One of the most beloved garden settings, The Japanese Garden at The Huntington Libarary, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens celebrated its centennial upon reopening on April 11, 2012.
Courtesy: The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
After extensive renovation, the lyrical nine-acre stroll garden is revitalized and refreshed, from the koi ponds and moon bridge, to the iconic Japanese house. And a new feature will be unveiled: an authentic Japanese ceremonial teahouse set within the traditional landscape of a tea garden. You’ll find it located on a southwest ridge above the existing Japanese house. Built in Kyoto, the teahouse – Seifu-an (the Arbor of Pure Breeze) – was donated by the Pasadena Buddist Temple. The teahouse structure first traveled to Japan for restoration by Yoshiaki Nakamura, the architect son of the structure’s original craftsman.
Japanese House: Courtesy The Huntington
Landscape architect Takeo Uesugi and his son Keiji Uesugi oversaw the design plans for the Japanese Garden project, which includes a new waterfall.
Faux Bois Restoration Courtesy, The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
The teahouse emerges as an important element in a picturesque vignette: Situated on a ridge, the building offers an exceptional vantage point to take in canyon views, along with the historic vista below.
A lasting memory of mine, and I expect of many visitors to the garden over the years, the magnificent Faux Bois (false wood) ornamental trellises have been renovated, and the Japanese Garden’s pathways improved to increase accessibility.
Zen Garden Ginkgos – Photo courtesy The Huntington
Year-round, The Huntington is an outstanding horticultural haven set apart by the brilliant landscape design of the many gardens. If you have not yet toured The Garden of Flowing Fragrance, the Chinese Garden is a truly unique landscape for California and the West Coast: A must-see!
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