There are quite a few Japanese Gardens in the Bay Area. If you expect to see a large amount of cherry blossoms you are misdirected, as I was.
As one gardener from the San Mateo Japanese Garden told me: “Cherry trees don’t do to well in the Bay Area.” They do have a few, but it is not their main focus.
Japanese Gardens are all about local plants arranged in a Japanese aesthetic, giving you tranquility. Most of them have tea rooms and a tea ceremony may be offered, a waterfall, and a lake.
The San Mateo Japanese Tea Garden is a great place to contemplate and see what is blooming in the season.
Currently there are magnolias, with their vibrant reds and pinks, in bloom. Watch for trees that have been shaped to grow a certain way, or bonsais, that have been cropped to appear miniature.
Which is your favorite Japanese Garden?
Have you been to the botanical garden in Golden gate Park? The moon viewing garden is quite a beautiful spot.
Thank you and thank you!