Category: Japan

I was truly honored to be invited as a guest speaker for the Niagara Master Gardeners. As the recipient of both the NMG Professional Leadership Award and the NMG Community Involvement Award, it was a pleasure to share my journey to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, my experiences at the competition, and the…

It was an absolute pleasure meeting with Japanese garden designer and author Yuri Ugaya, an alumni of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. Yuri generously shared her expertise on Japanese and Zen gardens, and I was truly amazed by the depth of storytelling behind each garden element. It’s incredible how much imagination is involved—not only…

The Yoshikien Garden was one of my favorites during my visit to Japan. This tranquil oasis features three distinct gardens: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. I was especially captivated by the moss garden, where the vibrant green landscape remained stunning even in winter. The winding paths and small plants…

The Isuien Garden in Nara, Japan, is a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscape design, which offers a serene escape from the outside world. The garden is divided into two sections, each reflecting a different era of design. The “Front Garden,” created in the 17th century while the “Backyard Garden,” was designed in the early…

The Kyoto Botanical Garden offers a great experience year-round, even during Japan’s winter months! From the stunning outdoor gardens to the lush greenhouse and indoor displays, there’s always something to explore. In the photo above, you can see traditional straw coverings used to protect plants during the winter. These techniques, called “yukitsuri” for trees and…

It was a pleasure to reconnect with Koji Ninomiya and his wonderful wife, Michi. During my visit, I spent time working in their nursery, tending to their impressive bonsai collection and preparing perennial plants for repotting. It was fantastic catching up with Koji after working together on his garden at MIFGS and to learn more…

The Oikeniwa Pond Garden and The Gonaitei Garden The gardens behind the Kyoto Imperial Palace – the Oikeniwa pond garden and the Gonaitei garden, are important historical features that reflect the cultural and architectural significance of the Heian period (794–1185) in Japan. The Oikeniwa garden and Gonaitei garden both feature ponds and bridges, which are…