“Madam of Stink”
Florence, Italy
In the cradle of the Renaissance, we saw this comic sculpture in an alley way. It was a protest from the building owner to the local garbage service. The garbage service identified this spot in the alley for residents in the local area to deposit their garbage. We were told that the protest was in vain.
“The Duomo Main Entrance”
Florence, Italy
My mind is back in Florence, reminiscing on our recent trip to Italy. Standing near the main stairs leading inside the Duomo, my knees and whole body felt weak under the grandeur of the awe inspiring cathedral facade. It was difficult for me to stand still enough to create a steady image.
Being a small town country boy, I stand back and wonder. It is hard for me to comprehend what it took to create such a wonderful piece of architecture and art: the patrons, the designers, the political battles, the financial resources, the workers, the time it took to build, the people for whom it was built. I imagine and dream, then pause and enjoy the wonderful gift of what was created centuries ago.
“Welcome to the Garden”
Portland Japanese Garden
This tall statuesque lantern welcomes visitors into the natural part of the Portland Japanese Garden. I have had a difficult time photographing this lantern during my several trips to the garden. On a sunny day, the strong light casts bright spots and shadows across the scene. On a cloudy day the moss-covered lantern blends into the background. During this visit, the light was gentle in the background as well as on the foreground. I was able to create a little more interest. It still is not quite what I want, but it getting closer. Maybe the next time I visit …
“Silently Watching”
Portland Japanese Garden
When I visit the Portland Japanese Garden, I always stop walking, pause, enjoy this peaceful vignette, and contemplate …
A little lantern
silently watches
the world go by.
“Kotoji and Stream”
Portland Japanese Garden
The Kotoji Japanese lantern in the Portland Japanese Garden is tucked away, partly hidden by surrounding shrubs and weeping maples. Shade has stimulated moss to grow on the lantern over the years. The lantern peacefully looks over the gentle, slow moving small stream.
At Heatherwood, the feeling is quite different. The surrounding shrubs and Orangeola Japanese maple have not had the years to mature and surround the Kotoji. The lantern is in full direct sun and stands like a strong guardian over the rapidly rushing stream and waterfalls.
“Kotoji and Waterfall”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
“Lantern and Wash Basin”
Portland Japanese Garden
A lantern and wash basin typically greet visitors before they enter a Japanese garden tea house. This one in the Portland Japanese Garden is tucked into a little shaded cove just inside the gate leading to the tea house.
At Heatherwood, we do not have a tea house but are attempting to create a small cozy secluded sitting area to peacefully view the pond, stream, and water fall. In addition to an occasional cup of tea, it is a nice place to have a morning cup of coffee or afternoon glass of wine or other refreshing beverage. At the entrance of the sitting area, we have installed a small Japanese lantern and wash basin to simulate the feeling of Japanese garden tea house.
“Oribe Lantern, Tetsu Bachi Basin, & Kakehi Water Spout”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
As you can see, the vegetation has not grown up around the water feature and it is not covered with moss. We patiently wait for surrounding plants and Japanese maples to grow and create a shady canopy for the wash basin.
“Lantern On Waterfall Pond”
Portland Japanese Garden
This scene at the Portland Japanese Garden was my initial inspiration for a corner of our pond in Heatherwood’s Japanese influenced garden. Our vignette at Heatherwood is quite a bit different, but contains many of the same elements. We built a rock ledge extending out over our pond and placed a similar type of Japanese lantern overlooking the pond. To the left of the lantern we planted Siberian iris which parallels the irises in the Portland garden. We planted an Akebono cherry tree to the right of the lantern. We have a sitting area behind the lantern with a rock stepping stone path leading up to the pond beside the lantern. We have just purchased a Japanese maple to plant alongside the lantern. Below is our Heatherwood perspective.
“Yukimi Japanese Lantern & Pond”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
We have a long way to go before we have a “finished looking” scene. Each year we enjoy watching the garden evolve as we add new touches.
“Kotoji in Early Morning Sun”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
The early morning sun is always a delight as it first grazes our Heatherwood garden. Backlit leaves warm the scene with their filtered soft colors. Light sparkles from the water and highlights the southeast facing vegetation. Shadows provide striking contrast ,popping out the highlights of the exposed plants. I look up and see the Kotoji lantern proudly standing guard over his domain.
Its a peaceful way to start the day!
“Formal Garden”
Heronswood, Kingston, WA
Elegantly Beautiful!!!
Nothing more needs to be said.
“Lower Falls View”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
As I walk along our garden path, this is one of my favorite vignettes. Looking up the hillside, Japanese maples, various evergreens, and the Kotoji frame in the rushing stream above the pond. Each season brings different color and form to this little view. Each year the trees and shrubs grow and provide a fuller picture. Only four years ago this hillside was simply covered with grass and was a &%#&!? to mow!