Gibbs Garden - Japanese Garden

The Japanese Hill and Pond Stroll garden, “Tsukiyama,” is over 40 acres and the largest Japanese Garden in the nation. Entered through a Torii Gate, a meandering walk descends subtly around seven spring-fed ponds with islands, bridges, massive boulders and rocks. Connecting an island to the shore with a natural stone bridge created the “Bridge to Heaven.”

Millions of existing ferns, native azalea, dogwood, mountain laurel, trilliums and wildflowers accompany masses of plantings including many 50- to 60-year-old plants used to bonsai. Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees blossom in spring as weeping willows reflect in the water.

Collections of stone Japanese lanterns, natural stones and Japanese Maples provide sculptural interest. Pagoda structures and a zigzag bridge add architectural interest.

Reflections of clouds, waterfalls, ripples, butterflies, birds, and fish provide movement in the garden. Impressive stones speak of stillness and serenity.

Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms are one of the delights of early spring that you can miss if you don’t pay close attention. Typically they flower during March or April when the Daffodils are blooming. With cool weather the flowers will last for several weeks but a hot spell can cause them to quickly shed their delicate white petals. At the Gardens there are hundreds of Yoshino cherries, Prunus x yedoensis, the same ornamental cherry trees that bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

There are also Kwanzan cherries, which bloom later and have double pink blooms.