The beautiful Japanese garden of Portland, Oregon, attracts thousands of visitors every year. This 12-acre oasis features four distinct gardens within its expanse--a natural garden with a mountain-stream trail, a sand and stone garden, a water garden that features two large ponds and a waterfall, and a flat garden of white sand and plant material. Although most observers focus on the dazzling, vibrant foliage of the many varieties of Japanese maples, garden director and designer Masauki Mizuno notices the small subtleties as well. From the gentle shadings and well-defined shapes of various plants to the texture and coloration of the moss growing on the rocks underfoot, each detail is a priority to Mizuno. He explains that the key to this garden's exquisite splendor and extraordinary tranquility is an ongoing devotion to its beauty, a sentiment Mizuno shares with all six of the expert gardeners on his staff. His advice to gardeners at home clearly reflects Mizuno's philosophy: "Don't expect to complete [the garden] in a short period of time . . . you need to keep working on it so you enjoy the process."
Featured plant:
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), Zones 6-8
Guests Masauki Mizuno
Garden Director, Japanese Garden, Washington Park
Portland, OR
Phone: 503-223-0913
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