Extend your garden journey by browsing original articles on a variety of related topics.
Did you know that Japanese people tend to value south-facing rooms more than north-facing ones? Find out why on our blog, and read about how the new Japanese Garden pavilion is being designed to provide a south-facing overlook of the pond. Read More...
Read MoreThis post is the first of the Toro no Akari blog series, an oral history of the Seattle Japanese Garden as told from the perspective of those who know its every inch most intimately: the gardeners. The series reveals a little-known history of stewardship and mentoring—of alighting each other’s paths as a toro lantern would—that’s continued for over sixty years.
In this interview, Jim Thomas, former head gardener, reflects on his long-term relationship with Dick Yamasaki, who constructed the garden with designer Juki Iida in the late 1950s and upheld the garden’s vision through its maintenance for over thirty years. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Read MoreIn November of 2022, Pete Putnicki, Seattle Japanese Garden Senior Gardener, toured Japanese gardens across Japan. The tour was hosted by the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) and was joined by garden professionals from public Japanese gardens from seven states. This is a diary of the trip by Pete himself.
Read MoreThis very old specimen tree is beloved by Garden Guides and visitors alike. And each year, its health and beauty are maintained and enhanced by Senior Gardener Peter Putnicki’s skillful pruning. Located prominently in Area B, brings beauty, gracefulness, movement, and dynamic change to the Garden.
Read MoreThis is the third in a series of three articles about the Garden’s plant collections, and how they have changed over time. This month, Sue Clark focuses on the Maple collection.
Maple trees are placed in a Japanese garden for various purposes. Among the most important ones are to frame an attractive view or to hide an undesirable one; to filter the western sun or provide shade for a special plant; or to give a beautiful reflection in water.
Read MoreThe Seattle Japanese Garden is proud to announce that we have received the 2020 Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This commendation is awarded “to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas.”
Read MoreAcer palmatum ‘Samidare’ is a Japanese maple notable for its uniquely beautiful fall color. Green-leaved in summer, it comes alive in autumn, with striking foliage variations of patterning and color – intricate blends of gold, crimson and purple.
Read MoreOn October 5th, 2020, a small Ginkgo biloba sapling was planted just outside the Seattle Japanese Garden. This very special tree was gifted to us by Green Legacy Hiroshima. Representatives of Japan and Seattle attended a very small ceremony to welcome the sapling into our garden.
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