The Asian Gardens

To the north of the Ellipse are the Asian Gardens, entered through a large bamboo gate, flanked by long trellises of Japanese Wisteria and two large Japanese Cryptomeria. 

Lotus Pond

Down the steps is the first section, the Lotus Pond.  The huge, fragrant lotus blooms occur on five-foot-tall stems in June.  At the corners are Japanese ceremonial wash basins, a praying Buddha, and Daikoku, one of the seven Japanese gods of abundance.   Down the second set of steps, walking under Fuji Cherry trees, is a seven-tiered pagoda with Japanese Maples behind it and three large Japanese Cryptomeria behind them. 

The Maze

To the left is the Maze, composed of 400 columnar yew shrubs. The gate to the Maze is an original antique from China.  There is only one route to the center of the Maze, where a small Zen fountain and quite seating area await.  Good Luck!