Rye's Osborn School Unveils Japanese Garden

RYE, N.Y. -- Osborn School in Rye unveiled a Japanese garden in the interior courtyard to provide students a peaceful, natural environment in which to study.

Parents, students and volunteers worked to create a Japanese garden in the interior courtyard of Osborn School in Rye.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of Karina Stabile*

Casey Donahue

05/02/2013 5:00 a.m.

The garden was created through the collaboration of the Gardening Committee and the Japanese PTO. The committee met with Taro Ietaka, a director at the Rye Nature Center, who connected them with Kohtaro Tanaka, a Rye High School student and Life Scout. Tanaka dedicated his Eagle Scout project to the completion of the garden.

Tanaka's parents, scout leader and fellow scouts worked with other members of the community to create the garden. Mamoru Takanashi, president of Takanashi Landscape and an expert in Japanese gardens, helped with the garden design. Stomu Miyazaki, a professional architect and interior designer, also assisted in the project.

The courtyard already included a cherry tree, which is a common feature of Japanese gardens. The tree was planted years ago by an Osborn parent in honor of her daughter, Andrea Phillips. Takanashi added several large stones, as well as stepping stones, edge stones, beach-colored gravel and white gravel to represent a river bed. He also planted azaleas and junipers. Osborn school hopes to eventually add a water basin and lantern to the garden.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.