In Search of Tranquility

Today we’re taking a look at LEGO Icons Tranquil Garden 10315. We initially wanted to build this set in the most un-tranquil-like places you could possibly imagine. Think… during a root canal at the dentist’s office, in line at the DMV, or whilst stepping on a LEGO brick barefoot. All places where you would need a little extra tranquility, right?

But my journeys took me to an unexpected place where I couldn’t resist building this set. A place so tranquil that the set nearly built itself. Come with me to Canada—the land of moose, maple syrup, and that extra “u”that Canadians add to words for no apparent reason. That’s right, folks, pack your poutine and let’s head to the Great White North.

La Belle Province

Welcome to Montreal, Quebec, home to the Canadiens hockey team, the world’s best brisket sandwiches, and the lovely Botanical Gardens near the famous 1976 Olympic Park. Although I suppose I could have taken the new LEGO Tranquil Garden 10315 to the Bell Centre or Reuben’s Deli, I figured the Gardens was the most appropriate venue to build this set.

Botanical Gardens, montreal

A Secret Garden

In search of tranquility, I wandered through various themed gardens in this vast park. As depicted in the set, my family and I happened upon some water lilies and lotus flowers. As throngs of tourists shuffled past, the momentary absence of other visitors was appreciated, tranquil even. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it was a moment of serenity, like finding the last missing piece under a couch cushion.

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Next up, I stumbled upon a Japanese Garden house, a zen oasis with its rock garden and bonsai trees. And lo and behold, what do I spot? A lantern! Just like those lovely lanterns in the Tranquil Garden set. Coincidence? I think not.

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View fullsize

Then I found a spot that looked almost identical to the set and I knew fate had chosen this tranquility. Although the following photo was taken in a Chinese Garden, the layout here with the pagoda, pond, and plantings, was strikingly similar to LEGO’s Tranquil Garden. It was like fate had pulled up a chair and said, “Here's your dose of tranquility with a side of plastic bricks.”

But that is where the tranquility ended. I caused a bit of a stir taking this picture. You can’t expect a LEGO whisperer like me to go unnoticed. Cue the crowd, the “oohs” and “aahs,” and the sudden realization that LEGO fandom is just as powerful as a double espresso. The calm was shattered, like a delicate childhood MOC meeting the foot of an unsuspecting parent.

The atmosphere turned into a throng of LEGO fans excitedly chatting about plastic bricks in a very not plastic botanical garden. Not quite a tranquil scene since some of the people there were pretty big fans. It was also not tranquil hauling the completed set out from the garden. Picture me, hurriedly exiting the garden with the Tranquil Garden set cradled in my arms like the most precious cargo in the universe. Looks were exchanged—some puzzled, some longing, and maybe one that hinted at a LEGO heist in progress. Was I going to be mugged in this tranquil place!? But, dear readers, I evaded any potential LEGO-napping and made my escape after chucking the set in the back seat of my car.

The Verdict

Now, let's rate this tranquil extravaganza, shall we? On a scale of one to five tranquilities, I'm throwing down a solid five. But, and this is a big “but,” if you ever find yourself fearing a LEGO-related assault, well, that number might drop to a cheeky one.

Jokes aside, building the Tranquil Garden was a true slice of brick-built bliss. With its sleek curves, new plant pieces, and architectural charm, it’s like a vacation for your fingers. And, you know what? It actually did bring me some peace in a world that sometimes feels as chaotic as a squirrel with a caffeine addiction. It helped me escape from the chaos of daily life. I hope the set has the same effect on my dental patients in the waiting room as they hear the drill spinning up…

I Demand a Recount

Now that we’ve achieved inner peace, it is time for a not-so-tranquil rant about… inner pieces. It was noted on another LEGO blog that there were a total of eleven (11) numbered bags, one bag per number, and one (1) unnumbered bag containing big plates. What they failed to mention was, to my great disappointment, that there were actually another thirteen (13) bags within the eleven numbered bags!

That includes four bags that contained two of these smaller bags (#4, #9, #10, and #11), and the rest containing one bag, except for #7 that had none. I reached out to their Executive Editor in charge of Bag Counting for a comment, but as of this publishing date, there has been no response.

Tranquility Now

So there you have it, fellow BrickNerd readers and tranquility seekers! As we wrap up this whirlwind adventure, remember that a little slice of serenity can go a long way, especially when it’s made out of colorful plastic bricks. If you’re itching to embark on your own brick-built journey to calm, why not consider adding the LEGO Icons Tranquil Garden 10315 to your collection?

And hey, if you use our handy affiliate link, you’ll not only be treating yourself but also helping support the site to keep these fun articles coming your way. Until our next rendezvous, may your builds be tranquil and your imagination endless!

DISCLAIMER: This set was provided to BrickNerd by LEGO. Any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

What are your thoughts on the new Tranquil Garden? How important is an accurate bag count when you’re considering purchasing a LEGO set? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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