KEY Magazine Fort Worth

The Fort Worth Japanese Garden's 30th Anniversary

In 1973, the Fort Worth Japanese Garden opened for guests after several years of planning and hard work by city staff and volunteers. Scott Fikes, Botanic Garden Director, saw his dream come true when the former wasteland was reclaimed. The site first served as the dump for Camp Bowie, a military outpost, and later became the place where most unwanted items ended up. Debris was hauled away, weeds and scrubby undergrowth were removed, while selected trees and shrubs were preserved. A design was completed, ponds constructed, paths paved, waterfalls developed and authentic Japanese structures were built. Plants, compatible with the Texas environment, were used to complete the traditional Japanese Garden design. Koi fish were introduced into the ponds and are now one of the main attractions for guests visiting the Japanese Garden.

The first events celebrating "30 Years of Beauty in the Japanese Garden" are April 11, 12 and 13. Opening festivities feature Jerry Jeff Walker in Concert Friday, April 11. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. allowing time for a picnic before the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Two concerts are scheduled for May. May 9, Blue Grass Innovators, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan and Vassar Clements are featured, and May 15 Revolutionary Cajun Performers take the stage.

April 12 and 13, is the Spring Festival in the Japanese Garden where visitors may experience authentic Japanese culture. Japanese artisans, musicians, dancers, and martial arts performances are scheduled for the celebration. Paper making, print making, sampling sushi and other Japanese food and drink are also part of the scheduled fun. Or stroll a path and cross over bridges spanning the Koi ponds. Koi, ever hungry, will perform for food, so be prepared to be splashed. Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Fort Worth Botanical Society Spring Plant sale, April 19, is an opportunity to learn about and purchase plants that have survived the extremes of Texas weather. Botanic Garden staff members will be there to answer your gardening and plant questions from 1 p.m. until 5.Gen. Ad. $4.50, Seniors $3.50 and children 4-12, $2, four and under, free. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., 871-871-7686 or www.fwbg.com.

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