Planted Just Past the Garden’s Entry Gate, This Weeping Laceleaf Japanese Maple is an Iconic Beauty in Every Season

This 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.

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Momijigari, 紅葉狩り

The Japanese have a custom to make a trip to hills and valleys to appreciate autumn foliage in the fall. This is called “Momijigari”. You may have heard of this term and it is translated to “going leaf-peeping" or “autumn leaves viewing” in English. The direct translation of Momijigari, however, is “Red leaves hunting”.

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The Seattle Japanese Garden Then and Now, Part Three: The Maple Collection

This 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.

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Japanese love the moon

For many years, Japanese have admired the moon. During the Heian Period (794 - 1185), moon viewing events were hosted among the aristocracy. The Heian aristocracy, floating on a boat on a pond in their garden and drinking sake, appreciated the moon not only in the sky but also on the surface of the pond and the surface of their drinking cups.

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Yukari Yamano