Blog

In a new blog series, Corinne Kennedy writes about three Japanese artists who lived and worked in early 20th-century Seattle. By the 1930s, their paintings were winning recognition and awards. However, world War II upended their lives, and until recently their work was largely erased from local art history. Part 1 of the series features artist Kamekichi Tokita. Read More

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As the Seattle Japanese Garden transitions from spring’s bold flower colors to summer’s rich shades of green, Garden Guide Corinne Kennedy writes about a charming deciduous shrub, Spiraea japonica ‘Alpina,’ that blooms from late spring to early or mid-summer. With its low, dwarf habit and subtle light pink flowers, ‘Alpina’ is part of the Garden’s essential “supporting cast.”  Three plants remain of the many that were planted in 1969. Read More.

Stories for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

In celebration of May’s AANHPI Heritage Month, Garden Guide Corinne Kennedy shares stories of Issei individuals and their families whose horticulturally-related businesses—including landscaping companies, plant nurseries, and greenhouses—made significant contributions to Pacific Northwest horticulture, garden design and public parks. 

The Seattle Japanese contains many “true” rhododendrons as well as azaleas (shrubs also in the genus Rhododendron). One of them is Rhododendron ‘Unique’, which has long been popular in the Pacific Northwest. It has very attractive evergreen foliage and charming ivory white flowers that open from pale salmon-pink buds.