Kubota Gardens

The Kubota Gardens are a local treasure – a beautiful garden created from five acres of logged off swamp land. The garden was the vision and life work of Fujitaro Kubota. He bought the five acres in 1927. Fujitaro was a self-taught gardener that wanted to highlight the beauty of the Northwest in the style of Japanese gardens. During the 1940’s his family was interned at Camp Minidoka in Idaho – and after the war he and his sons reclaimed the garden and continued to expand the beauty. In 1972 the Japanese Government awarded Fujitaro Kubota the rare honor of the Fifth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure – “for his achievements in his adopted country, for introducing and building respect for Japanese Gardening in this area.” Fujitaro died in 1973 at age 94.

Here is one of my most favorite trees in the Pacific Northwest – the Madrone or Arbutus Tree. The peeling bark and smooth wood, unusual shapes and stunning colors make this tree a standout. The Salish Nation considers this tree sacred and tells of it saving their canoes during a flood. In honor of saving them – the wood from the tree should never be burned. It is an amazing hardwood and makes gorgeous architectural pieces.

Another tree I had never seen until moving out here – the Weeping Atlas Cedar. They prove you can be both sturdy and graceful.

No garden is complete without a waterfall…