Irises, the Zig-Zag Bridge, and The Tales of Ise

Japanese irises start blooming in June, coinciding with the time that rice seedlings are planted in Japan. Three species are native to that country—Iris ensata, I. laevigata, and I. sanguinea—and traditionally, many Japanese farmers planted irises near their rice fields and used them as signal plants. Nowadays, Japanese enjoy many wild and cultivated irises throughout the landscape in the late spring.

Japanese CultureYukari YamanoJune 1, 2022Iris, tale of ise, yatsuhashi, zig zag bridge

Empress Tree Blooms in Late Spring with Large, Pale Purple Foxglove-like Flowers

Paulownia tomentosa is a fast-growing deciduous tree with showy flowers and a long history in Asian folklore, tradition, and medicine. Its common names include empress tree, princess tree, royal paulownia, and foxglove tree.

The History of Japanese Children’s day

May 5th is Children’s Day in Japan. In 1948, it was designated as a national holiday by the Japanese government, and the name was changed from Boy’s Day to make it a day to respect all children's personalities, celebrate their happiness, and thank their mothers. Yes, thanking mothers is part of Japanese national-holiday law!

Goodbye to An Old Oak

Over the past two years, we have seen the rapid decline of the health of the large quercus myrsinifolia (bamboo-leaf oak) in the northwest corner or the Garden. In conjunction with the Parks Arboriculturist and UWBG Arboretum staff, we have determined that the tree will need to be removed.

In the Garden, Plants and BloomsChie IidaApril 21, 2022

In Mid-Spring, the Charming Red or Pink Flowers of Japanese Primrose Are a Bright Spot of Color in the Seattle Japanese Garden

Primula japonica is the best known and easiest to grow of the primrose species known as candelabras. Its charming red or pink mid-spring flowers are a bright spot of color in the Seattle Japanese Garden.

In the Garden, Japanese Culture, Plants and Blooms, SpringCorinne KennedyApril 20, 2022April, Spring, Seattle

‘Tsuma gaki’ Japanese Maple Has Glowing Spring Color

Spring has so much to offer in our gardens. Have you noticed what some maples show in springtime? Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma gaki’ has beautiful spring color, its yellow-green leaves tipped in brilliant red.

In the Garden, Japanese Garden Design, Plants and Blooms, Spring, SummerCorinne KennedyMarch 24, 2022March, Maple, summer, Spring

In Winter, ‘Kobai’ Flowering Plum Opens its Fragrant, Deep Pink Flowers

Three Prunus mume ‘Kobai’ trees are planted on the eastern edge of the Seattle Japanese Garden’s entry courtyard. Even before the Garden re-opens each year in March, they delight Arboretum visitors with their fragrant, deep pink winter flowers.

In the Garden, Japanese Culture, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyFebruary 23, 2022Seattle, Winter, Plum, Fragrant, tree, bloom, Flower Arranging

Japanese New Year's Decorations

Traditionally Japanese believe that Toshigami-sama (New Year’s deity) descends in the first month of the year and visits their home and leaves good luck for their coming year. They decorate home with traditional ornaments to welcome Toshigamisama. These are Kadomatsu (門松, New Year’s pine and bamboo decorations), shimekazari (しめ飾り, Sacred straw festoon) and Kagamimochi (鏡餅, Round mirror-shaped rice cakes).

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