Konichiwa!

The Japanese Garden on Info Island International is our destination today. It's a lovely, walled garden on the west side of the sim, just south of the China Cafe.

You may enter the garden from the China Cafe or through gates in either its east or south side. The walls, as you see in this photo, are traditional wood stake constructions. I love the sheltered, private feeling that they generate. The world outside seems so distant, and the garden so peaceful.

Some of the beauty in a Japanese garden comes from the planting. The trees here look as if they have been tended lovingly by generations of gardeners, skilled in the art of bonzai and having a sensitive eye for balance. Each one has been carefully placed for maximum visual effect.

There is also magic in the use of water to define space. The heart of this garden is a grouping of landscaped islands, surrounded by a shallow koi pool.

You step from one to another across arched bridges or patterned stepping stones like these.

This would be a very nice spot to hold a seminar or meet with a few friends for tea. The ring of benches here on the central island would be just the place to discuss the code of Bushido, or perhaps share ideas about ikebana, the Zen-inspired art of floral arrangement.

There is also a ring of cushions in another corner of the garden, and a tatami mat in yet another spot where you can sit quietly and meditate.

Or if you are inspired by less philosophical thoughts, perhaps it can simply be a place to escape from the busy world for a few moments. If you are at all like me, you treasure small, quiet places where you can hide and forget the pressures of daily life.

I like to dress to fit the mood of places we visit together. For today's visit, I made this lovely oriental outfit, which I have called "Japanese Garden," in honor of this special place. The fabric of the blouse is a bold, floral print on cream-colored silk. I did not design it myself, as I usually do, but found it among a wonderful collection by designer Adaarye Shikami, and could not resist. Isn't it beautiful?




The trim around the collar and sleeves is gold silk, bordered by a narrow line of deep red piping. I also used that red for the delicate buttons that close the blouse and, of course, for the long flexi skirt. That skirt, which drops almost straight from the waist, flows sinuously when you walk in it. The effect is marvelous!

I am going to rush now to get it in my shop on Elysian Isle before you get there. Sayonara!