Olympia has some very beautiful parks scattered throughout. Sometimes they are hidden from both visitor and local!
The Yashiro Japanese Garden in downtown is one of the hidden gems. Named in honor of the Sister City relationship with Kato (formerly Yashiro) in Hyogo Prefecture on Honshu, this park is next to the City Hall and Police Station.
I first discovered this park while dropping off a parking ticket. Incidentally, you can also drop off your city of Olympia water/sewer/garbage bill at the same location!
The Garden includes the classic features one expects in a Japanese garden: a pond to reflect the sky and trees, places to sit and quietly enjoy, bamboo shrouded paths, staturary and lanterns, beautiful greenery and blooming plants.
In the spring, you will enjoy the cherry blossoms, the rhododendron & azalea blooms, trillium, camellia and so much more.
I think one of the reasons this peaceful place has remained so hidden from all the people who visit, is that it is just off the freeway. Most people zip right past, without a moment's glance!
To reach this little slice of peace and quite:
From I-5 take Exit 105 towards the Port of Olympia (Plum Street). The first intersection is Union, and directly after the (requisite) gas station, is the park on your right. Parking is available next to the park.
And if you have a tiny bit more time after enjoying all beautiful plants in the Japanese Garden, just cross the parking lot to the gardens surrounding Olympia's City Hall and Police Station. Including this stunning magnolia, which is currently covered in huge blooms, and surrounded by cheerful spring color.
(All photos were taken April 10, 2008.)
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These photos are lovely. Thanks for sharing them with us all. Used to live in Washington and know how beautiful things are there.
What enchanting gardens! I have heard Washington is such a beautiful place...very eco-friendly. I have an old friend who moved out to Seattle years ago, and I keep hoping to make it out to visit him... 3 kids, 8, 5 and 3 don't make it conducive to long road trips, however. One day, though...
What great pictures! Thanks for sharing! I am marveling at your magnolia tree. In the south, magnolias keep their green leaves year round and in the spring, summer and fall, produce the large white flower here and there on the branches. It appears that you type of magnolia may loose its leaves and then produce a riot of large white magnolia flowers all at once! Is this the case? Do your magnolias bloom like this from spring through fall? Or are the masses of flowers replaced by the waxy green leaves similar to a cherry tree having masses of white flowers that are then replaced by leaves for the rest of the season? The flowers look the same! Here is a photo of our southern magnolia that I just snapped outside! You can see the pointed white bloom getting ready to open.
BTW, You new page design looks great!
Hi Sarah...Those photos are wonderful advertisement for the park. Who wouldn't want to visit after taking a look at them.
Take care,
Kathleen
Sarah,
Great pictures. You know I've driven by the Garden so many times and have never stopped to go inside. I'll definitely put a visit on my things to do.
Sandy
Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate
Thanks! It really is beautiful here. But we are having a long, coooold spring. Like SNOW in the foothills last night. My garden is going to be a later start this year :(
Bo Hunt, metro-Atlanta Mortgage Professional
I think we would agree with you- very 'green' minded around here. And we love to talk about the weather and the plants. If you do bring the kids, we have an Excellent Children's Museum.
Rich Dansereau Loan Officer Atlanta Georgia
Hi Rich, yes, our trees lose their leaves, but the bloosoms start the Spring season. Do your Star Magnolias stay evergreen too? We have a pretty soft climate- supposed to be similar to the Carolinas.
KATHLEEN ELIM, Lake Anna Real Estate
It really is quite a pretty, small park. And relatively unused. Usually just the City employees and the ducks!
Sandy Nelson Realtor - Olympia, WA
LOL Just like I said, a hidden park! I may have to make Parks a major part of my blog. Have you ever explored the grounds of the Capitol Campus? There are lots of little 'spots' and art scattered all over!
I am not familiar with the star Magnolia so I did a little research and they apparently do grow in our southern climate but I cannot remember seeing one. The research I did say they are deciduous so that is a big difference between the southern magnolia. The flowers also look much different than what I am used to. I am going to look for one at my local nursery and get more info on them; I might just need to add one to my yard!
Sarah - All my friends and family having been reporting to me about all the snow you guys are getting... Have you gotten any?