Just before the tour: The Tea House in its garden

Large wood-fired ceramic plates by local potters adorn the west end of the house. The stepping stones lead to the deck and the pond while the pine needle path runs between the west side fence and the back wall of the Tea House

The garden on the berm surrounding half of the Tea House is mostly foliage with some Martagon lilies and spring ephemerals. 

Those tied-and-crossed bamboo canes keep visitors off narrow work paths. 

A wider view of the berm garden. 

I bought this large Japanese shop sign for one of Mark's milestone birthdays. At some point he realized it was the perfect size to hang across the Tea House. 

The view looking down from the top of the stone steps leading up to the front entrance of the Tea House. 

The door is very low so you have to humble yourself and crawl in on your knees. 

I suggested Mark add a full size door for those over age 65!

Both door are visible in this shot. 

We bought these cushions from an antique dealer from Japan who had a pop up shop in Madison for three summers. 

We also got a few lovely Ikebana baskets at Jake and Yuko's shop. The tea bowl is by the late Wisconsin ceramic artist, Don Reitz.

We decided to keep our multicultural display with the mix of African, Asian and American objects. 

The upper pool is right outside the Tea House.

There are plants growing in the water and all around its edges. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Your garden always amazes me. I'm enjoying the tour!

[Linda Brazill]

Thank you for your comment. We figured the garden was looking the best it had all summer for the tour and it seemed a shame to not to take pictures.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I am so glad you decided on pictures. Mother Nature sure helped you two get it together this year. I don't remember seeing the sign before. Interesting. I wonder what it says? The addition of the stand up door is great for people with old joints. It doesn't take away anything from the Tea House. Spectacular!

[Kris P]

Your tea house and its surroundings are perfection, Linda! I could feel my blood pressure (associated with another turbulent day of construction activity about to begin) coming down as I read your post and viewed the lovely photos.

[Linda Brazill]

Someone more or less translated it one time a number of years ago. I believe it is a shop sign so I don't think it is anything special or romantic.

[danger garden]

I love the fact green and brown are the predominant colors.