The dry rock garden. As a result, Nikka Yuko expresses the merging of Japa-
nese and Canadian culture in a garden rich in symbolism. It captures the signature of the southern Alberta landscape while simultaneously integrating traditional Japanese philosophy and symbols. Each element of the garden has been carefully chosen and maintained to bind the entire garden together in perfect harmony. Water is important, refreshing the spirit with a tumbling waterfall, gurgling stream, and reflective pond. Plantings of forest and meadow layer the garden in soothing hues of green. Meticulously pruned trees and shrubs shape the serene setting, and in season, become focal points and symbols on their own. A brief appearance of spring flowers or autumn colour signi- fies the fleeting experience of life. Rocks are among the outstanding features of Nikka
Yuko. Originating from a nearby mountain pass, the rocks are millions of years old, weathered with time and imbedded with beautiful lichens. Their solidity evokes the magnificent mountains, tumbling rivers, and placid lake- shores of southern Alberta. Each rock, was lifted into the garden with a crane often weighing several tons. Each was deliberately positioned, considered from all angles, and repositioned, until it was deemed to be just right. Tradi- tional Japanese symbols — such as an island in the shape of a turtle, representative of long life — were also created with the ancient rocks. Smaller rocks, arranged in patterns intended to inspire contemplation, make up the karesansui dry garden adjacent to the teahouse. The structural components of Nikka Yuko were hand-
crafted in Kyoto. The teahouse, bell tower, azumaya shel- ter, gates and bridges were built of aromatic wood from yellow cypress, dismantled, and shipped across the ocean to Canada. Five master tradesmen from Kyoto reassem- bled the structures on the garden site with assistance from Canadian tradesmen. The bronze Friendship Bell, which hangs in the bell tower, was commissioned specifically for Nikka Yuko and cast in Kyoto. The bell’s deep tones ring a friendship call to all visitors. Stone lanterns, carved by artisans in Kyoto, were placed
next to the bell tower, overlooking the pond, near the azumaya shelter and beside the stream. Each type of lantern was positioned in a significant place according to Japanese
localgardener.net Celebrating Japanese dance.
tradition. Historically, stone lanterns were used to light pathways, but are now purely aesthetic and symbolic of lighting the way. A stone pagoda, composed of five tiers, denoting earth, water, fire, wind and sky was also incor- porated. Beyond the garden, a city park with its tree-lined lake-
shore crowned by the endless prairie sky surrounds Nikka Yuko and forms shakkei or the ‘borrowed view’ valued in Japanese garden philosophy. The view expands the 1.6-hectare (4-acre) leafy retreat, conveying the feeling of openness, which captures the personality of the western landscape. However, the winding path never allows the visitor to see the entire scene but sets the pace for unfold- ing one view at a time. Now mature, many visitors enjoy the peace Nikka Yuko
offers. The Garden also serves as a gathering place to cele- brate Japanese and Canadian art and culture. It offers a full calendar of events throughout the season, with cultural activities each weekend where visitors can take part in a traditional tea ceremony, stroll the path during moonlight viewings, or view exhibits by local artists. The Canadian climate makes it necessary to close Nikka Yuko’s garden paths in winter. x
Fall 2016 • 71
The glorious beauty of a crab-apple tree in blossom.
Photo by Cody Fong.
Photo by Don Stewart. Photo by Al White.
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