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.