Seattle Japanese Garden

P1010028

Well today being the first sunny Saturday of the year here in Seattle, Ashley, her sister Colleen, baby Julia and I ventured 10 minutes from our house, near the Seattle Arboretum, to check out the Japanese Garden on Lake Washington Boulevard.

P1010005

It’s a beautifully designed setting with a lake, streams, koi carp and a plethora of trees, flora and fauna. The Japanese chap – Juki Iida – that came up with the plans, apparently hand-picked 500 granite rocks in various shapes and sizes from the Snoqualmie Pass and personally placed each one in the 3.5 area plot.

P1010014

We bought a family pass – $30 for the two of us – which lasts a year as we’ll definitely be back to have a wander around, especially as they do tea ceremony demonstrations and photography days where geeks like me can roll up, tripod in hand, and get a bit closer to the action.

P1010030

Ashley + Bump + England Cricket Cap

Ever since travelling to Japan in the 1990’s, I’ve always had an an ambition to have my own tea house with rock garden like the one in Kyoto called Ryoan Ji – click on that link and you’ll see what I mean, or take a look at these images on Bing.

Just gorgeous!

P1010029

Always had a thing for Koi Carp too, although Ashley won’t let me have any, so I’ve had to buy a painting of some instead!

Anyway, first sunny Saturday must mean a BBQ somewhere, but if you get a chance do get to the Japanese Garden because it’s well worth it.

More Seattle “must-dos” soon…..

7 Comments

  • P M Melville

    What beautiful photos – you must definitely visit there more
    often and post more pictures. Thank you for sharing! xx

    Reply Posted 14 years ago
  • Michael White

    Really beautiful pictures here. Despite being a 21 year old hooligan I am actually a member of the RHS and enjoy gardens. Looks like I will need to visit this Japenese Garden one day.

    Understand your love for Koi Carp but must insist you avoid the things. Have you seen how expensive they can be?!

    Reply Posted 14 years ago
  • MelC

    Thanks guys. Michael, I didn’t even look at the prices. My pathetic attempt at growing herbs always end up with a premature funeral, so there’s no way I’d buy fish. Will post a photo of the painting soon….

    Reply Posted 14 years ago
  • Japanese Garden | | ASIA DESIGN PORTALASIA DESIGN PORTAL

    […] Seattle Japanese Garden | Mel Carson: Blog, Reviews & Photos on …Description : Well today being the first sunny Saturday of the year here in Seattle, Ashley, her sister Colleen, baby Julia and I ventured 10 minutes from our house near the Seattle Arboretum to check out the Japanese Garden on Lake Washington …http://www.melcarson.com/seatt .. […]

    Posted 13 years ago
  • Japanese Gardens | Garden Web Tips

    […] OnlineThank you for visiting my Japanese garden blogThe Japanese Garden at the Fabyan Villa MuseumSeattle Japanese GardenShinzen Japanese […]

    Posted 13 years ago
  • Moss – Love’em or Kill’em – and Japanese Gardens : GardenTips411.com

    […] Passionate gardener.Article from articlesbase.com Find More Gardens Articles Moss – Love'em or Kill'em – and Japanese Gardens Moss is either loved or hated in the garden. Peopl…ke it away. Why not to look at it as blessing to your garden? Its kinds are very difficult to […]

    Posted 13 years ago
  • Tips for creating the feel of a Japanese garden :: Gaia Gallery

    […] Take a look at some other gardens that really pop, and adapt the features you think work best. Creating a Japanese garden Prune heavily. Pruning keeps plants in proper scale for their space. It …their space. It also makes your garden more interesting if you can see through to the other side. […]

    Posted 13 years ago

Write a Comment

hidden

optional

Let's Talk

If this site has piqued your interest in hiring Mel, either as a speaker for your event or as a consultant for your business, contact him now to start a conversation about how he can help...

Get in touch with Mel