Takata Japanese Garden

Garden of the Month for October 2025

Welcome to the Takata Japanese Garden as it transitions into its Fall glory. Wander the meandering trails and take in the beauty of the stunning colours of the maples (Acer) and Ginkgo biloba trees. Pause on the Moon Bridge to listen to the stream flowing over the rocks as it makes its way through the garden or take a break on one of the many benches scattered throughout the garden.  

October is visually the most spectacular month but no matter the season, the Takata Garden always offers beauty and serenity. This has been created and recently enhanced by the carefully curated vision imbued by the concept of 'Ma'.

Ma refers to the in-between, the silence, or negative space.  It isn't an absence or a void, but rather it is intentionally created to bring life, balance and beauty to the picture.  

It is rooted in ancient Japanese philosophy.  Ma emphasizes finding beauty in the object as well as its surroundings.  It helps us think about our interconnectedness and the fluid rhythm of life that evolves in spaces.  It is seen in the raked gravel of the Zen Garden, the clear surface of the pond that reflects the trees, the view between branches to a hidden vista, or the space between bamboo stems.  

Ma is used to create balance, an interplay between filled and unfilled spaces, that is part of a mindful scene.  By focussing on the negative space, we become aware of emptiness that is filled with potential, causing us to pause and contemplate.  It encourages us to slow down, unplug and engage with the environment.  

Ma is present in the Takata Gardens in various elements including the lily-pad dotted pond, the sound of water in the stream, and the dry landscape of the Zen Garden.  It is also apparent in how garden ornaments are placed throughout the garden, such as the stone lanterns that stand in stark contrast to the negative space around them. Bamboo fences strategically placed, guide our views, sometimes hiding, sometimes revealing.  We can see the beauty of the fence but also see through it to other views. 

Recently volunteers have been reimagining the old Tea House on the hillside above the Lower Pond and the renovated structure has become the Miharashidai, which is Japanese for a scenic viewpoint or overlook.  A formal entrance gate with stunning artwork is nearly complete. It is indeed a beautiful place to pause your Takata Garden meanderings, inviting you inside to contemplate and become mindful of existence. 

Of course, the plants are also chosen and placed with great attention to Ma principles.  They are carefully pruned to have space to breathe while growing in harmony with other plants. No matter the season, each plant shows its own splendour as it transitions from blooming to fading, moving forward in our perspective for a while, then taking a back seat to others.

The garden has been thriving for years with the loving care of staff and volunteers providing visitors with a unique experience to enjoy and explore a beautiful space. The Takata Japanese Garden is named in honour of the Takata Family, whose Japanese Garden and Teahouse was a popular feature of the Esquimalt Gorge Park from 1907 to 1942.

Ref.:  Understanding ‘Ma’ Or Negative Space Concepts In Japanese Garden Design

by Kelly Kennedy | Japanese Gardening