Kubota Garden, 2022

 

 

 

 

 One of the ponds in the garden

 

 

 Another pond, this one with a traditional Japanese bridge

 

Even though this has been a cooler than normal Spring in the Pacific Northwest and there is still snow in the mountains, we put away the ski gear.  It was time to get out enjoy the early blossoms and new growth.  A first choice was a public garden park not too far from home.  We have visited Kubota Garden before at various times of the year.  Since it is still fairly cold, fewer things were blooming but it was still lovely and not very crowded.  While the basic design of the garden remains the same, each time we visit we notice small changes such as plants being removed or added.  This time we also noticed that an updated restroom was being constructed as well as some new ADA wheelchair accessible paths.  

 

 

Waterfalls, stepping stones and bridges across pools can be found here and there in the garden.

 

 

There were ducks swimming in one of the ponds.  When we have visited before it was later in the season and Koi and turtles could been found in the ponds too.  

 

 

 

There are several Japanese stone features and a few rocks with Japanese characters etched in them.  Just inside the main entrance to the Garden is a large bronze bell.  Bob is testing out the sound quality.  It produces a pleasant deep bong sound. 

 

The garden is a blend of Japanese and American gardening.  

 

 

 

Quince

 

 

Currant

 

 Rhododendron

 

Magnolia

 

 

Unidentified exotic, growing on the edge of the water

Japanese Maple with new leaves

 

Mr. Kubota started this garden in the 1920s as a way to advertise his landscaping business and to show what plants he had available.  Today it is a public park with free parking and no entrance fee.  The garden is supported by the Kubota Foundation.  Donations are welcome.

 

For more information about Mr. Kubota and the garden, see:

https://kubotagarden.org/index.html