The Fruits of Autumn in the Seattle Japanese Garden

With their brilliant fall colors, maples are the stars of autumn. All too often overlooked are the Garden’s lesser-known trees and shrubs—and their fall displays of attractive, charming, and unusual fruits.

Fall, In the Garden, Japanese Garden Design, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedySeptember 27, 2021Autumn

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.

The performances and poetry of Moon Viewing 2021

Despite cloudy skies, Moon Viewing 2021 was a huge success! Enjoy this collection of photos and haiku poetry from both nights of the event.

Events, Fall, In the Garden, HaikuChie IidaSeptember 17, 2021moon viewing

Japanese love the moon

For many years, Japanese have admired the moon. During the Heian Period (794 - 1185), moon viewing events were hosted among the aristocracy. The Heian aristocracy, floating on a boat on a pond in their garden and drinking sake, appreciated the moon not only in the sky but also on the surface of the pond and the surface of their drinking cups.

Yukari YamanoSeptember 9, 2021

Thank you for joining us at Garden Party 2021!

Thank you so much for joining us for Garden Party 2021! This long-delayed event was the culmination of our 60th kanreki anniversary celebration. It was truly a beautiful evening despite being held on one of the hottest days of the year!

Events, 60th Anniversary, In the Garden, SummerChie IidaAugust 20, 2021garden events, garden party

Cornus alba ‘Argenteo-marginata’ is a Shrub for All Seasons

When spring’s vibrant flowering has come to an end, visitors to the Seattle Japanese Garden experience the subtle beauty of its many shades of green. Now the shrub dogwood Cornus alba ‘Argenteo-marginata’ draws our attention. Its gray-green leaves edged in white are a luminous presence—as is the winter brilliance of its fiery red stems.

An Update Regarding Covid-19 Safety Procedures

The latest update on safety procedures regarding Covid-19 in the Seattle Japanese Garden.

In the GardenChie IidaJune 28, 2021safety, covid-19 update

Stars of the Summer Garden: Three 'Dancing Snow' Bigleaf Hydrangeas Now Grace the Seattle Japanese Garden

Bigleaf hydrangeas, native to and long cultivated in Japan, are one of the loveliest and most beloved of summer-blooming shrubs. Three plants now grace the Seattle Japanese Garden—a relatively new cultivar, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Dancing Snow.’ It’s also known by the trademark name Double Delights™ Wedding Gown.

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