Sunday, May 1, 2016

A Day Well Spent


Last September I had the opportunity to spend a day at the Huntington Library & Gardens in San Marino California.  I was there all day but still didn't see it all.  It's an amazing place that I will definitely return to one day.  There is so much to see at this wonderful place that I'll limit this post to the two Asian gardens and save the art work and other collections for other posts.  So, I'm starting with The Japanese Garden.  This lush green spot begs you to spend a little time enjoying the beauty that surrounds you.


The Japanese garden is thought to be the most popular spot on the Huntington estate with it's distinctive Moon Bridge sitting in the center of a tranquil koi pond.    This garden has been attracting visitors since 1928 when the institution opened to the public.


When you climb the hill on the other side of the koi pond, you come the zen court and it's collection of bonsai trees.  There is every shape and size of bonsai trees on display and plenty of place to sit and relax and take it all in.



After spending some time in zen court, I moved on, following the trail around to the Chinese Garden and it's unique architecture.

In this area you stroll through doors and past windows that frame the beauty of the lily pond that dominates the area.


The Pavilion of Three Friends is a perfect place to once again stop, relax and take it all in.
















Enjoy the various lilies floating on the pond.



Take in the unique beauty of the lotus patches.

I'll have more posts about the Huntington Library and Gardens in future posts.  This post only featured two of the twelve gardens on the property.  And, then there is the fabulous art collection and the wonderful home that is the legacy of Henry & Arabella Huntington.  It's one of those places that you can return to many times and still find something new to see.

5 comments:

William Kendall said...

It looks like a wonderful place to visit!

Jack said...

Beautiful photographs. I visited Huntington Gardens many, many years ago -- before I developed the habit of lugging a big camera everywhere I go -- but I remember it as a wonderful place.

Kate said...

This is SO interesting. For a short period of tine when I was 18 I stayed with an older sister in Pasadena, Ca and recall loving the Huntington Library. If my memory elves me right, the library had an outstanding staircase which I used to descend, pretending all kind fantasies. I also recall the art, Blue Boy, and the fantastic Japanese Garden, loving the bridge! Haven't thought of it for years and I love the memories, accurate or not!

LOLfromPasa said...

I am from not far away (Pasadena) and I have spent many memorable hours here at Huntington Park. Your photographs are wonderful to see.

Nathalie H.D. said...

Sharon I hadn't visited your blog in a while and I'm enjoying it tremendously. Your posts are both informative and beautifully photographed.