Nitobe Memorial Garden
Photo: UBC Botanical Garden
In the spring the garden is aglow with the blossoms of flowering cherry trees brought from Japan to be installed in this serene Vancouver setting. A tranquil spell is cast as you walk the garden's impeccably groomed paths, with native trees and shrubs growing among thriving azaleas, Japanese irises, and a gathering of maples especially imported from Japan.
Oveall, the style of Nitobe Memorial Garden is informal. The Strolling Garden beckons visitors across the portal of its ceremonial gateway. Placed along the walkways are perfectly situated benches, and six distinctive bridges made of wood and stone, aimed at directing wanderers to admire the garden's fertile landscape and aesthetically pleasing views.
The garden's waterfalls, with their pacifying sounds, encourage contemplation. Suggesting nature's perfection is an essential part of the artistry of a Japanese garden; represented here in the elements of an artificial "mountain," an island and lake. A subtle beauty, of stone lanterns, ornaments the scenery and accentuates the plantings. Myriad shades of foliage, from deep jade to bright chartreuse, set off the garden's monochromatic plantings, which come alive with infusions of color from cherry blossoms, and azaleas in a pleasing palette of many hues. Blue irises lend cool accents to the garden in summer, and sumptuous scarlets and the tawny color of tangerines appear as the maples turn color in fall.
In Japanese culture, tea ceremony and garden art are closely linked. At Nitobe Memorial Garden, an exquisite Teahouse Rock Garden features paths of crushed rock surrounding a characteristic teahouse fabricated of Hinoki cypress. The tea ceremony still takes place, at times, in this lovely building.
Nitobe Memorial Garden is located 3 kilometers north of the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden on Northwest Marine Drive. You'll find a map of the UBC campus at www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
that can be downloaded from the web site.
