2023: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden asks the public to support the garden

To Our Friends and Supporters

Connie and Jim Haddad
Board of Directors
The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Pasadena, California

It seems a bit callous and parochial to end this troubled and violent year by sending you the usual wishes for “Peace” and “Joy” without acknowledging the lack thereof for millions of people living with death and destruction as their constant companions. Yet, we do wish you all the happiness many millions of us are fortunate enough to enjoy in this fractious world. And, we are grateful if the beauty and peacefulness of the garden add some joy and calm to your lives.

It has been a long road from the day my husband, Jim, and I inherited the garden in 1985 and had to decide whether to restore it to its original beauty or sell it, knowing that future owners might destroy its historical integrity. We were rescued from this dilemma by Takeo Uesugi, both professor and designer of Japanese landscapes. Because of its significance as a rare extant Japanese garden created in the late thirties, this renowned landscape architect generously offered to donate his time to its restoration. It took seven years, after which the City of Pasadena held a ceremony in the Garden to give Takeo and everyone involved in the project, a Preservation Award for achievement.

In March of 2015, a non-profit organization was created to address the need for income in order to preserve for the City this historical treasure, created by first-generation (Issei) Japanese emigrant, Kinzuchi Fujii, in the 1930’s. Until then, the garden had been open to the public only rarely but subsequently, a regular schedule of open days was possible.

An ongoing concern we face is that the Garden cannot be maintained without donations. Of the many needs that govern spending decisions, two are particularly pressing at the moment: restoration of the teahouse roof and restoration of the extensive soil pathways.

Waiting in line behind those is expensive tree maintenance. Then, of course, there is the ever-present daily garden care.

As you probably know, donations of $75 and above provide you with free access for two to the garden during open hours for a full year.

We hope to hear from you before the end of the year and wish you all the best for the coming one.

Donation to the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden