How I discovered a private Japanese garden

While at work, I received a text message from my mentor about a private Japanese garden in Langley, BC, I simply HAD TO see. Alright, I trust my mentor and she knows I love Japanese gardens so I called the same day to book a private viewing.

As luck would have it, I worked in Surrey and it was a fairly easy drive in to Langley with some help from my iPhone. Since the garden is at the back of a private residence, it’s quite easy to drive by the house and miss it. I did, so I flagged down a newspaper boy for help.

When I met the owner, I first had to take care of the $20 payment which is reasonable considering she spent the next one and a half hours with me. It also proves that I will do anything for a new blog.

Thyme on 43rd

How cool is it to have deep enough pockets to hire a Japanese garden professional to create your own private Japanese garden? It took him something like six years to complete it. You can read the details on the garden website. This blog post will review my own observations.

The gate looks pretty cool and, once you enter the garden, if you hear the sound of moving water then the owner succeeded; her aim was for visitors strolling through the garden to hear moving water at all times.

Don’t expect the owner to educate you on the plants in her garden. She’s not a plants woman; she takes a list of key plant species with her. What she wanted to create was a nice, tranquil experience for herself and others.

Incidentally, she now runs an Airbnb from her house.

Sadly, I had just enough time to take in the garden and shoot my own photos. There is very little tranquility for working soccer Dads.

Key features

Water features are fine but they don’t excite me. What excited me was the use of green roofs. I don’t remember seeing any green roofs in Japan. This is a nice Canadian touch in a Japanese garden.

By far the most interesting comment was about garden maintenance and, from what I saw, there was a lot of work to be done. The owner only allows the gardener or his helper to work in the garden. Nobody else! And I have a feeling they’re busy.

And since all good Japanese gardens make use of native plants, this garden, too, showcases native British Columbia plants with some special plants thrown in.

Conclusion

I had no idea there was a nice, private Japanese garden tucked away in Langley, British Columbia. If you like gardens, definitely call ahead for a private viewing; dial 604-534-5902 and mention how Vas’ blog post inspired you!

I didn’t see a price list anywhere so I e-transferred $20 for the experience without any complaints. If you sneak in for less, I’d like to know.

The garden could use more maintenance work but it’s definitely nice. Of course, it’s hard to blow me away because I’ve seen many Japanese gardens on my travels throughout Japan’s main Honshu island. It’s easy to feel spoiled and snobby when you have several visits to ancient Kyoto under your belt.

Still, Thyme on 43rd will delight you! If you can, visit in different seasons and maybe bring a book or friends.