On a recent trip to Portland I made it a point to visit the Portland Japanese Garden to see the new Cultural Village that opened in April. In addition to featuring stylish buildings by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the expansion includes the Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace – a space devoted to showcasing beautiful trees.
Rocky Mountain juniper in the Bonsai Terrace
I was tipped off to the Terrace by curator Michael Hagedorn. He’s responsible for the bonsai on display – a collection of trees on loan from private collections primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
Ezo spruce
Shimpaku juniper
As seen from the left side
The wood slat fences that separate the trees from the garden courtyard are in keeping with nearby buildings, the contrast of wood with glass being hallmark elements of Kuma’s style.
Stairs to the Kengo Kuma designed Cultural Village
Japanese maple next to the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center
A separate bonsai display area features trees in an upstairs patio in the Japanese Arts Learning Center.
Rocky Mountain juniper on display at the Japanese Arts Learning Center
Going forward, the garden is planning bonsai-related events including talks and workshops to promote bonsai to its community.
Japanese maple
Stewartia
Japanese maple grove
For those who haven’t visited the Portland Japanese garden, I highly recommend it – see some photos from a previous visit here.
