The Color Green in the Seattle Japanese Garden

In Seattle, the seasons are less distinct than in Japan, and our climate is markedly different. However, the greenness of the Seattle Japanese Garden connects it—across the Pacific and the centuries—to Japan and to our garden heritage. Green, the color of serenity and peacefulness, endures, spanning the seasons and the oceans.

In the Garden, Plants and Blooms, SummerCorinne KennedyJuly 14, 2022summer, Maple, Moss

‘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

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”.

Events, Fall, Japanese CultureYukari YamanoOctober 7, 2021red leaves, maple viewing, momiji, fall, fall color, momijigari, Japanese Culture, Maple

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.

'Samidare' Japanese Maple Has Beautiful Fall Leaves, Colored Like Stained Glass

Acer palmatum ‘Samidare’ is a Japanese maple notable for its uniquely beautiful fall color. Green-leaved in summer, it comes alive in autumn, with striking foliage variations of patterning and color – intricate blends of gold, crimson and purple.

Fall, Garden History, In the Garden, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyOctober 14, 2020Maple, Fall Color, Trees

Thank You for Being Part of the Maple Viewing Celebration!

Over 10,000 visitors made it to the Seattle Japanese Garden for the 10-day Maple Viewing Festival this year. The garden added extra shade of colors each day during the festival as it began to prepare for winter. Arts and Crafts activities held throughout the festival were enjoyed by visitors from around the world!

Events, Fall, In the GardenChie IidaOctober 19, 2017Maple, event, Maple Viewing

Gardeners' Talk: Autumn Colors and Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are truly a four-season plant… And, perhaps most notable, the brilliant display of fall. The beauty of each season is in its impermanence, the daily change and inevitable shift into the next phase.

In the Garden, Fall, Japanese Garden Design, Plants and BloomsChie IidaOctober 13, 2017Maple, Fall, tree

A Quiet Legacy: The Juki Iida Scroll

Landscape architect Juki Iida left behind a little known legacy when he came to Seattle to oversee the installation of Seattle Japanese Garden: an ink-painted scroll. It provides a glimpse into the natural elements he incorporated into his design.

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