Garden Photo of the Day

READER PHOTOS! More from Pauline's garden in California

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Courtesy of Irvin Faria

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE!
Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window

Photo: Courtesy of Irvin Faria

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I'm beginning to think that Irvin and Pauline Faria's garden in Carmichael, California, is much larger than I originally thought! We've featured Pauline's garden here, here, here, and here. In this week's installment, we get to see their beautiful Machiai. Irvin says, "We wanted to create a tranquil spot in Pauline’s Garden where we and visitors could sit and quietly reflect on the beauty of nature in harmony with the garden.  To accomplish this goal a location was selected where there was an unimpeded vista which yields the illusion that the garden has no boundary.  Traditionally used in Japan by guests waiting for tea ceremony is a Machiai or “waiting place”.   Our design was based on a Machiai we had seen in the Portland Japanese Garden.  Moreover, as water is a key element in most Japanese gardens we decided on a construction site adjacent to our all-season running creek.  Once blackberries were cleared, a herculean task, from the land the site was carved out of the side hill. Access to the Machiai required building a wooden bridge across the creek. Then woodland plantings of Japanese maples, azaleas, and ferns were ushered in to the area.  Soon the space began to take a certain mood and character that it reveals today.  Later a winding stair path was added which led to the upper garden.  Among the photos is the view from the Machiai as seen in both spring and fall." Yet again, gorgeous. Thanks so much, Irvin, for sending in these photos!

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Comments (5)

sheilaschultz writes: I'm hard-pressed to imagine a more peaceful place to sit and let go of the worries of the day. Pauline, your vision inspires me, and Irvin, your words are more than loving. I feel good every time I see another photo of your gardens and surrounding spaces. Thank you. Posted: 6:08 pm on December 27th

soilgoil writes: What a heavenly spot to escape from the clamor of everyday life! Posted: 12:39 pm on December 27th

Plantfan writes: Thank you for supplying the links to the previous pictures. This is a stunning garden - a case of a gardener with skill, taste, and a favorable climate in which to practice her art. Posted: 11:37 am on December 27th

meander1 writes: Besides enjoying the pictures immensely,I have learned a new word from Irvin's written commentary...I had never heard of a Machiai. They certainly picked a beautiful location for it as the outlooking views all communicate the wonderful serenity of nature. Posted: 7:51 am on December 27th

gottagarden writes: love the bridge and garden steps leading away uphill. the last photos of the colors of fall is just beautiful. Posted: 5:58 am on December 27th

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