When you pass through the entrance gate, a blissful peace descends as you enter the serenity of this garden nestled under giant firs and cedars. Pause to read the plaque honouring the Takata family then walk down the winding path to cross the zigzag bridge where, at certain times if you are very still and watchful, you may see a hummingbird bathing in the wide shallow basin on the top of the rock waterfall.
Walking further down the stream you will over look the astilbe and iris, which have been blended together with the candelabra primulas, hostas, ornamental grasses, ferns, mosses and other shade loving perennials to form a restful tableau. Here there are also Japanese maples and burning bush (Euonymus alatus OCompactus'), which will provide vibrant fall colour and the Mahonia charity for late winter fragrance and colour.
Year round there is the rustling sound of the bamboos which range from dwarfs such as the fluorescent yellow striped (Poaceae Pleioblastus viridistriatus), to the tall, sophisticated black stemmed bamboo (Phyllostachs Nigra). Cross over the graceful 30-foot long tongue and groove curved bridge (constructed without nails) and stop to hear the melodic sounds of the water. On one side you can hear the higher pitched tones while on the other there is a deeper tone as the water goes through an eddy in a whirlpool. Farther down you will notice yet another bridge- one that has been made with massive local boulders.