Extend your garden journey by browsing original articles on a variety of related topics.
Check out the fourth and final post 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. Senior Gardener Pete Putnicki sheds light on the hidden places where intentionality has long been practiced to create the beauty, calm, and openness visitors love about this garden.
Read MoreCheck out the third 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. In this story, former consultant Masa Mizuno shares how his approach to work was influenced by coming to the United States and his point of view on authenticity that he’s shared with the numerous gardeners who worked for him over the years.
Read MoreCheck out the second post 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. Gardener and former advisory board member Mark Akai recounts a humorous teaching moment when he began working at the garden as a teenager—and the lessons in simplicity he honed over the following five decades.
Read MoreDid 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.
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