On lovely little Mayne Island the curious visitor may find the Japanese Garden that commemorates the Japanese who had settled and worked on the island between 1900 and 1942 before internment. Some of the first trees and other plants were donated by the Nagata and Otzuki families as well as other residents. The garden slowly developed after a false start and the growing success led to more and more community involvement as it took on a spirit and life of its own. Many islanders have volunteered their time and made generous donations of money and services.

Now, over 20 years after the first tree was planted, stands an enchanting walled garden. A pond is fed with a river whose trickling flow is enhanced the the clocking of the bamboo fountain that rises and falls to fill and empty itself. The Cherry blossoms are all open now for Easter and a few crimson rhododendrons are flashing their skirts in the much appreciated sunshine. Growth erupts out of the ground and if you sit really quietly you can hear the plants grow in this perfect time of warmth, sun and moisture- a plants paradise!