History

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At the fork of the pathway, we have a good example of a Ueki style Japanese Black Pines. Some people believe that the difference between the Ueki style and the bonsai shape is that the Ueki is planted directly into the ground and the bonsai is planted in pots, trays, or planters. The shapes are the same on both, however in a Ueki style the growth of the trunk and branches are in more of a horizontal manner rather than a vertical and the needles point upward rather than in all direction.

Moving toward the right and looking on the hillside, there is a three-sided stone pagoda . Traditionally, such pagodas are miniature models of larger pagodas that were actually used as religious structures and fertility symbols. Plants along the hill:

• Azaleas
• Japanese Maples
• Junipers
• Magnolias Alexandrina (maroon petals which bloom in mid- Feb or March)
• Spring Cinquefoil (groundcover with small yellow flowers)
• Snowball Viburnum (near large rock)

Background (screening) trees to the north:

• Canary Island Pines
• Aleppo Pines
• Yew Pines (not a true pine)

On the left is the viewing platform which is over the east margin of the lake. (It covers the filters and water intake for water that is pumped back to the waterfalls.) The rangui beds (with round posts at the water's edge) contain a variety of blue, purple, white and multi-colored Japanese Iris.

Surrounded by Mock Orange is the votive stone which commemorates the Goddess of a Thousand Arms. Since Buddhism came from India and was then brought to China and then Japan, she may be Indian. In each hand she is holding gifts for each birthday of Buddha. They are not materialistic gifts but stand as virtues. Plants around the votive stone include:

• Ternstroemia
• Mock Orange
• Japanese Quince
• Azaleas
  Formosa
  Southern Charm
• Juniper San Jose

At the lake's edge is the Yukimi-Doro, or Snow-Viewing lantern, which is one of the most popular Japanese lanterns. Unfortunately in Southern California, we can not see first hand how the snow gracefully falls on the umbrella-like structure, creating a pretty design as it falls. Notice that the lantern is set on three stones in a rangui bed of Japanese Iris. The island out in the lake is left deliberately inaccessible to people to represent a sanctuary and a place of everlasting happiness. It is considered to be sort of a paradise that is out of reach to people so they can't spoil it. "Redbirds" azaleas may be seen by the walk next to the willow.