“Firefall” Portland Japanese Garden

Description

Portland Japanese Garden,”Firefall”

THE Japanese Maple Tree, Portland, Oregon

Portland Japanese Garden. I love trees. I’ve always loved them. Not to sound too hokey,but I think that trees emit their own energy that can positively influence people. There are excellent studies that suggest that spending time in forests has health benefits. A Japanese term, Shinrin-yoku, was coined in the 1980’s. Roughly translated, it means “Forest Bathing”.

Moon Bridge Portland Japanese Garden

Essentially, Forest bathing is the act of spending contemplative time in and amongst trees. Studies have shown that Forest Bathing lowers blood pressure, decreases stress and stimulates the immune system.  Part of this healthy phenomena is purported to be caused by Phytoncides, which are volatile organic compounds with antibacterial properties. These phytoncides are believed to provide myriad health benefits.

My newest fine art print of the famous Japanese Maple Tree in the Portland Japanese Garden makes me feel like I feel when I’m strolling through the garden, energized. Is it the phytonicides?! Is it just a really beautiful photograph? The garden is a truly remarkable place. Arguably the best Japanese Garden, outside of Japan. One of the biggest draws at the garden is this iconic tree. It is hard to explain but I’ll just say that, like my favorite forests, this elegant tree has its own energy.  Its natural composition is stunning but there is more to it than composition. Viewing this wonderful new fine art photograph is the closest thing I’ve experienced to actually being in the Garden. Not identical but similar in a really special way. Experiencing the garden offers endless stimuli, such as the magical “Moon Bridge” (seen above) , enormous koi, waterfalls, pagodas, and lanterns. Stimuli is heightened in autumn when fall colors can be absolutely stunning. “Firefall” doesn’t have the total effect of a visit to the garden but it is special and may give you the same energy it gives me.