Nishiyama

The last garden I had a chance to visit on my trip to Washington state was Nishiyama, part of Everett Community College. I was fortunate to be given a private guided tour by the director of the Nippon Business Institute Japanese Cultural Center, Mayumi N. Smith. 

The garden was spectacular. It occupied a small area, and yet its design created the illusion that the space was much larger. The topography was also an illusion created by the water fall feature and by being aligned with just the right type of trees and other plantings to create a screen from the outside world. The walls and gates were also very authentic. 

As a cultural center, the garden plays a larg part of connecting the community with Japan. Director Smith also proved to be the most courteous of hosts - she went well out of her way to entertain my request to visit the garden. Her friendliness made my visit all the more enjoyable.

Website: https://www.everettcc.edu/programs/communications/nbi/nishiyama-japanese-garden

The central bridge of the garden was made from salvaged wood from the famous Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, Japan (near Hiroshima). I was fortunate to have visited that bridge and walked its length in 2007, so it was a real treat to have the opportunity to once again walk its planks. It represents my having come full circle from 2007 to 2017. A very Zen experience - life is great!

Kintai Bridge 2007

Dave & Mayumi Smith 2017

Haiku No Niwa

Discovered that the Bainbridge Public Library has a Japanese garden on site. I didn't know this this first time I visited the island to see the Bloedel Reserve. So, I returned to the island to see Hakiu No Niwa, the Japanese Garden at the Public Library. The garden was small, but vey well designed.

Website: http://www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org/in-the-garden.aspx

Donald L. Garrity Japanese Garden

I drove out to Ellensbug, WA to visit the Donald L. Garrity Japanese Garden on the campus of Central Washington University. Built in 1991, the garden is very nice and well maintained. Although intended to be a Japanese garden, it was in fact one of the most "Northwestern" styles of garden that I has seen since coming to Washington state. There were many Japanese features, including a Zen garden and numerous lanterns, but I couldn't help but think it was unlike any other garden I had yet seen. It was definitely worth the 2 hour drive (one way) to visit.

Website: http://www.cwu.edu/central-minute-cwus-japanese-garden-symbol-life