Announcing the 2025 Nitobe Memorial Garden Photo Contest Winner

This spring, we invited visitors to capture the tranquil beauty of Nitobe Memorial Garden. From April to June, participants shared with us the vision of the garden’s serenity and vibrancy throughout images of cherry blossoms, koi, stone lanterns, and the greenery all around. Every single submission was stunning and inspiring.  

Every photo was judged on how well they captured the spirit of Nitobe through thoughtful composition, unique perspective, intentional lighting, and insightful storytelling. We looked for images thar went beyond beauy and looked for those that captured quiet moments, unexpected angels, and the personal ways in which individuals connect with their surroundings. Judges also considered how light, framing, and subject matter worked together to reflect the garden’s essence. Each chosen photo stood out for offering a fresh interpretation of what makes Nitobe so special. Now, we are pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 Nitobe Memorial Garden Photo Contest and celebrate several Honourable Mentions. 

Winner – The Sprouts of Time

The winning photo by Xulan Zheng highlights a stone lantern framed by fresh spring greens beside the still surface of a pond. Bright sunlight filters in from the right, casting soft shadows and bringing depth to the lantern’s form and the trees. It showcases the harmony and balance of Nitobe, where light, nature, and human-made elements coexist in quiet balance.  

As described by Xulan,

“When I passed by the pond, I noticed the stone lantern, the reflection on the water, fallen leaves, and a few visitors in the distance. It was a peaceful moment where everything came together. I believe this photo captures the essence of Nitobe Garden by presenting its most iconic elements and the peaceful atmosphere created through the harmonious blend of art and nature.”

 

Honourable Mentions 

Ripples in the Morning

 

A vivid photo of koi gliding under rippled water, Cyrus’ image captures the morning light illuminating the fish as they rise to feed. “This photo represents Nitobe Garden’s essence through its serenity,” Cyrus writes. 

“I was inspired by the grace of the koi and how each fish possesses their character … I was lucky to watch the fish feed and bubble in the morning.”

Serenity is deeply rooted in the design of Nitobe Memorial Garden, where every stone, tree, and pond is deliberately placed to encourage contemplation and connection. As part of the garden’s carefully maintained ecosystem, koi are known not only for their beauty but also for their role in keeping the pond healthy and balanced by eating algae and insects.

Serenity from Within 

 

Framed by the pavilion of the teahouse, Chen’s photo captures the garden in early summer bloom. Soft pink petals float on a central pond, surrounded by glowing greenery. “During this visit, I was particularly drawn to the quiet stillness of the garden’s beauty,” Chen reflected. “This image shows what Nitobe Garden is to me: serene, present, and deeply connected to the natural world.”

“From within the pavilion, I waited patiently… In that moment of calm, I captured this view.”  

Crossing Yatsu-Hashi

 

This photo offers a rare perspective of the Yatsu-hashi bridge and iris bed, taken from a low angle so the viewer feels immersed in the landscape. A passerby’s legs are seen crossing the bridge, underscoring the garden’s role as a living space where people and nature intertwine. This area, typically flooded in July, creates the illusion that irises float on water, a vision captured subtly in this vivid photo. When thinking of his own work, Samuel says,

“My work is grounded in the conviction that beauty in nature often whispers more than it shouts.”

Grace in Stillness 

 

A poised heron stands at the water’s edge, its body sharply in focus as it gazes toward the sun. A faint reflection shimmers below, hinting at movement to come. Captured in a fleeting moment of stillness, the photo highlights Nitobe’s role as both sanctuary and home for urban wildlife. “I was enjoying the serenity of the garden one spring day when suddenly a Great Blue Heron caught me by surprise. I quickly captured the bird to get the warm light highlighting it along with the soft green grass and mosses which are prevalent in the garden” Kevin described. 

Tea House in Bloom 

 

In this picture, the teahouse is framed by a lantern and delicate pink blossoms. Light filters through branches, casting gentle shadows on the path. The composition invites the viewer to slow down, mirroring the meditative essence of the garden. The open door in the background serves as a welcoming sign to the iconic Tea House, a place defined by cultural exchange. Kevin explains,

“I tried to capture the Japanese Tea House by using the pathway to lead the viewer past the stone lantern to the open bamboo gate that greets everyone to come in and visit.” 

All winning entries will be featured in a special online gallery and shared across UBC Botanical Garden’s platforms. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. Each entry reflected a unique moment of connection with Nitobe Memorial Garden.  

Written by: 

 Fernanda Munoz  

Marketing & Communications Assistant   

UBC Botanical Garden