The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Long Beach, California, offers a lovely and tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle. This undiscovered treasure is tucked away on the California State University, Long Beach campus and is accessible to the general public all year long. With a koi pond, teahouse, and genuine Japanese landscaping, the garden is designed in the traditional Japanese manner.
The garden bears Earl Burns Miller’s name because he donated the money to build it in memory of his late wife, Loraine. Edward R. Lovell, a renowned Japanese garden designer who worked on numerous high-profile projects throughout California, created the garden. Since its completion in 1981, it has served as a tranquil haven in the middle of Long Beach.
The 1.3-acre garden is intended to transport visitors through various Japanese landscapes. You will pass through a sizable redwood gate that was hand-carved in Japan as you enter the garden. The gate leads to a narrow bridge that spans a koi pond full of vibrant fish. The garden’s centerpiece are the koi, which are revered in Japanese culture as representations of luck and prosperity.
A dry garden, a teahouse, and a bonsai display are just a few of the many traditional Japanese features present in the garden. The dry garden is intended to resemble a riverbed and is constructed from rocks and sand. A small garden surrounds the teahouse, which was constructed in Japan and brought to Long Beach. It is used for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Numerous miniature trees that have been painstakingly trained and sculpted into beautiful and intricate designs make up the bonsai display.
The garden includes several distinctive elements in addition to the traditional Japanese ones, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. The waterfall, which tumbles down a hillside and empties into a small pond, is one of these features. The lush vegetation surrounding the waterfall makes it a popular location for tourists to take pictures.
The Moon Bridge, which crosses a tiny stream, is another distinctive aspect of the garden. The redwood bridge has a crescent-shaped shape that gave rise to its name. The bridge is a well-liked location for tourists to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and hear the sound of the water flowing.
The garden offers a variety of events and activities for guests to enjoy throughout the year. The garden is in full bloom in the spring with cherry blossoms and other seasonally appropriate flowers. The garden holds a Cherry Blossom Festival around this time, complete with tea ceremonies, food stands, and performances of traditional Japanese music and dance.
The garden hosts Moonviewing, a well-liked activity that happens on a full moon night during the summer. Visitors can stroll through the garden during this event and take in the peaceful atmosphere lit only by the moon. Along with traditional Japanese music and dance performances, the event also features food and beverage vendors.
The garden is open all year long for private gatherings like weddings and business events. Any special occasion can be held in the garden’s distinctive and memorable setting.
It is recommended that visitors to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden take their time and explore every part of the garden. The garden is a tranquil getaway from the stress of daily life and a wonderful place to unwind. The garden is accessible to the general public all year long; however, donations are always welcome.
Overall, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in Long Beach, California, is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit. It provides guests with a tranquil escape from the city’s noise and bustle as well as the chance to experience the peace and tranquility of Japanese garden design. The garden is definitely worth a visit, whether you’re a local looking for a tranquil haven or a visitor taking in the area. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is regarded as one of Long Beach’s hidden gems because of its expertly designed landscape, intricate architecture, and cultural significance.