I was in Orange County yesterday and I made a point to seek out this famous garden which I have overlooked many times before. I knew that it was hidden away somewhere amongst the office towers and car-oriented avenues, and the discovery of this calm pedestrian space upon exiting a typical parking garage was at once calming and mind-blowing.

So now, at least ten years after I was made aware of this landscape, I have finally been there... and I took lots of pictures for your perusal. This description of the garden is is far more in depth than our synopsis.

Link: Noguchi Museum - California Scenario
Landscape Architect: Kammeyer and Associates
Reference: Isamu Noguchi Stamps (Land+Living)
Reference: The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (Land+Living)


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The landscape is meant to represent the varied landscape of California and is inspired by Japanese garden structure, with an array of contrasting elements: natural and formed objects; mounds and flat spaces; wet and dry; etc. The garden succeeds in recalling many natural landscapes of California both literally and figuratively.

Extremes of California's natural features are displayed from the hot dry deserts (represented by the flag stone paved areas - like scorched crackled earth) to lush meadows and redwood forests.

A mound called "The Desert Land" is planted with succulents and cactus (though not all native). The contrasting redwood grove of "The Forest Walk" is located opposite the "Desert Land."

Water is the most symbolic feature, the source of the California dream. It is expressed in several ways including the sculptural "Energy Fountain" and the stream which divides the garden flowing from the "Source" to the "Use." The meanings are many in human society and in California: water is the basis of life, it shapes our landscape, provides our crops, sustains our cities, and has been a battle ground literally, politically and environmentally.

Water flows from a tall wedge the "Water Source," which represents the mountain ranges.

A triangular wedge of polished Sierra granite is the terminus of the water flow. Called "Water Use," it represents the infinite consumption of water, as well as the ocean towards which the water flows.

Water Use

The "Forest Walk" (left) and the "Water Source" (right)

The "Energy Fountain" representing the vitality of California's natural wonders and human population.

This mound topped with a large plolished granite monolith called "Land Use" almost easy to overlook but provides a commentary on our use of the land with this massive man-shaped object placed atop a land form.

The "Spirit of the Lima Bean" (left - an homage to the benefactors of the garden whose family farmed the land now occupied by the office towers) formed of native rock. Sculpted granite benches (right) occupy various positions around the garden.

In 1999, California Scenario was recognized with the American Society of Landscape Architects Centennial Medallion.