Reading Japanese Gardens: Learning to See Gardens As They Are

As an apprentice to a master Japanese gardener, Mark learned that the answer to understanding the art was in the gardens, not in any of the books that had been written. In this lecture, we will explore how to study the classical gardens of Kyoto through slides and explanation, and then see how to incorporate that art into our own gardens.

Mark Bourne was recognized as a master Japanese designer by the abbot of Kenninji Zen Temple after completing a full traditional apprenticeship to Yasuo Kitayama in Kyoto. Mark’s study included work in many historically significant gardens, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, Kenninji, and others. Since 1999 Mark has built gardens as the owner of Windsmith Design, based in the Seattle area. http://www.windsmithdesign.com/