The Japanese Garden - Suiho-En

「父の恩は山よりも高く」 (A father’s devotion is higher than a mountain)

In the tradition of Japanese gardening, the majesty of mountains is expressed through our most enduring stones - timeless, grounded, and serving as quiet pillars of protection. This , we see that same steadfast strength reflected in the fathers and father figures who guide our lives.

To celebrate them, we are overjoyed to host our very first event since our recent reopening! We warmly invite you and your family to join us in the garden for a special presentation of Ikebana (生け花).

Often translated as “living flowers,” ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Far more than just a decorative bouquet, it is a mindful practice of balance and form. By using elegant lines, open space, and deep intention, the artist creates a living sculpture that finds perfect harmony between nature and the human spirit - a beautiful reflection of the quiet harmony our fathers so often bring to our families.

Come share a peaceful stroll along our newly restored pathways here in Lake Balboa and experience this living art together.

Sunday, June 21 from 9:30am to 3:30pm
🔗 thejapanesegarden.com/events

We would be profoundly honored to welcome you and your loved ones back to . ✨

生け花

父の日 — Father’s Day. 🌸

This Father’s Day, we invite you to share a quiet, meaningful moment together at the Garden. Join us for a special Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) exhibition, where the delicate balance of nature reflects the harmony of family.

We welcome you to experience this beautiful tradition right here in the Japanese Garden and would be happy to see you and your loved ones.

📅 Sunday, June 21 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

📍 6100 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa

🎫 General: $5 | Seniors: $3 | Children: $2

We look forward to welcoming you. どうぞお越しください (Please come visit).

🔗 thejapanesegarden.com

Today, we invite you behind the scenes to witness the final piece of the restoration of our Karesansui (枯山水), or Dry Garden.

The Making of a Dry Sea:
To recreate the vastness of the ocean, our dedicated crew carefully placed over 150 tons of gravel.

Protective tarps were first laid down to respectfully prevent weeds from disrupting the space.

Tractors and wheelbarrows were utilized to meticulously move and place the gravel into every corner of the dry garden.

Cultural Harmony in Los Angeles
For hundreds of years in Japan, small stones and gravel have been used to symbolize water in the karesansui tradition. Here in Southern California, this ancient practice beautifully inspires drought-resistant landscaping that respects our local environment and climate.

Sustained by Innovation
Our garden thrives in a deeply harmonious partnership with the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Conceived by Donald C. Tillman, this space was created to demonstrate the positive use of reclaimed water in a delicate, serene environment. Each day, the plant graciously provides 2.5 million gallons of recycled wastewater to sustain the Japanese Garden, local wildlife lake, and LA River.

We are deeply honored to preserve and share this blend of Japanese tradition and Los Angeles innovation with you.

🔗 thejapanesegarden.com

# 枯山水

There's something incredibly calming about watching nature do its thing. 🪿

💦 Let this stunning Canada Goose at The Japanese Garden - Suiho-En be your reminder to take a few deep breaths and ease into the week after the long holiday weekend.

What are you doing to find your center today?

May flowers are officially showing off! 🌸✨

~ Day Lily
~ Indian Hawthorn
~ Fortnight Lily
~ Water Iris

We took a quick stroll through the garden and just had to share the view. This peaceful oasis is actually nourished by the recycled water we treated right next door at Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. It’s a beautiful reminder of what happens when we work together to protect our resources.

We’re sorry for the delay in reopening. Which garden spot do you miss the most?

thejapanesegarden.com

Finding peace in pink azaleas. 🌺

Watch the sunlight dance across the water and reflect on the Shoin Building. Listen to the birds singing and the geese honking.

Take a breath and enjoy this in the heart of the Valley.

✨ Fun Fact: This beauty is nurtured by 100% recycled water from our Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. 💧

🔗 thejapanesegarden.com

The Dry Garden is coming along nicely for our May reopening and we can’t wait to share it with you! Here’s another “behind the scenes” look at the work being done.

thejapanesegarden.com