Not Just Japanese Plants, Part II: Pacific NW Native Ferns in Our Garden

In combination with moss, NW native ferns are an important groundcover in the mountain and woodland areas of the Seattle Japanese Garden.

In the Garden, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyJuly 19, 2017

Not Just Japanese Plants, Part I: Pacific Northwest Native Shrubs In Our Garden

Have you ever wondered if any of the shrubs in the Seattle Japanese Garden are native to our area? Here’s a look at some iconic Pacific Northwest native shrubs. They’re planted at the south end of our garden – in the teahouse, mountain and woodland areas.

In the Garden, Plants and BloomsMark BourneJune 19, 2017

Vines, Viburnums and "Wild" Plants

When working on these wild plants, we are not trying to shape them. We are allowing them to grow “where they will” and simply making adjustments and clarifications.

In the Garden, Japanese Garden Design, Plants and BloomsChie IidaJune 13, 2017Japanese Garden, summer, Wisteria, gardening

The Arnold Azalea: A Wave of Color in Spring

Above the rock wall at the north end of the garden, a wave of evergreen azaleas blooms brilliant magenta-pink in late April and early May.

In the Garden, Spring, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyMay 19, 2017Azalea

Japanese Camellias: Exceptional Flowers in Late Winter & Spring

Japanese Camelias are the showy stars of the early spring in our garden. A species grown for thousands of years, Japanese Camelias have a long history of being cultivated and prized for their beauty.

In the Garden, Spring, Plants and BloomsRumi TsuchihashiFebruary 13, 2017Japanese Garden, Spring, Camellia, Winter, Seattle, Western Washington, Washington, Northwest, Pacific Northwest, Tea, tree, bloom, varigated camellia, varigated, haiku, History, Shrub

Hinoki: A Revered Conifer

Among the many conifers in our garden is Chamaecyparis obtusa, known in Japan as hinoki. It's one of Japan's most revered trees for its beautiful, durable wood and bark and fragrant essential oils of its bark, wood and foliage.