Just a Little Green

How green is our downtown? Well--at first glance, not very. But between those skyscrapers, faceless government buildings, one-way streets, lofts and parking garages are a few pockets of trees and grass. Plenty of people find solace here, or at least a good spot to eat lunch.

Rooftop Garden at the New Otani Hotel

This traditional Japanese garden offers a meandering path past clear, shallow pools lined with smooth, black river rocks, stone lanterns, a full-bore waterfall and the swanky Thousand Cranes and Garden Grill restaurants. Downside: Loud motorized whir on one end interferes with meditation.

Flora L. Thornton Courtyard at the Central Library

This pretty tree-dotted square on the north side of the library would seem perfect for al fresco relaxation.

Downside: Open only for special events.

Maguire Gardens at Central Library

Three dramatic reflecting pools bearing the words “bright,” “lucid” and “clear” anchor this plot of green. The World Peace Bell, cast from coins and medals from 103 countries, was added this year. An outdoor seat at neighboring Cafe Pinot provides an especially good vantage point.

Downside: Cafe Pinot unaffordable for daily visits.

Plaza Deck at Westin Bonaventure

Framed by the ARCO and Union Bank buildings, this well-groomed, parklike area features oversize planters filled with happy blooms, a raised pool (for hotel guests only) and a fermenting tower. The latter belongs to the adjacent Bonaventure Brewing Co.

Downside: Like everything in the Bonaventure, it’s tricky to find.

James Irvine Garden at Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

Take the elevator to the basement level to reach this lovely though small Japanese garden. There’s a 170-foot stream and a grove of bambusa matake, a rare, elegant bamboo species. Other flora include Japanese black pine and wisteria.

Downside: No food or drink.

Pershing Square

Despite limited shade, this palm tree-lined expanse across from the Biltmore is a popular hangout. Visit the Gen. John J. Pershing statue. There’s also a cannon from the warship Constitution, a.k.a. “Old Ironsides.”

Downside: As the sign says, “No open fires. No trespassing in fountain. No shopping carts.”

California Plaza, upstairs

Between MOCA and the Omni Hotel, a pleasing stepped fountain and long, narrow reflecting pool share the stage with giant cactus planters. Downstairs, in the Water Court, several eateries surround a placid pool with islands of grass and flowers.

Downside: Not quite Zen.

John Ferraro Building (DWP) Water Conservation Garden

Below the bridge that serves as the building’s main entrance is this PC garden. Two expanses of hybrid Bermuda turf are bordered by sea lavender, dwarf coyote brush, Sprenger asparagus, periwinkle and something called prostrate rosemary.

Downside: Hard to admire unless you’re directly above it.

Square at County Courthouse, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration and Hall of Records

As green as Pebble Beach, this may just be downtown’s best-looking grass. Find a UFO-shaped fountain at the westernmost end, with City Hall to the east, plenty of stone benches, palm trees and, in the center of it all, a Starbucks.

Downside: So this is where our tax dollars go?

Fletcher Bowron Square at the Los Angeles Mall

Joseph Young’s colorful, rocket-like, musical Triforium sculpture, the square’s focal point, was all of those things when it debuted in 1975.

Downside: The sculpture’s reflecting pool is dry.

Grand Hope Park

Tucked behind the Museum of Neon Art and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, this is perhaps downtown’s most classic park. There’s a children’s playground and actual children, the pretty bougainvillea-covered Poet’s Walk, and whimsical coyote, snake and hawk sculptures.

Downside: As far as we can tell, none.

Alpine Recreation Center Chinatown’s best pickup basketball games take place here. There’s also a fully outfitted children’s play area and ample grass for soccer practice or football toss.

Downside: Call of nearby dim sum impossible to resist.

North Patio at Union Station

A dozen or so jacaranda trees, two square blankets of grass and a colorful Spanish mission-style tiled fountain highlight this spacious patio. Several benches provide a break for weary train travelers. During warm weather months, Traxx restaurant serves lunch and dinner in the southwest corner.

Downside: Popular pigeon hangout.