KYOTO
Nijo-Jo Gardens6th July 2009
"The Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, has undergone several changes over the years. Originally designed so as to not show the passing of seasons (no trees were planted) plants and trees have since been added and allow the garden to have color at all times of the year: Camellias in January and February; apricot blossoms in February and March; dogwood and cherry blossoms in April; azaleas in May; azaleas and cape jasmine in June; Indian lilacs in July and August; bush clover in September adn October; maples leaves in November; and firethorn in December. No matter what season you go, there will be something beautiful and colorful blooming.In the center of the garden is a large pond containing three islands connected by four bridges. Horai, the central island, represents the Island of Eternal Happiness and is flanked by Turtle Island (Kame-jima) and Crane Island (Tsuru-jima), both symbols of longevity. Waterlilies, plants, and rocks augment the beauty of the garden. It is really a very beautiful and peaceful garden.
The gardens were designed by Kobori Enshu, who was a master of tea, architecture, garden design, calligraphy and poetry he was a multi-talented leader of early Edo culture in Japan. Often i noticed that the designers of a lot of gardens i visited whilst in Japan where primarily tea masters."The Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, has undergone several changes over the years. Originally designed so as to not show the passing of seasons (no trees were planted) plants and trees have since been added and allow the garden to have color at all times of the year: Camellias in January and February; apricot blossoms in February and March; dogwood and cherry blossoms in April; azaleas in May; azaleas and cape jasmine in June; Indian lilacs in July and August; bush clover in September adn October; maples leaves in November; and firethorn in December. No matter what season you go, there will be something beautiful and colorful blooming.In the center of the garden is a large pond containing three islands connected by four bridges. Horai, the central island, represents the Island of Eternal Happiness and is flanked by Turtle Island (Kame-jima) and Crane Island (Tsuru-jima), both symbols of longevity. Waterlilies, plants, and rocks augment the beauty of the garden. It is really a very beautiful and peaceful garden.
In 1965 the Seiryu Garden was built for the purpose of receptions and cultural events. This garden is landscaped in both modern and traditonal styles and contains two teahouses, the Koun-tei and the Waraku-an. In June and November tea masters perform tea ceremonies for the public."
http://www.yamasa.org/japan/english/destinations/Kyoto/nijo.html
