Skip to main content

Featured

Foxtail Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Foxtail', the Foxtail Rosemary makes a graceful statement as it cascades over the edge of a terraced bed. This is the only rosemary in the garden since the trailing variety that I had for years was damaged so badly last winter that I took it out. 'Irene' is the rosemary that is no longer with us and I miss seeing it trail down the retaining wall next to the driveway.  I would replace it but another trailer, cotoneaster, is competing heavily for space there.  Rosemary 'Irene' in happier times I have not planted any of the upright rosemary types. I've seen too many that became monstrosities and are impossible to curtail. I do love them though as brushing by that fragrance is such a pleasant sensation. Back to 'Foxtail' - it really has all the same qualities as the others but is much more mild-mannered. It too sulked after last January's freeze and I did have to trim some of it back. It resides in a somewhat protected area o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Okochi Sanso Villa & Gardens



One of my favorite gardens on the tour was the Okochi Garden that was created by Japanese actor Denjiri Okochi. Located in the northwest hills above Kyoto, it was a picture of tranquility.

First, we walked through a Bamboo Forest to get there -


A pathway led from the forest path up the hill to a garden entrance -



The main house -


A menagerie of pathways encircle the house and winds around the perimeter of the house. 




At one spot, an open pavilion called the "Moonlight Pavillion" provides a fantastic view of the city of Kyoto.






The creator of this paradise, Denjiro Okochi (1898-1962) studied literature and dabbled in writing before he began an acting career in 1920's silent cinema. He specialized in period dramas and jidaigeki (samurai). One of his best-loved characters was Tange Sazen, a fictional swordsman with one arm, one leg and one eye. He played the role in numerous films.



He spent thirty years creating his garden and he died there of stomach cancer in 1962 at the age of 64.




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post

Comments

  1. Kris PetersonDecember 4, 2024 at 9:57 AM

    Beautiful and dramatic!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 4, 2024 at 4:24 PM

    What a breathtaking garden! Your photographs are stunning. Thank you for sharing this slice from your trip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. tz_gardenDecember 5, 2024 at 9:06 AM

    Such a peaceful place, and stunningly beautiful! It really looks like you lucked out on good weather for your trip.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts