Seattle Japanese Garden 22

Left Photo by Dennis Wise, University of Washington Fall is a good time to see the Japanese Garden and the changing of colors at the Arboretum. In October, the Japanese Garden offers Maple Festival, a 10-day event, celebrating the autumn leaves as they transform in the garden.

Right Photo by Aurora Santiago On the first weekend the garden opens to the public in the spring, Seattle Japanese Garden welcomes guests in to observe a Shinto blessing ceremony by Reverend Koichi Barrish from the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America in Granite Falls, Washington

The azaleas, iris and wisteria rule in spring, but it is the maples’ explosion of color in October and November that earns a yearly pilgrimage for many Seattlites.

“It’s one of the best places in the urban Northwest for fall color, which can be elusive here,” Larson said.

Larson recommends the long view over the garden from the north looking south over the ponds to appreciate the layered composition of the design.

Being connected to a world-class botanic garden, this Japanese-style garden is particularly diverse in terms of plant types. Like many gardeners, Larson declines to pick a favorite plant since it tends to be the last one he noticed. Nonetheless, he says the Paperbark maple is quite lovely, and he appreciates the “kapow” of the gingkos’ gold fall color against the maples and conifers.

Reminders of the garden’s cultural origins are ever present.

“The garden is architecture as a representation of the natural world,” Larson said. “It’s as much about art and culture, as gardening.”

In October, honoring the garden’s 60th anniversary, a gingko biloba tree seedling grown from a tree that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, was planted.

The garden, with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Washington Arboretum Foundation, hosts educational programs and special events, including Japanese gardening workshops, moon-viewing parties and cultural celebrations.

Although they were temporarily suspended because of COVID-19 restrictions, visitors can enjoy a centuries-old tea ceremony based on Chado, or “The Way of Tea,” at the teahouse for an additional fee ($10 adults, $7 youth). Visitors are asked to avoid bare feet, jeans, rings and personal fragrances.

Creativity on tap in Seattle’s craft beer scene

By Erica Browne Grivas

Photo courtesy Reuben’s Brews Adam Robbings, pictured, founded Reuben’s Brews in Ballard with his wife, Grace.

Photo courtesy Reuben’s Brews Only 8 years old, Reuben’s Brews in Ballard, has won more than 275 medals for its beers as of 2020.