letters from america: part 1

One of the first botanical pit stops was to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. It had some lovely pools, bridges and tea house-type structures, but to be honest I was a bit disappointed. The one at Tatton Park feels more authentic somehow, maybe it's to do with the fact that you can't go in, whereas this one was all wide paths and concrete. And there's not all that much to entertain the plant enthusiast other than topiary. Still, it's worth a look. It's about $14 dollars to get in (for two of you), but is free on Wednesday mornings. I'd recommend a visit when it's free, then belt it across the road to the SF Botanical Garden.

This bridge is really fun, and unusual in that it is
meant to be climbed over rather than just looked at.