The South Coast Botanic Garden, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California, was one of the first botanic gardens to be developed over a sanitary landfill in 1965. The Japanese garden within the botanic garden is very small.
Website: https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/garden-highlights/
I was unable to find much information about the history of the Japanese garden. It is most noted for its small bonsai collection (I only saw one bonsai during my visit). There is also a small koi pond and several large, noteworthy Okazaki stone lanterns.
Although I realized before visiting that the garden would be small, it proved to be even more disappointing upon my arrival. Located adjacent to a concession stand, the garden was not very relaxing. It did have some of the elements expected of a Japanese garden, but beyond the authentic stone lanterns, the remaining aspects of the garden, although well intended, were underwhelming.
