Korean Bell Garden of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

The Korean Bell Garden is part of the larger Meadowlark Botanical gardens in Vienna, Virginia. It was a joint creation of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA) and the Korean American Cultural Committee (KACC). Beginning with a proposal in 2007, the project commenced with fundraising effort that rased $1 million for the construction of the bell and gardens. 80% was via private donations, while the remaining 20% came from the South Korean government. From start to finish, the project took five years to complete. The Korean Bell Garden is the first of its kind on the east coast of the United States.

Website: https://northernvirginiamag.com/things-to-do/things-to-do-features/2021/08/09/korean-bell-garden/

I have never encountered an authentic Korean garden on my North American garden adventure, so it was a surprise to do so and a real joy to experience.

When first approaching the garden, one passes through a gateway into an area with a small stationary bell and two large Dol Hareubang guardian statues. 

Dol Hareubang guardian statues

Moving further along, one encounters another walled area surrounded by a "flower" wall. The flowers reflect the ancient wall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Korea.

Within the walls is a large open area with a small pond basin.

An adjacent sitting pavilion resides near the pond-basin and offers a view of the Peace Bell pavilion in the distance.

Within this courtyard, there is also the Wall of Ten Symbols with motifs meant to symbolize longevity: sun, mountain, water, stone, pine tree, cloud, tortoise, white crane, deer, and bamboo.

A side gate leads to a series of stepping stones leading towards the Peace Bell.

Nearby, a small platform also has a display honoring the development of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

Built in 2011, the Bell of Peace and Harmony resides in a large pavilion structure build in a traditional manner. Cast of bronze in Korea, the bell weighs 6,000 lbs. and measures almost 7.5 ft. in height (https://www.bells.org/blog/washingtons-bells-bell-peace-and-harmony). 

 

Jangseung, traditional Korean totem poles

Overall, this garden was wonderful to visit. Its design goes beyond authenticity and the complex was clearly designed for educative purposes. The perfect place for people of Korean heritage to visit, but also a great field trip experience for non-Korean children and adults alike looking to learn more about Korea and its traditions.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Hillwoood is the former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post in Washington DC, and contains a Japanese-style garden unlike most. 

Describing the Japanese-style garden at Hillwood is no easy task. It is considered a "non-traditional" Japanese garden and offers "action and intrigue" instead of "opportunities for contemplative meditation," at least according to the Hillwood Estate website.

Website: https://hillwoodmuseum.org/press-room/news-events-and-background-information

Its safe to say that the garden reflects a more "orientalist" view of a Japanese garden built during the late 19th to early 20th century. In fact, the original garden was built in the 1920s. Today Hillwood defines it as "an artful hybrid of Japanese and American gardening traditions."

In 1958, Marjorie Post had the old "oriental garden" replaced with a new garden designed by Shogo Myaida. 

In the late 1990s Hillwood recognized the need to improve the Japanese garden, but also the importance of maintaining the garden's historic nature over any attempt at creating of an authentic Japanese garden (read the following site evaluation from Brooke Whiting, March 13, 1997).

Visiting the garden offers some challenges. The winding pathway drops down considerably because the garden is located on a very steep hill, an insurance hazard for Hillwood to be sure. I had some difficulty traversing the steps and pathways in a manner that was safe. Photographing it successfully from above was also difficult. One has to watch their step with every move.

I found that entering from the bottom and working one's way to the top was a much more pleasant experience.

After passing through a formal gate, one encounters a tiered pagoda and a series of ponds and bridges.

Translation: Hillwood Garden

Part of the problem with this garden is that there is simply too many hardscape items packed into a small and steep environment. Apparently, Marjorie Post saw this as a collection of artifacts that reflected her tastes and interests.

The garden was remarkably well maintained given the challenges of its age and topography.

Design wise, it was too "kitschy" and repetitive. Too many bridges, stepping stones, lanterns, and statues. I can only assume that Marjorie Post thought this is what a Japanese garden looked like (for the record, authentic Japanese gardens do not). 

On the other hand, it is a good example of a historic example of late 19th early 20th century Japanese garden ideas seen elsewhere in North America. Shame, given that the garden was reinvented in post-world War II 1958. A lost opportunity to get it right.