Whats the Deal With The Japanese-inspired gardens on Chuckanut Drive?

Bow Sanctuary, located on Chuckanut Drive, is renowned for its tranquil, Japanese-inspired gardens, which were envisioned by Deymian LeSar in a vivid dream. This dream, which LeSar experienced while living on the property, included a pond and a traditional tea house, reflecting her long-standing fascination with Japan. In 1996, she began constructing the gardens, enlisting the help of an ornamental horticulturist and her husband, who assisted in setting stones and building the tea house. The completed garden features a koi pond, a waterfall, and a bamboo grove, creating a serene escape for visitors. LeSar opened Karma Place Japanese Garden & Nursery around 1998, where she offered classes and sold Japanese items, marking the garden's peak years in the early 2000s.

After closing, the site transitioned through various businesses, including a Japanese café and a wedding venue. LeSar expressed her joy when Bow Sanctuary’s founders bought the property, indicating that it is now back in the right hands. The article highlights the unique blend of personal history and cultural appreciation that the gardens represent, making them a significant local attraction.