Concept
his garden represents the union of two cultures that have overcome conflict to create lasting peace. I am Japanese, married to an American. This year is the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and my grandmother passed away this year. These two events made me think about world peace. My grandparents lost their home and several family members during the war, but they rebuilt their life and found peace in their garden. I hope this peace will continue for a long time while not forgetting the war. I have brought my memory of my grandparents’ garden together with my garden in America using plants loved in both countries. The walls hide a ring of rubble – the destruction of the past. Two gardens from different cultures are joined by paths and plantings that intertwine at the center. The water feature with rough movement around the edge but calm at the center represents a passage through conflict to peace. The paths cross again before finally joining in a symbol of infinity.
