Kubota Garden Seattle, Washington, USA

In 1927 Fujitaro Kubota purchased 5 acres of logged off swamp land in the Rainer Beach area of Seattle and began his garden.

Kubota Garden is a unique setting of 20 acres comprised of streams, waterfalls, ponds, rock outcroppings, and an exceptional collection of plant material. This urban setting displays over sixty years of vision, effort and commitment of the Kubota family. The garden was targeted by real estate developers and thanks to the efforts of many dedicated individuals, the City of Seattle acquired the garden from the Kubota family. In 1981, the American-Japanese Garden created by Fujitaro Kubota was declared to be an Historical Landmark of the City of Seattle.

In 1972, the Japanese Government awarded Fujitaro Kubota with a rare honor, the Fifth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure, "for his achievements in his adopted country, for introducing and building respect for Japanese Gardening in this area". Fujitaro died in 1973 at the age of 94.

Received this Kubota update by email from our daughter Julie:

Hi Dad and Mom,

I watched the Kubota Garden show. It is great! But pictures can never capture Kubota Garden! I have much to tell about my volunteer services there, but I will save that for later. You forgot to mention that Fujitaro was a man with a dream. He was entirely self-taught as a gardener (sounds familiar), and his family had to abandon the gardens for four years during WWII while the family suffered internment at Camp Minidoka (in Idaho).

Love, Julie