Descanso Gardens | Japanese Garden Festival

Student of Madame Fujima Kansuma at Japanese Festival

Japanese Garden Festival

Saturday and Sunday,
Nov. 3 and 4, 2007
All events free, unless noted, with Garden admission.

The annual Japanese Garden Festival brings the sights and sounds of traditional dance, music and horticulture to Descanso Gardens every autumn. Activities range from the thundering sounds of taiko drums to the tranquil, meditative quality of suiseki stone art and the grace of traditional dance. All evoke the culture of Japan.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY EVENTS:
2007 National Chrysanthemum Show 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Van de Kamp Hall Exhibit and sale by the Descanso Chrysanthemum Society
Ikebana Display 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Minka and the grounds Ikebana, the art of flower arranging, is among the most famed and actively practiced of Japan’s traditional arts. The Sogetsu School of Ikebana promotes a contemporary and international understanding of this art form. Meditations on plant life are reflected in these arrangements.
Full Moon Tea House 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Japanese Garden To reserve a sit-down Full Moon Tea Service from 1 to 3 p.m. call (818) 790-3663.
SATURDAY ONLY EVENTS:	SUNDAY ONLY EVENTS:
Ikebana Demonstration 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Under the Oaks Theater Ikebana is like a poem with plants as the language. Sensei Yokou Kitajima and the Sogetsu School of Ikebana provide a glimpse inside this sublime art of arranging flowers and plants. Taiko Drum Performance 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 Under the Oaks Theater Thundering taiko drums of Japan are performed by a multi-ethnic group of adults and children. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., try your hand at drumming and take a photo with these magnificent drums. Origami Workshop 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 Main Lawn Children 5 and older with accompanying adult. Everyone can enjoy origami, regardless of their skill or experience, with OSULA’s Japanese Language and Culture Program’s staff. Paper is provided.	Japanese Sword Demonstration 1 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 Main Lawn This narrated demonstration explores core Japanese samurai ideals. Dance-like sword movements characterize this fascinating discipline, which is based on a deep commitment to improve spiritually and physically. Spotlight on Mums Noon Sunday, Nov. 4 Magnolia Lawn Special ideas on how to select, care and grow magnificent mums, beautiful additions to the garden. Japanese Dancers 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 Under the Oaks Theater Madam Fujima Kansuma and her dance troupe bring a narrated performance to our stage that will entertain and illuminate many facets of Japanese dance and culture.