The owners of the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena are reaching out to friends and supporters and asking them to contribute to the Garden’s preservation and maintenance.
Amidst the challenges of a troubled and tumultuous year and acknowledging the lack of peace and joy for millions worldwide, Connie and Jim Haddad, the owners, said the Garden has been a haven of beauty and serenity — and they intend to keep it so.
“We do wish you all the happiness many millions of us are fortunate enough to enjoy in this fractious world,” the owners said in a published letter. “We are grateful if the beauty and peacefulness of the garden add some joy and calm to your lives.”
The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by first-generation Japanese immigrant Kinzuchi Fujii in the 1930s. Connie and Jim Haddad inherited it in 1985 and faced the choice of restoring its original beauty or risking its historical integrity by selling it.
Fortunately, Takeo Uesugi, a distinguished Japanese landscape architect, came to the rescue and generously donated his time to restore the garden.
After seven years of dedicated effort, the City of Pasadena recognized the significance of the restoration project with a Preservation Award.
In 2015, a non-profit organization was established to address the financial needs essential for preserving this historical treasure. The garden had previously been open to the public only on rare occasions. Subsequently, a regular schedule of open days was initiated, allowing more people to experience its beauty.
In the letter, the Haddads said an ongoing concern is that Garden’s maintenance is contingent on donations.
Connie and Jim Haddad said donations of $75 and above offer contributors free access for two to the garden during open hours for an entire year. They hope to see donations coming in before the end of the year.
To make a donation or learn more about the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, visit www.japanesegardenpasadena.com/index.html, email info@japanesegardenpasadena.com, or call (626) 399-1721.
The Garden is located at 270 Arlington Drive in Pasadena.