2019 Calendar Contest

The leaves of the Japanese Maple begin to show their spring colors. / Photo by Roman Johnston

Thank you for submitting your favorite photos of the Garden for the 2019 Garden Calendar! The 2020 Calendar Contest will open in Spring of 2019.

To enter your photos in the 2020 Calendar Contest, access the entry form here.

In addition to photos of the Garden, we also encourage submissions of our new Cultural Village.

More details to come in the Garden Path and in an email from the Garden.

Portland Japanese Garden on Instagram

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Hi! This is Justin, assistant manager of the Admissions team here at Portland Japanese Garden.

Before working here I never considered myself a student of Japanese culture or language. As a student I loved my trip abroad to France, though, where I wandered French gardens, exploring their world-renowned museums, and where I admired the lovely, orderly grounds outside their famous chateaux.

The Japanese style is so very different! Unlike what I saw in France, the Japanese style of gardening does not emphasize carefully shaped flowerbeds or attention-grabbing architecture at the front and center... Japanese design is naturalistic and understated, with a stylistic self-assurance that speaks to years of practiced craftsmanship.

Working at this garden has taught me to seek artistry in the weathered moss-covered stones of an ancient twisting trail. It has taught me the fulfillment of a shared cup of tea in a secluded communal space, fully present with those nearby. One day perhaps I will visit Japan in person, but in the meantime, I love the fact that there is still so much more for me to learn.

See you again tomorrow!

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Hello! This is Justin, assistant manager of the Admissions team. I'm continuing my weeklong Portland Japanese Garden social media takeover, sharing my original thoughts and photos about the Garden.

As you explore the Garden, you may find you need to carefully watch before taking each step and place each foot intentionally in order to stay on the path. I love so much the effect this creates! It reminds me of hiking through natural trails, where fallen limbs and uneven terrain naturally cause you to attune yourself more to the world around you.

This is a man-made environment but, similarly to a walk though wild nature, the uneven path keeps you focused and receptive to what is around you. The trick of the Japanese Garden is to take the mystery and rejuvenating effects of nature and make them feel closer and more accessible to you, so you can walk away renewed.

See you again tomorrow!

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