This traditional Japanese gate is referred to as a torii. It marks the transition from the nonspiritual, mundane to the sacred such as the entrance to a Shinto shrine.
bUtchart's Gardens Hidden Gem
Water features prominently in the Japanese Gardens.
Butchart Gardens located in Victoria, British Columbia, is known for it's spectacular Sunken Garden and vistas. It is so magnificent, many people don't look beyond to the other garden features, including the exquisite Japanese Gardens.
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It was October when we visited Butchart Gardens. The Japanese maples were in full autumnal dress with colours of orange, red and yellow. It was breathtaking. I hope you enjoy the pictures and it encourages you to visit all the many gardens and features of Butchart Gardens. For more click on their website: Butchart Japanese Gardens.
A variegated pagoda dogwood with it's white and green foliage contrasts with a red Japanese maple.
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The variegated pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' and a fall coloured Japanese maple (Acer palmatum).
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Japanese Garden Essentials
Throughout the garden, three elements dominate: stone & rocks, water and plants. Vertical rocks represent mountains, while horizontal rocks symbolize islands.
Oceans and rivers are represented by sand and gravel.
Water is an essential element representing oceans and the fundamentals of life.
Plants not only provide beauty and colour, trees are selected for their form and autumnal colours. Moss is used to provoke the look of an ancient garden.
Arching bridges are made from natural materials such as wood, logs and stone. They symbolize paths to immortality and paradise. Simple fences are often made of bamboo or wood and are lit by lanterns that light the way.
Oceans and rivers are represented by sand and gravel.
Water is an essential element representing oceans and the fundamentals of life.
Plants not only provide beauty and colour, trees are selected for their form and autumnal colours. Moss is used to provoke the look of an ancient garden.
Arching bridges are made from natural materials such as wood, logs and stone. They symbolize paths to immortality and paradise. Simple fences are often made of bamboo or wood and are lit by lanterns that light the way.
The Sturgeon Fountain sits at the entrance to the Japanese Garden.
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The Sturgeon Fountain is an impressive feature.
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Japanese maples adorn the gardens with their brilliant autumnal colours.
The Dragon Fountain was given to the gardens in 2015, a gift from the People's Republic of China.
A borrowed view is an feature used in Japanese gardens.
Japanese railings are beautiful in their simplicity.
Japanese maples dot the landscape along the trickling stream.
A stone lantern lights the way.
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Japanese maples are placed strategically around the gardens.
Bamboo stakes become a simple fence.
A moss covered lantern.
Intricate paths lead the way among the plants and ornaments.
A small Zen garden of raked sand represents the sea.
An ornamental pagoda accents a small pond.
Pruned evergreens represent clouds and are part of a Japanese garden.
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