Tranquility Off The 405

For some time we have been trying to find a day for this outing and yesterday was finally the day. We have made numerous attempts only to find the garden wasn’t open. This is a great quick afternoon trip just off the 405. An island of serenity amid the hustle and bustle of California State University, Long Beach. The 1.5 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins. This Garden was named in honor of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller, as an educational and aesthetic resource for the campus and the community in 1981.

The traditional Japanese garden dates back to the 15th century and has been molded by the religion and philosophy of Zen Buddhism. Zen had always had a special reverence for nature, inspired by the natural beauty of the Japanese landscape. Gardens associated with their temples provided an appropriate way to express this attitude toward nature. Their aesthetic values and symbolism became incorporated into the gardens.

We thoroughly enjoyed the KOI fish. The children were able to feed the fish by putting food in their hand and hold their hands open under water. The fish were indeed very bold and came right up, some of them even let you touch them without flinching. This was definitely a highlight for Kelsey, not to mention a great photo op for mommy. The garden was a tranquil and enjoyable experience.

Unlike the more formal and showy Western gardens, these have a certain austerity befitting their style. Eventually, Japanese gardens became an art form in themselves, yet continue to incorporate the important natural elements of water, stone, and plants.

And of course, Kelsey was all about getting to feed th fish she went and sat on a visitors lap (who we didn't know) and got right in on the action. This white fish came right up out of the water to eat food from her hand. There is a close up of another fish doing the same thing near the end of this post.

Gabe took this picture....I think Iris is going to be the nominated photog for John and I - he did however get the beautiful background and the bridge!

The boys enjoying the tranquil moment that Parker discovered.

My boys enjoying the view. Baby Johnnie just wasn't in the posing mood....he really wanted to climb.

Parker taking Ava for a stroll.

These fish were amazing they were so friendly with the public. This fish came right out of the water to eat from Kelsey's hand.