Dana Reynolds - Japanese Gardens

I did a presentation for a grad school interview earlier this semester on the history of Japanese Gardens and their traditional design elements. I love plants and garden design, and will be going into a career in public gardens. I love Japanese gardens because theres a certain beauty in the austerity of them. The focus is never on pretty flowers like it most often is here in America, its all about the underlying architecture of the trees throughout the different seasons and about surprising views when walking around corners. The smooth lines and calm atmosphere seem to transport you to another world in which your stress melts away, even if its your job to keep everything in order in the garden. I believe that all art has the capability to soothe and restore part of your soul, but that art in the garden is the most effective type for such a purpose.