Wells Japanese Garden

Newberry, South Carolina, United States

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Wells Japanese Garden in Newberry, South Carolina, was created in 1930 by local architect W. Fulmer Wells, inspired by Japanese tea gardens he studied in California.

The garden covers about a quarter of an acre near downtown Newberry and features traditional Japanese elements like stone lanterns, a torii gate, a moon bridge, a teahouse built with materials from the historic Newberry Opera House, and concrete footbridges over two small ponds. It incorporates native and exotic plants such as Japanese irises, water lilies, crepe myrtles, dogwood, and cypress trees, creating a serene and authentic Japanese-style setting.

Donated to the city in 1971 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it remains a cherished cultural landmark offering a quiet retreat and a glimpse of traditional Japanese horticulture within a South Carolina town.