Higurashi-En, in Hillsborough, boasts more than 500 plant species, including 19 different types of maple trees; a Himalayan spruce and a 200-year-old five needle Mikado pine tree, both found nowhere else in the United States.
Nestled in the Hillsborough knolls, an ancient Japanese tea garden has flourished for more than 100 years. In the early 1900s, Japanese-born landscape designer Baron Makota Hagiwara created “Higurashi-En,” the Garden Worthy of a Day of Contemplation.
This San Mateo County treasure and the Japanese tea garden in Golden Gate Park are the only surviving examples of Hagiwara’s work. Influential in Japanese design, Hagiwara created the three-quarter-acre Hillsborough garden that is now a nationally registered historical place.
The garden boasts more than 500 plant species, including 19 different types of maple trees; a Himalayan spruce and a 200-year-old five needle Mikado pine tree, both found nowhere else in the United States. A 100,000-gallon koi pond and a 400-year-old bridge create a spectacular centerpiece, said current owner Joan Paladini, 76.
Joan and her husband, Achille Paladini, became acquainted with the property during a San Mateo Arboretum Society’s garden tour. This Saturday marks the arboretum society’s 37th annual garden tour where attendees will have access to the historical “Higurashi-En.”
Garden enthusiast Maxine Terner, 69, is the arboretum society’s chair of publicity. Terner and many other volunteers are the backbone of the arboretum society, which is responsible for improving and maintaining its location at San Mateo Central Park. The Kohl Pumphouse, built in the early 1900s, continues to irrigate the park and serves as the society’s headquarters, Terner said.
The arboretum society serves the public and the horticulture community. Free educational seminars are on the first Sundays of every month. Experts assist with planting queries, pruning instructions, earth-friendly gardening practices, water conservation and more. During the tour, master gardeners will hold a plant “clinic” where people can bring their sickly plant specimens and receive green thumb advice, Terner said.
This Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., supporters will get an exclusive look into exemplary local gardens. The San Mateo Fall Garden Tour and Plant Sale is a self-guided tour and the society’s main fundraiser. Attendees will be given a map to six gorgeous private gardens within Hillsborough, San Mateo and Burlingame, Terner said.
“It’s really an opportunity for anyone interested in gardening and what it takes to make some of the beautiful gardens they’re going to be looking at,” Terner said.
Each garden is unique in design, plant species, character and ornament. Others include: Native Hillside Retreat, Purring Waters, Backyard Retreat, Reflections on Roses and Rustic Whimsy.
Each location will have additional special attractions including plein air painters, musicians, food, backyard chicken coops, rose experts and more. Various horticulture experts, including landscape architects, designers and garden coaches, will be on standby to freely assist visitors with questions or suggestions, Terner said.
Central Park is listed as the seventh garden where there will be food, wine tasting and plants for sale. By filling out a survey, attendees will be entered into a raffle where they can win several prizes including original orchid arrangements, Terner said.
The arboretum society hopes to inspire people and become more involved with the organization. It takes tremendous cooperation and dedication in developing and maintaining a garden, especially the Central Park garden. But being involved has its rewards for Terner.
“You get an opportunity to both learn a lot about a subject you’re interested in, as well as giving back to the community in a very easy and satisfying way,” Terner said.
Saturday’s garden tour will still be enjoyable for those who don’t like to get their hands dirty. The Japanese tea garden is highlighted on the tour and for good reason. Walking across the 400-year-old “bridge to eternal tranquility” around the ancient koi pond and surrounded by trees that predate most of the town, is an experience unlike any other, Paladini said.
“You walk through the gates and you’re in a different world, there’s peace, tranquility and a beauty about it,” Paladini said.
The Garden Tour is this Saturday from 10 a.m-4 p.m. at locations disclosed only to ticket buyers. Pre-sale tickets are $35 and $40 the day of the event.
For more information about buying tickets, becoming a member or visiting the Arboretum Society visit sanmateoarboretum.org. The San Mateo Arboretum Society is located at San Mateo Central Park, at 101 Ninth Ave.
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