With their deceptively simple lines, spare plantings, and muted colors, the gardens of Kyoto, Japan, epitomize the polar-opposite of the lush floral extravangas of traditional English flower gardens. Yet for many Westerners, their style and tradition are as evocative as any English border. What makes them such profoundly contemplative spaces? What can we draw from them to balance our Anglo-centric gardening tendencies, and enrich our own personal spaces? Join professional photographer, world traveler, and cultural connoisseur Charles Mann for a stunning visual tour of the gardens of Kyoto, and a discussion sure to transcend traditional barriers of language, culture, and garden philosophy. Valentine’s Day treats provided!

Charles Mann has been a full-time freelance and stock photographer for over ten years. He specializes in garden and horticultural images, New Mexican culture, and southwestern scenic landscapes. He has photographed four books including Cutting

Edge Gardening in the Intermountain West by Marcia Tatroe (Johnson Books, 2007). His work appears in many national gardening magazines. Charles has published photo essays on Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Majorca, Ireland, Alaska and most major cities in the western United States. Examples of his work can be found at his website, www.charlesmannphotography.com

Fee: $20 members/$25 nonmembers