The Japanese Garden
Under Construction
We have a long way to go and need your help!
Please consider sponsoring an item in the garden, or making a general donation which will continue to help us build our 2-acre, world-class Japanese Garden.
Scroll down to learn more about Sponsorship opportunities in the Japanese Garden.
about the designer
The son of renowned traditional Japanese landscape designer, Kinsaku Nakane, Shiro Nakane has been following in his father’s footsteps since becoming president of Nakane Garden Research and Landscape Consultant Firm in 1995.
Having received his first lessons in the Art of Japanese gardening as a young boy, he continues to apply traditional techniques and aesthetics with a modern perspective as a landscape designer.
“The apparent admiration and esteem enjoyed by the Japanese garden throughout the world is presumably attributable to the recognition of its universal artistic merits, which transcend all racial, religious, and cultural differences.”
Shiro Nakane
General Sponsorship Opportunities
Tri-Arrows Aluminum Teahouse – Chashitsu
$1,000,000 SPONSORED
The chashitsu is made of wood, and designed to harmonize with the surrounding garden.
Pond – Shinji-ike #7
$1,500,000
The pond is fed by the waterfall and streams and will be stocked with koi.
The South (Main) Gate #1
$300,000
The most elaborate gate, and the main entrance to the garden. It will include the ticket booth.
Stock Yards Bank Summer House – Yokaze #12
$250,000 SPONSORED
The stream will flow under the summer house so guests can sit in it with their feet in the stream
Mountain Stream – Keiryū
$250,000 SPONSORED
This stream starts at the base of the waterfall and gently bubbles over varying rock levels before emptying into the Small Pond.
Arched Bridge – Soribashi #18
$250,000 SPONSORED
A distinct red-orange color, the arched bridge is probably the most representative feature of a Japanese garden.
Shallow, Curving Garden Stream – Yarimizu
$300,000
The stream symbolizes eternal renewal and the flow of time, and flows throughout the Japanese Garden into the large pond.
Tea House Deck/Moon View Deck – Tsukimi-dai
$150,000 SPONSORED
From the deck of the Tea House you will be able to experience the full moon reflected in the Large Pond, and feed the resident Koi fish.
Small Pond – Niwa Ike
$400,000
This pond sits under the Zig-Zig Bridge and hosts a beautiful collection of Japanese Iris.
Dry Landscape (Zen) Garden – Karesansui #13
$100,000
Dry landscape gardens represent water surfaces and wave motions through sand patterns.
Spring Lawn – Haru no shibafu
$70,000
This open space lawn boasts blooming Spring flowers, including the Cherry Tree Promenade.
Autumn Lawn – Aki no shibafu
$70,000
Separate from the Spring Lawn, this open area is most beautiful with the Fall colors of Japanese Maple and other trees.
Japanese Iris Collection – Ayame
$25,000 SPONSORED
A water-loving iris native to Japan, the purple and blue colors of the early summer blooms relay messages of wisdom, honor, hope and faith. Each flower is large, broad and refined in form and comprises the main horticultural feature along the zig-zag bridge.
Colony of Aquatic Plants – Suisei shokubutsu
$25,000 SPONSORED
Aquatic plants are essential to a pond’s ecosystem. They are important for the koi in the pond as they turn nutrients from the water and soil into plant matter eaten by the koi. In addition, these plants provide shelter and shade for the koi.
Waterfall – Taki #4
$250,000 SPONSORED
A great source of beauty in Japanese gardens, waterfalls contribute to the expression of nature and the soundscape.
Zig-Zag Bridge – Yatsuhashi #19
$100,000 SPONSORED
Zig-zag bridges encourage those who cross to slow down, watch their step, and take in the present.
Cherry Tree Promenade – Sakura #15
$100,000 SPONSORED
The Japanese Cherry Tree represents the fleeting nature of existence and the need to live in the present.
Tea Garden – Roji #11
$50,000 SPONSORED
Tea gardens call to mind a stroll through a forest path, a quiet place where everyday concerns are forgotten for a moment.
Autumn Grassland – Aki No Sogen #16
$50,000 SPONSORED
Grasses continue to flourish across multiple seasons, even after flowers are long gone, evoking a hint of sadness at the passing of the year.
