Thursday, March 1, 2012
I enjoyed a brisk walk along Ocean Boulevard early this morning. It was a bright sunny day and a cool breeze was blowing off the Atlantic Ocean. I walked from Atlantic Avenue north to George Bush Blvd and back. It had to be two or three miles.
Path to the Atlantic Ocean
After a light breakfast and a shower, I drove to the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in western Delray Beach. The gardens are very well maintained and provide wonderful photographic opportunities due to the variety of seasonal flowering plants and bushes. It’s always a surprise to see which plants or trees are in bloom.
Beginning of the Garden Path
Since it was still early and not yet too hot, I started my visit in the garden. In Florida, like summer in New York, it’s better to do outdoor activities in the morning or evening rather than in the heat of mid-day. Visitors follow a path around the lake to view the plants and trees.
Edo Period Garden
The selection of plants at Morikami is based on Japanese gardens from different historical time periods. The sign said they were not replicas of gardens, but “inspired” by six famous historical gardens which date from the 9th century through the 20th century. Each garden is different and have their own personalities. The total effect is beautiful. The visitor walks along the path from one beautiful garden to another.
Paradise Garden
About half way around the lake is a small island, Yamato, upon which is the Japanese style building which was the original museum. There are two permanent exhibits there now which demonstrate the Japanese lifestyle to school groups.
Shaded Porch
Japanese Classroom
The building is a traditional Japanese house with several rooms decorated to look like a Japanese classroom, a bedroom with tatamis, and a kitchen. There were several school groups there when I arrived.
One of the Bonsai Trees on Display
It takes about an hour to walk around the entire lake, depending on how many stops you make and for how long. There are many lovely places to stop and relax and contemplate Nature.
A Lovely View
Visitors can sit on the carefully placed benches and appreciate the beauty of a Japanese garden. At the end of the path just near the museum building is a series of beautiful waterfalls with a couple of benches.
The Morikami Museum
The museum has grown and developed into an institution of Japanese cultural education. The exhibit this season features 75 prints from a private collection of “sosaku hanga” or creative prints. These are modern experimental contemporary woodblock prints from the 1950’s to the present.
Happy Buddha – What a Life!
The Morikami is a wonderful place to visit! The gardens are always fresh and ever-changing and the museum has interesting exhibits. There are always exciting special events on select weekends and the Museum Store stocks interesting and unusual souvenirs. Check out the Morikami website for more info.