Portland Japanese Garden

Nobedan Stone Pavement Technique Workshop

photo courtesy Sadafumi Uchiyama

Saturday, June 19

9am-3pm rain or shine

Garden House and grounds

$65 for members, $85 for non-members

Space is limited, reservations required

Reservations for this event have sold out. Please call (503) 542-0280 with any questions.

This hands-on experience will introduce participants to the unique stone pavement techniques utilized in Japan for stone pathway construction—primarily in tea gardens or a nobleman's entryway. The program begins with a brief lecture and illustration presentation by Garden Curator Sada Uchiyama, followed with side-by-side work with Sada and Head Gardener Michael Kondo to construct a nobedan path. Printed materials and diagrams will be provided. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.

Maple Pruning Demonstration

Saturday, September 11

9am-3pm rain or shine

Pavilion and grounds

Sold Out

Call (503) 542-0280 with questions

One of our most popular workshops! Join us for our fall maple-pruning techniques demonstration conducted by Head Gardener Michael Kondo and staff gardeners. This demonstration includes discussions regarding types of maple pruning and specific pruning techniques as well as the regulations of shape and growth. General care and fact sheets will be provided, with a section on Integrated Pest Management and Nutrient Management. Limited hands-on practice is provided. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.

Bamboo Fence-Building Workshop

Saturday & Sunday, September 18–19

9am-3pm rain or shine

Pavilion and grounds

Sold Out

Call (503) 542-0280 with questions

This two-day hands-on experience teaches participants to design and build a fence panel using traditional Japanese materials and techniques. Necessary tools, supplies, and printed material are provided, however participants are encouraged to purchase and use additional tools provided in the supplementary set available at the Garden Gift Store or online:

• Fence-Building Tool Set

We also recommend that participants read the following two books by Isao Yoshikawa:

• Building Bamboo Fences (included in tool set if purchased)
• Japanese Gardening in Small Spaces

Garden Curator Sadafumi Uchiyama presents this workshop with staff gardeners. The process begins with a walk around the Garden and a review of the use and placement of bamboo fences. There will be a discussion on types and styles as well as a review of the history and evolution of Japanese bamboo fences.

Day one includes lectures and demonstrations, with hands-on tool practice and knot-tying sessions. On day two, participants apply their learned skills to build a Japanese bamboo fence and will also receive a brief demonstration of fence repair and refurbishing. The workshop format allows for open Q & A throughout both days. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.