden bonsai collection (he has been deceased since 2019).

Website: https://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/gardens

I did not have a lot of time to explore Fernwood Gardens, and only planned on viewing the Japanese garden. Unfortunately, upon my arrival to the Japanese garden I was somewhat disappointed. It was not well maintained and overgrown. 

Locating historical information about this Japanese garden was difficult. Its location seemed a bit odd - directly adjacent to a "Train Garden" with actual model trains running through it. 

The image below shows a long row of trees planted between these two gardens, but the tree row does not hide one garden from the other (perhaps in the past it did.) A fence or wall behind these tree would better demarcate the edge of the two gardens.

The stone lined pathway was a good way to allow visitors to walk the perimeter, but the stones needed resetting. There also benches along the edge, but they appeared more European.

A nearby metal lantern sits near the corner, but needs some rethinking as well as maintenance.

A second row of stones runs along a fence lined path way opposite the far side of the garden. The fence was a very basic cedar or treated lumber fence. Some recent repair work was evident. Sadly, the use of 2 x 4 posts and rails did not add to the authenticity of this fence.

This area also seems to mark the entry way into the garden and provided a viewing platform from which to take in the view of the the "Gravel Sea" and "Turtle and Crane Islands" within. The platform was glaringly not Japanese in style. It appears to be a more recent addition.

On the other hand, the platform helps to provide visitors with some context about Japanese gardens. Fortunately, there were two small plaques attached to the viewing platform. I did not see these at first, but once read, they helped me better understand the layout of the entire garden (discussed in more detail below).

It also serves the practical task of stopping visitors from randomly walking into the gravel bed which is meant to be contemplated at a distance. A small teahouse would probably be a better structure to add.

Unfortunately, this vast expanse of gavel was in need of some maintenance and cleaning. The use of pea stone as the gravel medium for raking was a poor choice. I know, because I have pea stone in my own garden and a "Gravel Sea" it does not make. Round pea stone may be affordable, but it will not hold a shape when raked.

At the far end of the fence/path line, resided an interesting cast concrete lantern. Again, authenticity was off, but I did like the cast "tree" logo along the top - I haven'y seen that before. 

I was not sure of the grass feature at the corner. Seemed unkept and unexplained.

Reading the two small plaques at the viewing platform, I discovered that the garden is called "The Garden of Petal and Sea," and is a traditional Zen garden meant to allow visitors to contemplate the "Blessed Isles" where the immortals reside and mortals cannot.

The island below represents a Crane Island with two tall rocks representing the crane's uplifted wings.

Crane Island

Crane Island

Crane Island

Crane Island

Unfortunately, I did not see or envision the crane or the additional rocks representing "Shumisen, the center of the universe with its eight surrounding mountain ranges thrust skyward on the highest points of the islands." The islands were simply too overgrown and seemingly unkept.

To the left of the viewing platform (right in the picture below) was the Turtle Island. I did not see this feature at first, and I have documented many turtle islands in both Japan and in North America. Had it not been for the small plaque at the viewing platform, I would have missed it.

From the viewing platform one can realize the uplifting head of the turtle and possibly its feet. Unfortunately, for me, it was a struggle to do so.

Taking in the "The Garden of Petal and Sea" as a whole, I came to appreciate the design, if not the maintenance. The garden was built 45 years ago, back in 1979, and many years have passed since it was first planned and planted. I recognize that Japanese gardens like these are difficult to maintain, and I applaud the garden staff for working with their limited resources and budget to ensure the survival of this garden. Japanese gardens like these are meant to evolve, but they are never natural. They require constant human attention. 

Ben Oki's original plan is well thought out. What this garden needs today is some additional love and care. Of course, as usual, money and budgets dictate the care that a garden receives. Garden loving benefactors can fill that void. 

In this case I would advocate for the students of Ben Oki to consider the significance of the garden, designed by their master, and a lasting legacy to his memory. The possibility of gathering support from the hundreds of people who were inspired by his efforts to bring Japanese gardening to North America could help to ensure that the The Garden of Petal and Sea continues to bring joy to all who visit.

The Island Garden (Wellfield Botanic Gardens)

Built in 2020, the Island Garden within the Wellfield Botanic Gardens is an excellent example of a Japanese inspired garden. Designed by Sadafumi Uchiyama of the Portland Japanese Garden, the Island Garden takes the form of a "hide and reveal" style of garden.

Website: https://wellfieldgardens.org/plan-your-visit/garden-map/welcome-to-the-island-garden/

The garden consists of three separate islands, with the tallest 11 feet above the surface of the surrounding ponds. As a result, the pathways, of which there are multiple, take the visitor on a a winding journey of discovery along paths, stairs, and bridges.

A waterfall element that flows down from the top also adds to the natural landscape by adding interesting topography in the form of a "rushing mountain stream" while adding the soothing sounds of running water.

At the top of the tallest island sits a traditional style pavilion, Yu Sui Te (遊水亭) ”or “pavilion befriended by waters,” which overlooks the botanic gardens and the surrounding ponds. 

The space within was well thought out in terms of material and design. However, the purpose of the pavilion seemed elusive. The structure reminded me of one which often contains a large bell. Perhaps the addition of a "peace bell" might enhance the structure and provided a opportunity for visitors to interact with the structure.

There are a number of formal lanterns along the pathway.

The Misaki style lantern was well placed and immediately caught my attention.

The Zendo style lantern acts a lighthouse for a small boat launch area.

To the east of the pavilion hill, resides a small sitting pavilion that looks out over a large pond.

A small Tsukubai water feature near the pavilion/bridge entrance was a nice feature. 

The pavilion design is reminiscent of Sukiya style pavilions with natural seating, posts, and in this case, a large "acorn knot" as the central focus of the ceiling.

Adjacent to the pavilion is a traditional arched bridge which delivers visitors across the Lotus Creek and towards yet another garden.

Exiting the Island Garden and walking the West Promenade Garden along the opposite shore of the ponds also provides some wonderful views of the Island Garden and pavilion. The incorporation of the boat landings and gravel beaches adds to the unique design of the Island Garden.

Ironically, I almost missed this garden on my journey through Indiana (I was heading towards the Shiojiri Garden in Mishawaka). While eating lunch I took the time to search Google to make sure I was not missing any possible gardens. I stumbled upon this garden because it is not named in a manner that would show up in a general search of a Japanese garden. Once discovered, I was excited to find an excellent Japanese style garden. It is unlike most gardens I have had a chance to visit in North America, and was my favorite garden, out of four, that day. In fact, it is now one of my overall favorite gardens - well worth a visit.

Shiojiri Garden

Located in the city of Mishawaka, Indiana, the Shiojiri Garden is the product of a sister city relationship with Shiojiri City, Japan. Designed by Shoji Kanaoka who designed the Japanese gardens at the Disney Epcot Center in Florida, the garden embodies many of the features of an authentic Japanese stroll garden. 

Website: https://mishawaka.in.gov/things-to-do/parks/

Dedicated in 1987, the garden sits on 1.4 acres of land and contains 200 boulders that form a dry-landscape style river and ocean consisting of stones and gravel - there is no water feature within the garden.

Several traditional lanterns populate the garden. 

There are four bridges along the stroll path, including two arched bridges, a zig-zag bridge and a large slab bridge.

A large pavilion sits near the far end of the stroll path. It resembles a traditional teahouse, but is in stead more like a large space from which sitting visitors can take in the view of the entire garden. 

Shiojiri Garden is a very good example of a stroll garden. Its grounds are well maintained and the plantings cared for. It is well worth a visit for anyone looking to experience an authentic Japanese style stroll garden.