Grant Hyatt Atlanta - Japanese Garden

This Japanese garden is located on the third floor of the Grant Hyatt Hotel in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia. Originally the Hotel Nikko, Hyatt purchased the property in 1997, with a major renovation in 2000. The garden can be accessed via a large veranda on the third floor and sits nearby the pool. In addition, there is a three story waterfall that descends down to a small open air seating area.

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/georgia/grand-hyatt-atlanta-in-buckhead/atlgh

I was surprised to find such a wonderful garden in this location. It was designed by Takeo Uesugi, a well known Japanese garden designer who had built many gardens around the world, notably in California.

The garden is generally not accessible to the public unless a guest at the hotel. Once you exit the elevator to the third floor, you come across a large veranda, on the far side of which is a traditional Japanese gate. There are many features packed into the small garden. Once you begin to stroll through you almost forget that you are on the third floor of a hotel. 

It has matured much since it was first installed. Overall the garden was well maintained. The view from the lower level outdoor area was incredible give the height of the waterfall, but access to this area is not always available - the door will lock behind you.

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Cherry-Sims Asian American Garden

Located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center, The Cherry-Sims Asian American garden is a collection of plants that originated in Asia. The garden is intended to demonstrate the similarities between the plantings of Asian and the Souther gardens of the United States. Technically neither a Japanese of Chinese garden, the garden still offers an opportunity to see Asian plants thriving in a similar ecosystem and climate.

A 2006 Obituary of Mr. Sims I located provides some more insight into the background of the garden ands its creation.

Website: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/explore/goizueta-gardens/sims-asian-garden

The garden is part of the larger collection of gardens known as the Goizueta Gardens at the Atlanta History Center which is comprised of 33 acres of gardens and woodlands. Finding the Cherry-Sims Asian garden was a bit difficult. I did not use Google Map to locate it prior to my arrival, and walking the grounds in search of it was difficult. A staff gardener (volunteer perhaps?) also was not sure exactly where it was located and directed us to a location that was not accurate. In addition, the creek pathway behind the Cherokee Garden Research Center was under construction adding to the confusion. However, once located, the garden was an easy winding path to follow.

Overall, the garden was in poor condition. It didn't appear to be regularly maintained and left to fend for itself. As a woodland garden or stroll garden it worked fine. There was a single Japanese style lantern present, and odd large turtle statue, and an unusual platform. There was also evidence of a water feature that was in total disrepair. 

This garden is worth a visit if visiting the History Center, but what it really needs is some care and maintenance. The potential to revive the garden is still possible. Perhaps after the nearby construction is complete some attention will be given to the Cherry-Sims Asian Garden.

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Atlanta Botanical Garden

While visiting Atlanta, I had the opportunity to visit The Atlanta Botanical Garden. One of the gardens on site is a Japanese Garden. The botanical garden is open during the summer from Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Japanese Garden is small and can be viewed in less than an hour. The rest of the gardens are extensive, so a full day may be needed. The Longleaf Restaurant is also on site with some wonderful vegetarian options.

Website: https://atlantabg.org/map-location/japanese-garden/

The Japanese Garden actually predates the creation of the Botanical Gardens. It was originally a bonsai garden that resided in what in the early 1960s was Piedmont Park. The current Japanese Garden was established in 1980 and is a mixture of several Japanese garden styles: hill-and-pond; tea garden. 

The large moon gate and white walls of the garden are better suited to a Chinese garden. However, the cedar roofing of the walls and the side gate appeared more Japanese. As a result, these features are more of a hybrid Asian garden. Nevertheless, the plantings reflected Japanese styles. The garden was very well maintained and full of several varieties of Japanese and local plantings, including a large Virginia Pine as the focal point. 

I was fortunate enough to meet with the Assistant Horticulturist responsible for the upkeep of the Japanese garden, Wade Enos. 

Wade graciously took the time to discuss the garden and allowed me to include his photo in the blog.

Be sure to visit in the early morning and return later in the day to see how the garden changes as the sunlight moves across the horizon.

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