Within the city of Seattle, nearly hidden from public view, there lies a delightful garden called Kubota Gardens. As the name implies, it originated as the private garden of a Japanese horticulturist. Somehow it survived the ethnic injustices brought about by Pearl Harbor and the subsequent actions and epithets hurled against anyone of Japanese descent.
Recently, Grumpy was the proud escort of two lovely ladies in visiting this Garden while many of the various plants were in colorful bloom. Margaret and the Grand Mother braved a cool day with just enough sun to help one keep warm if they were walking briskly or were standing (or sitting) in a sunny area.
The Kubota Gardens were deeded to the City of Seattle to be preserved as a public park. Improvements, such as this granite boulder retaining wall, are being added from time to time as appropriate. Of course, there is a parking lot which has been added in recent years; it is just off of Renton Avenue South, about 100 feet south on 55th Avenue South.
This little arched footbridge over a Koi pond exemplifies the Japanese garden motif. Several natural springs stream flowing down from several locations on the hillside, insures that the water in the ponds remains clear and fresh. It was too cool to spot any of the Koi the day we were there. But Grumpy has seen them in the past; some are as much as 5 or 6 pounds, being nearly 18 inches long. At other places where the foot path crosses one of the streams leading into the ponds, there are hewn logs or discretely-placed stones on which the agile walker can cross without getting his feet wet.
Much of the some 40 acres of plantings are on fairly level ground, with a well-maintained walkway wandering around through the planted areas. This dazzling white Rhododendron was particularly spectacular the day we were there.
While many of the plants within the Gardens are introduced or hybrid varieties, there are also many native plants growing there, all in a natural-looking setting. Grumpy is of the opinion that Kubota Gardens should be rated right up there with the Arboretum; admittedly a sort of miniaturized version but much closer to the residents of Renton and the South parts of Seattle. If you have never visited Kubota Gardens, Grumpy encourages you to try it -- you might like it!!
The Kubota Gardens were deeded to the City of Seattle to be preserved as a public park. Improvements, such as this granite boulder retaining wall, are being added from time to time as appropriate. Of course, there is a parking lot which has been added in recent years; it is just off of Renton Avenue South, about 100 feet south on 55th Avenue South.
This little arched footbridge over a Koi pond exemplifies the Japanese garden motif. Several natural springs stream flowing down from several locations on the hillside, insures that the water in the ponds remains clear and fresh. It was too cool to spot any of the Koi the day we were there. But Grumpy has seen them in the past; some are as much as 5 or 6 pounds, being nearly 18 inches long. At other places where the foot path crosses one of the streams leading into the ponds, there are hewn logs or discretely-placed stones on which the agile walker can cross without getting his feet wet.
Much of the some 40 acres of plantings are on fairly level ground, with a well-maintained walkway wandering around through the planted areas. This dazzling white Rhododendron was particularly spectacular the day we were there.While many of the plants within the Gardens are introduced or hybrid varieties, there are also many native plants growing there, all in a natural-looking setting. Grumpy is of the opinion that Kubota Gardens should be rated right up there with the Arboretum; admittedly a sort of miniaturized version but much closer to the residents of Renton and the South parts of Seattle. If you have never visited Kubota Gardens, Grumpy encourages you to try it -- you might like it!!
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