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…