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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
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James Stoness
Story & photos by James Stoness
As you drive east over the rolling prairie from Fort Macleod the last thing on your mind might be strolling along a gurgling stream with landscaped lawns and sculpted trees and shrubs. But that is what you will find if you stop at the Japanese Garden in Lethbridge. If you haven’t heard of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta, now is the time to plan a visit. It is truly a magnificent setting in which to relax.
The designers of the garden wanted a realistic garden that combined the vastness of the prairie and the beauty and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. This would be a difficult proposition. True Japanese gardens not only reflect the local landscapes, but also the local society. With that aim in mind they brought in a famous Japanese garden designer.
He realized that the features he had to work with were the rocks, the vegetation and the water and they had to fit together seamlessly. They built a pond whose quiet waters denoted time for reflection. Accompanying the pond was the stream, chortling at times and quiet at others, and complete with dashing splash of a little waterfall.
They brought rocks, many weighing several tonnes, from the mountains and placed them in position with a crane. Sometimes they moved them a little, or a lot, depending upon whether they had a natural fit where they were. They used rock to create patterns that resembled certain Japanese symbols.
Then came the landscaping with soil and the planting of shrubs, trees, and colourful flowers. As the shrubs and trees grew the topiarists shaped them into pleasing forms.
They built the bridges and buildings in Kyoto using aromatic cypress lumber. After seeing that they were flawless, they dismantled them, shipped them to Lethbridge, and carefully placed them within the prepared landscaped grounds.
As you approach the entrance gate you will likely be met by an interpreter, who gives you some quick information, and then you head away on the paths. A first stop might be at the gazebo, which is located by the stream, so the waters can carry your troubles away. The neatly designed arch bridges are perfectly blended to the location. Along the way, is the multileveled pagoda representing the elements of fire, water, wind, earth and sky. When you reach the huge Friendship Bell, swing the wooden beam into its sides to make it ring. Its low toned ‘bong’ carries a long distance. Later, take a walk on the stepping stone path, which consists of flat rocks placed in a meandering row as we used to do before concrete. Soon you will come near the water again to hear the soothing sounds of the waterfall.
Along all of the paths there are shady trees and colourful bushes. Sometimes the view is across the water to the landscaped shoreline on the far side. It’s hard to believe that all of this is within the City of Lethbridge, and yet it seems a world away. The paths are designed so that you don’t see the entire park at once, so that each turn presents a new discovery.
The flowers and shrubs are chosen in such a way that varieties are often blooming, depending upon the season. Since the gardens are available for weddings, imagine the choices there would be when arranging your dates and setting.
The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden’s with its tranquil atmosphere, comfortable paths, and beautiful plants is becoming increasingly well known. If you are anywhere near Lethbridge in your travels, be sure to take time to visit.