Monday, April 7, 2014

Japanese Gardens and Lilacs in Bloom ~ Descanso Gardens part II

OK, so back to Descanso Gardens! One of the most beautiful spots at Descanso, is the Japanese Garden. Especially at the first blush of spring!


from the Descanso Gardens website:
"Discover the tranquility of a Japanese-style garden that blends design elements of classic tea, strolling and zen gardens.
Cross an arched bridge and stroll on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the Full Moon Tea House, designed by Whitney Smith and built in 1966. The blue tile roofing, imported from Japan, is especially striking in the spring when nearby pink cherry and plum trees are in bloom. The tea house is open limited hours during the summer as the Camellia Lounge and for special occasions during the year.
Nearby, the minka (traditional farmhouse) was designed and donated by Robert H. Kawashima in 1969. The plant collection features Japanese maples, azaleas, bamboo, and other Asian plants."
And here's a bit of music, from YouTube, for the visit! 



Look at the stream
there are rocks in its way.
Does it slam into them
out of frustration?
It simply flows over and around them
and moves on!
Be like the water
and you will know what harmony is.
~Zen Story






Move
and the way
will
open.
~Zen Proverb





You cannot travel the path
until you have become the path itself.
~ Buddha




Three things cannot be long hidden:
the sun,
the moon,
and the truth.
~ Buddha





We cannot see our reflection in running water.
It is only in still water that we can see.
~unknown author





Lilac Garden


Walk slowly and breathe deeply. The scent, I imagine, is what heaven must smell like. 
It's nearly overwhelming … and so beautiful.




Life can be found only in the present moment.
The past is gone,
the future is not yet here,
and if we do not go back to ourselves
in the present moment,
we cannot be in touch with life.
~Thich Nhat Hanh




In the end, only three things matter:
how much you loved,
how gently you lived, 
and how gracefully you let go
of things not meant for you.
~Buddha


To find out more about the various gardens and check out their website, click here.

Believe it or not, there is one more Descanso post to come! (At least, but I will try to edit, because the following Monday I spent the afternoon at the Los Angeles Arboretum, and I just helped throw a party in Ojai!)

Hope you have all been able to enjoy some blooms!
Blessings and light!

4 comments:

Kerry O'Gorman said...

Gorgeous! I can just about smell those lilacs...intoxicating photos, indeed! Don't you just love spring?!

Rick Forrestal said...

Perfect post for the season.
These are so beautiful.
(I love Japanese Gardens. I'm thinking about shooting the one we have at Missouri Botanical Garden here in St. Louis.)
The cherry blossoms are about to bloom.
Washington DC celebrates its annual cherry blossom festival this coming week.
We must be on the same wave length.
Or something.
:-)

MYSTELIOS said...

I am very happy today with your second post about wonderful Descanso Gardens. One of the most beautiful spots at Descanso, is the Japanese Garden especially at the spring !!!
Have a nice spring day !!!

donna baker said...

Never been to a Japanese garden, but would love it. Beautiful.