You should know by now, based on my Denver’s Got the Dirt on Botanic Gardens blog post last month that I have an affinity for Japanese Gardens. So it should come as no surprise that aside from the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit (blog link), my favorite garden of the 24 gardens home to Chicago’s Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, Illinois was the Japanese Garden of Sansho-en, the Garden of Three Islands.
Phew, long sentences are tough to write without risking a run on; I’m sure they’re just as tough to read without the risk of running off. But I digress.
I knew there was more to the Japanese culture than one fifth-grade heartthrob from a South Pacific island. I learn something new every trip I make, every place I visit. That’s one of the things I love about travel. What I learned while strolling through Sansho-en Japanese Gardens was balm for this old soul.
Phew, long sentences are tough to write without risking a run on; I’m sure they’re just as tough to read without the risk of running off. But I digress.
I knew there was more to the Japanese culture than one fifth-grade heartthrob from a South Pacific island. I learn something new every trip I make, every place I visit. That’s one of the things I love about travel. What I learned while strolling through Sansho-en Japanese Gardens was balm for this old soul.
Doesn't get much more picture perfect than this. I ordered up the swan especially for you.
The Japanese think aging is beautiful! It was right there in black and white (okay, in white and black) on the sign in the garden. I feel so vindicated!
Not exactly Wikipedia, but very informative nonetheless.
Old people are beautiful and revered. Wait! That bears repeating. OLD people are BEAUTIFUL and REVERED! That bit of wisdom so needed loud, declarative capital letters.
The Japanese like their trees old too, especially the ones they put into their gardens. Look at how gnarled and arthritic looking this one appears.
The Japanese like their trees old too, especially the ones they put into their gardens. Look at how gnarled and arthritic looking this one appears.
Gnarled and arthritic seems to go hand in hand with distinguished too.
The tree does have a venerable quality about it, wise and kind as it reaches out to offer solace, shade, a limb to climb or cry on. I could still be all that and then some (in 10 or 20 years of course when I’m really, really old) for my children, their children, and their children. Okay, I might have gotten a little carried away with the children (and the years).
It was easy to get carried away in the tranquil setting too. We literally left the world behind us as we crossed over to the garden paradise of Sansho-en via the wooden bridge that leads to the first of three islands encompassing this magnificent garden; designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana (ironically, he was responsible for designing the Japanese garden in Denver’s Botanic Garden also), the 17-acre site was dedicated in 1982.
It was easy to get carried away in the tranquil setting too. We literally left the world behind us as we crossed over to the garden paradise of Sansho-en via the wooden bridge that leads to the first of three islands encompassing this magnificent garden; designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana (ironically, he was responsible for designing the Japanese garden in Denver’s Botanic Garden also), the 17-acre site was dedicated in 1982.
My breathing slows and my blood pressure drops just looking at the picture of this garden.
Keiunto, the Island of the Auspicious Cloud, is the largest and highest of the three islands and the focal point for the three islands.
No better way to transport me to a heavenly place than a variety of auspiciously placed plants.
Jim and I followed the path (as per directions) around the perimeter of the Island of the Auspicious Cloud, allowing the colors, the textures and the overall serenity to work its magic.
It was a scavenger hunt with these little signs providing hints to aid in our search for tranquility.
I think I may have found tranquility. Come see, Jimmy.
Part of that magic is evident in the pine trees so prevalent in Japanese gardens. These timeless symbols of longevity are deliberately pruned and trained to mimic the idealized forms of aged trees.
Wow, this old guy is a master at keeping all those plates spinning in the air at the same time.
I’ve had my share of pruning and training too (broken bones, broken homes, broken promises) but my idealized version requires a few more years for the patina of real age (wisdom) to elevate my appearance to the level of art. It’s not something that comes in a bottle; it certainly isn’t revealed by a needle or knife. When I can fully embrace the gift of life and the years of learning and loving with nothing but gratitude for my journey I figure I'll finally become an art form too.
Obviously the tranquility did wonders to clear my thoughts and my soul, even in retrospect weeks later. I am so one with the universe my aura is white. Oh wait, that's my hair. I'm way overdue for a visit to the hairdresser.
My favorite section of Sansho-en was one I could only really view from afar; the Dry Garden, also called the Zen Garden for its popularity in the courtyards of Zen Buddhist temples, represents a vast landscape where stones and shrubs often represent islands and the gravel symbolizes water.
Obviously the tranquility did wonders to clear my thoughts and my soul, even in retrospect weeks later. I am so one with the universe my aura is white. Oh wait, that's my hair. I'm way overdue for a visit to the hairdresser.
My favorite section of Sansho-en was one I could only really view from afar; the Dry Garden, also called the Zen Garden for its popularity in the courtyards of Zen Buddhist temples, represents a vast landscape where stones and shrubs often represent islands and the gravel symbolizes water.
Japan's version of a stop sign - black string around the rock.
Waves breaking upon the shoreline were artfully represented around the shrubs and trees to contribute to the imagery of the landscape and the overall beauty of the Dry Garden. The layers of expression exquisitely portrayed the essence of tranquility and the beauty of our world. I wanted to jump in feet first and experience the place with gusto; I’m not sure gusto translates in the Japanese culture.
As these concentric circles washed over me I truly was one with this new universe.
We crossed over to the second of the three islands, Seifuto, the Island of Clear, Pure Breezes via the Zigzag Bridge.
Jimmys wishing he brought his fishing pole.
Ancient legends suggest that evil spirits only move in straight lines; we were safe, if only temporarily, while strolling the smaller Island of Clear, Pure Breezes. Contrary to the suggestive name, there were few if any breezes to offer respite from the heat, the usual as per summer 2012.
Both islands housed traditional Japanese structures made of natural materials that had aged to perfection (I’m getting there too!), adding continued visual appeal as well as space for quiet
contemplation.
Both islands housed traditional Japanese structures made of natural materials that had aged to perfection (I’m getting there too!), adding continued visual appeal as well as space for quiet
contemplation.
No grill for burgers or dogs! This will not do.
Garden gates were another traditional structure included, this one the entrance to a small private garden area outside a structure similar to a home in Japan hundreds of years ago.
The pearly gates of heaven, maybe?
As Jim and I followed the stepping stones to the house, it was easy to understand how a small patch of green earth by way of a garden was the perfect antidote to a stressful day before accessing the front door. It sure beats my walk from the garage.
I could live with this! I might want to update the place a little though.
The little corner of paradise packed a punch. As we followed the stepping stones around the entire garden, this ah-mazing portion was revealed just as we exited the private garden and home site. Peaceful and playful was a great combination.
I love secret gardens. Let's play hide and seek Jimmy.
There was no access to the third island, Horaijima, the Island of Everlasting Happiness. We mere mortals were left to contemplate the beauty of this island paradise from a distance.
Fortunately, I do know how to swim. When the time comes I should be set for eternity!
I’ll be everlasting happy with the two islands Jim and I did get to stroll through. I’m certainly in a more peaceful place for the experience; I am one with the universe. Oooommmm . . .
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