Japanese Gardens: Good for the Soul

By Kate Halvorson

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Japanese Gardens are traditional-style gardens that have existed since the sixth to seventh centuries BC. These unique gardens embody principles of Japanese culture, religion, and reverence for beauty and the simplicity of nature. The goal of a Japanese Garden is to bring humanity closer to nature by inspiring visitors to quiet meditation and tranquil reflection as seen in compact garden features representing the grand scale of our larger world of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.

In El Dorado County we are fortunate to have a true gem of a Japanese Garden right in our own backyard; Sherwood Demonstration Garden in Placerville boasts a classic Japanese Garden as one of the sixteen individual gardens on display. The late Master Gardener Bob Sherwood, for whom our demonstration garden is named, designed and constructed much of this Japanese Garden to promote public interest and education in Japanese Gardening. He used three customary Japanese Garden design elements -- the first are stones, which are the “bones” of the garden, representing structure and stability in nature. Next is both flowing and still water that is present as the life-force. Last is careful selection of a variety of trees and plants that offer greenery as well as colors painting the four seasons. Other important garden features include a stone lantern, water basin, Tea House, and bridge. *379877*

Dogwoods, azaleas, ferns, and hostas welcome the visitor entering the garden over a wooden bridge.  Japanese Gardens usually don’t stress “showy” flowers but favor plants that offer fleeting color. Azaleas for example, whose quick blooms don’t last long, remind us that life can be brief and encourage reflection on our own lives. Over 65 plants and trees were carefully selected for the Japanese Garden; all are individually labeled and have proven themselves ideal for our El Dorado County climate. For a complete plant list with common and botanical names, watering requirements and deer resistance information go to the Sherwood Demonstration Garden website at:

Sherwood Demonstration Garden - UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County (ucanr.edu)

A magnificent copper-trimmed Japanese Tea House prominently overlooks a pond, stones, and waterfall that offers soothing sounds. Nestled in and amongst the stones around the pond are iris, juniper, azaleas, gardenias, nandina, spirea, and other small shrubs. Rhododendrons, hydrangea, grasses, and Japanese maples all come together for different plant textures, contrast, and colors. Bamboo frames part of the view and is a plant that represents longevity and happiness. Maple trees change colors to show appreciation of different seasons, while a variety of pines provide green backdrops to represent consistency and stability.

In describing Japanese Gardens, Dr. Koichi Kawana said: “Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means.” The Japanese Garden in Sherwood Demonstration Garden is a wonderful example of natural simplicity and beauty, inviting visitors throughout the seasons to explore its pathways and many viewpoints. Hopefully you are inspired to discover, reflect, and connect with nature at our Sherwood Demonstration Garden.

 Article originally appeared in the 01-25-2023 Mountain Democrat