Japanese Friendship Garden - Part I

My first visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden!  Once inside the garden, it's hard to believe that you're actually in the midst of the concrete, glass, and steel of downtown Phoenix!  This is a traditional Japanese strolling garden filled with luscious plants and trees, flowers, koi ponds, ducks and Japanese tradition.  Take a stroll with me!

I found the trees particularly fascinating, including the exposed trunks and limbs that take various shapes.

The flowers are exquisite!

Wander through the garden surrounding a pond ... and on the banks are Japanese sculptures and powerful rocks.

In the pond ... several varieties of koi (ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp)!  Beautiful colors!

Visitors can buy koi food and when the fish see you coming,  they line up near the bridge.  Throw some food in ... and the feeding frenzy begins!

The garden is manicured to perfection. It's such a lovely - and serene - setting.

Waterfalls are featured throughout the garden.

A time for reflection ...

More photos from the Japanese Friendship Garden coming up!