Introducing the Niwashi Volunteer Gardener Program

Senior gardener Peter Putnicki
Senior gardener Peter Putnicki

Senior Gardener Peter Putnicki teaches a volunteer how to tie traditional Japanese knots in the

yotsumegaki

fence in the tea garden.  Niwashi volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside Peter and make a meaningful contribution to the garden's beauty.

*Due to the incredible popularity of this program, we've added a second orientation date.  To attend on September 12, email jgardner@arboretumfoundation.org

Are you a gardener interested in getting hands-on experience in the Japanese Garden? Would you like to experience the immense satisfaction of beautifying our garden to the highest aesthetic standards? We're thrilled to introduce a volunteer opportunity just for you.

The new program is called Niwashi, named after the the Japanese term for gardeners.  Under the guidance of Senior Gardener Peter Putnicki, Niwashi volunteers will help provide ongoing maintenance, and gain specialized knowledge of what it takes to care properly for a Japanese Garden in all seasons.  To ensure each volunteer receives the skill and knowledge base required to perform the needed maintenance tasks, we're keeping the program size limited to a small number of participants.

Interested in learning more?  Come for the inaugural Niwashi Volunteer Program orientation on Monday July 11.  Please RSVP by emailing Jessa Gardner at jgardner@arboretumfoundation.org.

Rumi Tsuchihashi is the Support Manager for Seattle Japanese Garden and the editor the garden's blog.