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The future holds many exciting opportunites for the garden. One of these is the construction of a Japanese Garden. Through a cooperative partnership with our Sister City of Shizuoka, Japan, Lauritzen Gardens will be the site of a major Japanese Garden. When completed, this garden will encompass 6 acres; its central feature will be a one-acre pool. The garden is nestled on the floor of a valley which has very steep slopes. Streams, boulders and waterfalls will be installed on these steep slopes and re-circulate water from the main pool. Architectural features will abound in this garden, including a Japanese cultural center, a traditional tea house, arbors, bridges and other garden features. These structures will be built by Japanese craftsmen using centuries old traditions and designs. Further enhancing the authenticity of this garden is the recent gift of 24 carved stone lanterns. These beautiful works of art will be located throughout the garden. A gift of Mr. Yoichiro Suzuki and Mr. Tsutomu Asada of Shizuoka, these lanterns range in size from 2.5 feet to 11 feet tall and represent many different styles of lanterns.

The design of this outstanding garden was a gift to the people of the City of Omaha from Mr. Yuichi Kawai who has been involved with the Sister City relationship between Omaha and Shizuoka for many years. Mr. Shinichiro Abe was the landscape architect for this project. His firm ZEN Associates, Inc. of Sudbury, Massachusetts, specializes in the design of Japanese gardens. Fundraising efforts are underway to raise the necessary $4 million to build this monumental garden.

Recently, Executive Director Spencer Crews visited Japan as part of the Lauritzen Gardens Japanese garden planning process. In 2005, the first icon of the garden will be installed - the garden gate. While in Omaha for River City Roundup in late September, a delegation from Shizuoka, Japan, will dedicate the gate in a special ceremony.

Finn wrote:I'm glad this is moving ahead. This has been planned for a long time, since before the gardens received the 24 carved stone lanterns. Does anyone know exactly where the Japanese Gardens will be on the grounds?

Thousands of families and children young and old have been thrilled by the garden's new model railroad garden this year. We thank all our visitors for their rave reviews of this exciting new feature!

Although the model railroad garden is permanent, it is also seasonal. Due to the delicate nature of the handcrafted buildings of natural materials, they will be stored indoors, away from the harsh winter weather. Visit the garden this weekend or next for your last chance to see the model railroad garden this season as it closes end of day Sunday, November 4.

The model railroad garden will re-open for the 2008 season in April.

Ben wrote:Are those the buildings from the train display that was outside this summer?  I knew they were removing them to protect them from the winter weather.  Glad to see they're being put to good use, and on exhibit inside, rather than sitting in a warehouse somewhere....