In the heart of Texas lies a peaceful Japanese retreat. Seven acres of woods, ponds, and serpentine paths twist through this beautifully landscaped garden. Curved bridges and stepping stones cross the water as koi beg for food, kissing your fingers if you touch the water.
In October, I attended the Fall Festival at the Japanese Garden. There were demonstrations of traditional dance, flower arranging, papermaking, music, and martial arts including karate, above.
I was glad to have the opportunity to observe a tea ceremony. The welcoming hostesses made sure everyone had the chance to participate – complete with rice crackers. Of course, shoes were taken off first.
Members of the local club brought their prize bonsai to show off. Some of them were decades old and quite valuable.
What’s most amazing to me about the Japanese garden is the calm feeling it instills in all the visitors. I’ve lost track of how many times children enter talking loudly or even crying, and by the time they reach other end of the garden, they are practically whispering. They often sit quietly just contemplating the water.
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Hi Jennifer,
I love the atmosphere and the Japanese aesthetic. Though I doubt they had all those electrical plug-ins for the tea ceremonies of the past!
Hi Sandra, it really is impressive how they’ve landscaped the grounds, and I’ve shown only a small fraction of them. It’s funny you should mention the electrical plugs because I was thinking that myself! It’s much more convenient and safer to have a tea ceremony today.
It looks like a very nice an beautiful retreat. Nice pics, thanks for the share.
Hi Steve, I’m glad you liked it. It is very peaceful
What a beautiful Japanese garden. I wonder if more parents knew about it, they’d be there on a daily basis!
Or, better yet, they’d take some of the design elements and incorporate them into their own living environment.
Hi Little House, I’m glad you like it! I think it’s a well kept secret about the calming effects.
Awesome share Jen.
All the pictures made it so interesting. People say a picture is worth a thousand words (O:
Talking about karate, I was so into it in my teen years. Every time I hear, read or watch something about karate it reminds me of my teen years.
By the way when are you going to do the get to know Jen better posts? Trust me they attract attention like bees to honey..haha.
You are so awesome. I am so glad to be a part of your network.
Later on..my neighbor..
Hi Adam, I’m glad you like it. Have you ever been to the Japanese Garden before?
Do you ever do karate anymore? I think the karate instructor in the picture was from Japan, and he was very patient with the little kids.
It looks like the get to know me post fell way down the list! I have a few things that probably need to go up first, but you will definitely see it in December. It seems like it was very popular for you and Thu too.
Thanks a bunch! I’m glad I got to know you too through the mastermind group.
Looking at the pictures, I see the calmness and beauty that you describe. I wish I had that kind of place here from where I am. I’m always looking a place to meditate and nurture my creativity.
Hi Walter, welcome to Live Richly! I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Where are you located?
i spent alomst 20 yrs in texas and now regret that i picked up photo blogging after i moved back to florida, there were so many things to write and photograph there ! where exactly in centex was this?
Hi Greg, welcome to Live Richly! This is the Japanese Garden which is part of the Botanical Garden in Fort Worth. Technically it’s in North Texas but I was being poetic.
It’s funny that you say you regret not taking more pictures here in Texas. Most people I know would say it’s ugly here and Florida is beautiful. I think you can find beauty all over if you look hard enough.
An amazing view…would love to visit them one day….Thanks for sharing Jenn…
Hi Kathrynne, glad you enjoyed the pics!
Gorgeous, there aren’t any Japanese gardens in the Milwaukee area, but I really wish there were. Great places to read and relax. Nice photos.
Hi Ryan, welcome to Live Richly! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. It is very peaceful.
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