Island in the Pond/Lake (2) – Kojima #8
$50,000 each SPONSORED
Tsuru and Kame, the crane and the tortoise
Small Tea Garden – Roji
$25,000 SPONSORED
On the east side of the Tea House sits a small tea garden modeled after the larger Tea Garden, but is fully accessible to all guests.
Pebble Beach #9
$25,000 SPONSORED
Smooth dark stones represent the foam of an ocean, and provide a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery.
Stone Bridge (2) – Ishibashi #20
$25,000 each SPONSORED
When taking a meditative stroll through the garden, the bridge prompts us to shed worldly concerns and be fully present in the beautiful garden.
In Stream Stepping Stones #21
$25,000 SPONSORED
Natural stones will create a stepping stone pathway to connect the walkways in the garden. This stone pathway will be located on the east side of the garden, and will go directly over the stream.
Large Scale Pruned Shrubs – Okarikomi #24
$25,000 SPONSORED
Pruned shrubs are a signature look of Japanese gardens. Often representative of rolling hills, these elements add depth, structure and a sense of fullness to the garden. This practice dates back to the mid-16th century, but the style and aesthetic is, undoubtedly, much older.
Bamboo Grove #25
$25,000 SPONSORED
Seated adjacent to the tea house and the pond, the bamboo grove provides an area of interest in the Japanese Garden. Bamboo symbolize firmness, dignity, courage and elegance in Japanese culture.
Stone Benches in the Japanese Garden – Koshikake ishi
$25,000 each
Natural limestone pieces will be used to create seating throughout the Japanese garden.
GRAESER FAMILY Bonsai Garden
The Bonsai Garden has been designed to balance the traditional design of the adjacent Japanese Garden and the surrounding contemporary design of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, weaving in design aspects from both spaces.
The intent is to create a truly unique garden that celebrates the individuality of each bonsai while also creating an experience that is distinctive to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
The space is divided into two areas, a winding path with small garden rooms for rest, reflection and contemplation about the artful bonsai, and a larger plaza that can be used for educational and social gatherings. The garden also includes a Bonsai House for protecting the trees during winter, daily tree manicuring, and as a space for novices to learn from bonsai experts.
VIEW MORE OF THE BONSAI GARDEN HERE
GRAESER FAMILY BONSAI GARDEN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Bonsai Garden
$1,000,000 SPONSORED
Sponsored by the Graeser family, the Bonsai Garden will house the WBG collection in all seasons, providing an opportunity for a unique experience with these unusual trees.
Bonsai Display Plaza
$500,000
The Plaza features an open, paved gathering area with roughly a dozen of the larger bonsai trees and will be used for various events including bonsai competitions. It is located adjacent to the Bonsai House.
Bonsai House
$250,000 SPONSORED
Sponsored by Joe and Debbie Graviss, this 2,000 square foot building will be used for bonsai education classes and will serve as the venue for daily tree manicuring. This facility will protect the trees during the colder months.
Bonsai Pathway
$50,000 SPONSORED
This beautiful, winding path will take you on a bonsai journey through the various rooms in the garden.
NEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The bonsai garden includes outdoor “rooms” that are designed with a thematic Interpretation of the five great elements through the use of materials, form and approach to bonsai.
CHI – Earth Room $500,000
Bench on Boulder $25,000
Boulder Planter $50,000
SUI = Water Room $500,000
Icon Wall $50,000
Driftwood and stone bench $25,000
KA = Fire Room $500,000
Fire Wall Display $50,000
Bench $25,000 SPONSORED
FU = Wind Room $500,000
Screen wall with Bonsai SPONSORED
Bench $50,000
KU = Void/Aether Room $500,000
Niwaki (center planting) $100,000
Moongate $150,000 SPONSORED
Gates
Sukiya Entry Gate $50,000
Sukiya Exit Gate $50,000
Bonsai Display on Bonsai House
$150,000
CONTACT US
For more information on how you can sponsor or otherwise get involved with the Japanese Garden project, contact:
WBG Development
(502) 276-5450