PRAGUE BOTANIC GARDEN

Open Air Exhibitions

Japanese Garden is considered to be the most attractive section of the Open Air Exhibitions. This part of the botanical garden invites all visitors to quiet down and relax. Selection of plants and their placement has been adjusted to emphasize the grace of evergreen shrubs, conifers and deciduous trees; the changes of scenery during the year are envisaged. This garden is divided into two subsections. The first one represents the "landscape with mountains, trees, stream and lake". Its dominant is the lake with a turtle-shaped islet, where the turtle is the symbol of longevity. Grouping of stones between the bank and the islet is symbolizing ships, heading to the islet and therefore is called "stones of night expectation". The trunk of pine, dominating the islet, is reflected in the lakes' surface together with clumps of grasses, irises, bamboos and azaleas, growing up of rugged banks with pools. Originating high in the mountains, the stream flows around the hills, suddenly changing into cascades and waterfalls. In its bed lies the "stone of the rapids" and at the spot of flowing into the lake, the "stone of the inlet" is located. A short stop at the little fountain is a symbol of physical and spiritual cleanup and a moment of aesthetic experience.

Garden routes are changing as demanded by practical needs and tasteful tuning - continuous stone paving changes into randomly laid stones and sandy paths. Stones are protruding a little above the road's level, merely not to smear one's shoes; their layout is intentionally irregular, just to look natural. A hut nestled against the "mountains" offers serenity for rest and listening to the thunder of the nearby waterfall. From this place visitors may enjoy the best views of the garden itself and surrounding hills.

Early in the spring, first sakura trees in the "Japanese cherry tree grove" of our garden start blooming - 26 cultivars of Japanese cherry trees (Prunus) were planted here. According to the Shinto symbolism of plants these trees are representing the spring and perfection, maiden tenderness and resistance, too. The time when Rhododendrons and Azaleas are in blossom is one of the greatest impressions of the garden; in June - July the Japanese Irises are blooming. As unique should be considered the collection of Japanese Maples, counting 32 taxons.