Seiwa-en, Japanese garden at Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, United States
Seiwa-en is a Japanese garden within the Missouri Botanical Garden that features an extensive water landscape with multiple islands, arched bridges, and artificial waterfalls. The grounds combine traditional Japanese architecture with gravel-covered areas and diverse planting zones that reflect classical Japanese garden design.
The garden was designed in 1972 by Professor Koichi Kawana and opened its gates to visitors in 1977. This project established it as the largest Japanese garden in North America and set an important standard for garden culture in the region.
The garden embodies Japanese design principles through symbolic islands and carefully shaped landscapes that reveal how water and plants work together. The thoughtful arrangement invites visitors to experience the Japanese philosophy of harmony between people and nature.
The grounds are easily walkable and offer paths that loop around the lakes and through various planted areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the paths have different surfaces and the place is best explored at a leisurely pace.
The garden houses a Japanese maple tree that was given as a gift from the Emperor of Japan. This tree grows among the garden's native plants and shows how traditional Japanese and local species can thrive side by side.
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