Beautiful Rain Or Shine

This week i got myself wrapped up in a waterproof coat and grabbed my camera for a walk in the garden during a heavy rain shower.

I often photograph the garden in the sunshine, when the light shines through the acer leaves and makes the place look as if it is glowing, but this week I was inspired by the ripples in the water as the rain drops hit the surface and echoed across the pond.

Many visitors like to visit when the sun is shining and everything is dry in the garden, but for me, the place is most magical when the rain is pouring down and the sound of water can be heard everywhere as droplets hit thousands of leaves.

When i am in the garden during heavy rain, it feels like i have the place all to myself, as the sound of water incapsulates me wherever i am in the garden. It reminds me of my childhood, as i always loved being in the rain, and was often found in the garden hiding under a tree!

Everyone has their own personal experience in the Japanese Garden; with many feeling a deep sensation of relaxation and calm and others feeling something very personal whilst visiting. I always feel calmed by the place and it helps me let go of unwanted stress, but when it rains, and i have a chance to spend time in the garden, then i often feel very nostalgic and i have a deeper experience in the space.

I cannot explain exactly what makes the garden have such an effect on visitors but the combination of plants and natural elements feel balanced and this feeling of balance seems to be picked up by so many people even if it cannot be explained exactly why.

I photographed these pictures on 1st May 2017 – which marks the garden’s 20 years open anniversary! The weather was far more rainy than it was 20 years ago today, but the garden is even more beautiful now, as the trees and plants are now far more mature.

Please enjoy looking at the photos pictured below –