Bloedel Reserve

A 150-acre forest garden made, by the vice-chairman of a lumber company, under the influence of the conservation movement and oriental philosophy. Mr and Mrs Bloedel wished to 'capture the essence of the Japanese garden - the qualities of naturalness, subtlety, reverence, tranquility - and construct a Western expression of it'. Their approach stands in welcome contrast to that of 'Japanese gardens' which achieve their effects through the use of ornament. The Bloedel Reserve celebrates growth, decay, regeneration, beauty and the harmony of nature. It has lakes, immaculate lawns, woods, a moss garden, a rhododendron glade, an orchid walk designed by Thomas Church and a reflection garden, partly designed by Richard Haag. The number of visitors to the reserve is limited, to preserve its tranquility.