“A Serene Garden”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
It is only in recent years that I have become fond of Japanese style gardens. Maybe it takes a bit of maturity or experience to realize that colorful gardens are not any prettier than gardens that are basically green with texture and contrasts. Or maybe it is the hustle and bustle of today’s world that makes me appreciate the calmness and serenity of a Japanese Garden. Saturday was the first time that we explored this type of garden that is set up in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. With all the people at the garden show bustling about, this garden which was close by, remained quite, peaceful, and meditative.
The entrance was a corridor of bamboo, which directed you into the heart of the garden.
As you enter the garden, you see a stone urn filled with water.
Once in the open area, there are several vignettes as you look in the four directions.
Finally, as you walk out of the area, surrounded by bamboo, you come upon a stone lantern which just reinforces the sparse atmosphere which is so calming.
While I know I will never have a Japanese garden area on my property, this particular garden has inspired me to make a small area simple and natural, a perfect place to meditate and relax.
Always Growing 
Patty said,
October 23, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Love the pictures. Its like I was really there!
Lana said,
October 24, 2009 at 9:43 am
We’d intended on having a Japanese garden here when I bought the house (about 3 years ago.) Unfortunately that’s proven almost impossible, so we’ve chosen a more Zen path; taking full advantage of enjoying what’s already here. Best of luck in your endeavors, though. Looks like you have soil that actually supports life. *L*
Jackie (Ellie Mae's Cottage) said,
October 24, 2009 at 11:55 am
I have always loved these gardens. They are so quiet and serene. Not many flowers but so interesting with different textures, foliage, and sculptures. Thanks for sharing! -Jackie
Town Mouse said,
October 24, 2009 at 7:33 pm
beautiful! i’m always impressed how much you can achieve without a lot of flower color.
Carol said,
October 26, 2009 at 9:18 am
Truly a work of art and so quiet and poetic. Lovely post! carol
LeSan said,
October 27, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Japanese gardens are so tasteful and elegant. They definitely do sooth and calm the spirit. This one you shared with us looks wonderful. I sometimes bemoan my own wild preferences and long for a more tidy serenity in the garden. Ha! I’ll never be able to do it.
Sure is nice to see someone who can though. 🙂
Teresa said,
October 27, 2009 at 8:15 pm
So serene and beautiful.
Kostas said,
June 1, 2010 at 1:39 am
Amazing, I could open a book in an area like this for hours. There’s a very nice balance of stone and plant life.