AUG
31
Japanese Garden The Butchart Gardens Japanese Torii Gates
We found this spectacular Japanese Torii Gate at the Entrance into the Japanese Gardens in The Butchart Gardens in Victoria. B.C. The Torii Gate symbolizes the separation of the our world from the spirit world, the spirits are supposedly more able to hear and answer your prayers once passing through these holy gates. For more information and images of Japanese Torii Gates & the history and meaning associated with them an excellent article has been written by David A. LaSpina on his blog JapanDave.com
Japanese Maple Tree 'Waterfall'
A deep sense of calm & tranquillity does seem to descend upon you while traversing the well groomed paths of this peaceful and artistically created garden. The hubbub and noise of the main gardens on the other side seems to dissipate and all that is heard is the gentle rushing of the leaves & the soft sound of trickling water that pours out from the bamboo spouts into little ponds.
It's interesting to note that there is a near absence of colour other than different various shades of green & the bright bold splash of red used on the little bridge over the pond. The Azaleas & Rhododendrons were not in bloom at the time, but the soft pink of the Lotus Lilly stood out in stark contrast to the surrounding hues of the evergreens & other verde foliage.
The circular pattern of the groomed gravel garden causes one to pause & contemplate, there is a stillness that fills the mind a clarity of no-thought. Elegance in simplicity.
Stepping
stones
for
skipping
over
the
pond
brings
a
sense
of
childlike
wonder
Hidden here & there throughout the garden are little seating areas to relax and take shelter from the heat or the rain.
&
delight.
Japanese landscape designers quite frequently incorporate many different types of mosses and ferns into their creations which gives a softness to the whole theme.
Ahh! another pond whose feathered inhabitants are immortalized in bronze The Blue Herons, standing still as they do when not in flight grace this lovely pond which provides the traveller with a restful place to sit & meditate.
This wonderful Japanese Garden within The Butchart Gardens was created by Jennie Butchard over 100 years ago. With the assistance of Isaburo Kirsada an expert in Japanese Landscape Design. The
gardens
are
still
privately
owned
and
operated
by
members
of
the
Butchart
family
today.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, and I hope that you will one day be able to visit this beautiful garden in Victoria. B.C. All
the
plants
Maureen Frost Nursery
and
trees
that
are
featured
here
can
be
found
at
your
local
garden
centres. Frost