Paradiisiaed is a visitor garden in Võru County inspired by Japanese garden art, where nature, people and silence come together as one. Over the years, the two-hectare garden has grown into a place where people come not only to admire beauty, but to experience nature – to slow down, notice more and be present in the moment.

The garden brings together the forest, open lawns, ponds, stone compositions and various garden spaces, each with its own character. In spring, rhododendrons and cherry trees bloom; in summer, roses, perennials and hydrangeas add colour; and throughout the year, peace is offered by dignified conifers, mossy forest areas and landscapes inspired by Japanese garden art.

Visits often take place under the guidance of the garden’s creator, Marje Pettai. These are not ordinary garden tours – every walk unfolds in its own way, shaped by the season, the weather, nature and the people walking the path together. The walks weave together stories about the creation of the garden, the principles of Japanese garden art, and the birds and animals that have made Paradiisiaed their home.

At Paradiisiaed, nature is experienced with all the senses. Visitors listen to the sound of the wind, observe the play of light and shadow, touch tree bark, watch reflections on the water and smell the plants growing in the garden. Tea is often prepared on site from plants found in the garden at that particular time – for example meadowsweet, water mint, fireweed or wild thyme. Those who wish can sit by the pond, dip their feet in the water and experience the fish swimming up curiously.

Visits may also include moments of silence, guided meditations, mindful nature journeys and tea rituals inspired by the principles of Japanese forest bathing (shinrin-yoku). Soon, there will also be an opportunity to experience an onsen ritual inspired by Japanese traditions. If desired, the tea ritual can also be combined with a deeper conversation or individual counselling.

Paradiisiaed is a place for those who wish to step away from the rush of everyday life for a while and experience nature in a way that helps them notice more – both in the world around them and within themselves.