Sabbatikos

If you happen to find yourself in the San Fernando Valley, stop by the oasis that is the SuihoEn Japanese Garden.

It also serves as the site of the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant or the DCTWRP is it is affectionally known.

We ventured with intention deep into “The Valley” to visit this particular spot not to see water reclamation contemplate an inspired haiku of a Japanese garden (although we did get both of these), but because this spot served as the set for Starfleet Academy on Star Trek The Next Generation!

Starfleet Academy (er…The Japanese Garden at Sepulveda Basin), proved to be a serene and beautifully landscaped. Designed by renowned landscape architect Koichi Kawana, the garden spans about six acres and showcases a variety of traditional Japanese garden elements, including koi ponds, wooden bridges, stone pathways, and colorful foliage. Advanced reservations and required, which keeps the number of visitors to a minimum and enhances the solitary contemplation of the experience.

The garden featured several distinct sections, such as a tranquil strolling garden, a Zen garden, and a large pond with cascading waterfalls. Each area reflecting a key principle of Japanese design (harmony, balance, simplicity) providing us with a peaceful and contemplative stroll to contemplate the philosophies of Jean-Luc Picard and the Federation.

It inspired in me this haiku:

Stars above, paths wind,
Bamboo whispers, koi swim by,
Time and space converge.