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Gardening Workshops
Justin Blackwell, photo: S. Moss
Let our skilled gardeners start you on the path toward mastering essential techniques which can be put to good use in any garden, Japanese or Western. Each workshop combines live demonstrations, printed guide material, question-and-answer, and hands-on experience in a friendly, exploratory environment. Pack a lunch and feel free to bring your gardening gear, or swing by the Gift Store to pick up some new gear. These events are held rain or shine.
Bamboo Fence Building Workshop
March 10+11, 2012
9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion and grounds
$150 members / $175 non-members
Reservations open February 7 @ 8 a.m.
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:
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.
Sand & Stone Raking Workshop
TBA, 2012
9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion; Sand & Stone Garden
$55 members / $65 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
This “behind the scenes” hands-on workshop teaches participants the art of karesansui preparation, impression, and maintenance. Following a brief lecture and discussion on the design of our Sand & Stone Garden, participants will actively prepare the space, impress (rake) a pattern, and learn about tools and maintenance. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.
Pine Candling Demonstration
TBA, 2012
9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion and grounds
$65 members / $85 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
Learn the art of pine candling through this demonstration class. Head Gardener Michael Kondo and staff gardeners will begin the day with a walk around the Garden for a review of the use and placement of pines in the Garden. Demonstration leaders will then discuss the types of pines, specific pruning/needling/shaping techniques, and the ways to regulate pine growth. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.
Nobedan Stone Pavement Workshop
TBA, 2012
Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m. + Sun 9 a.m.-12 p.m., rain or shine
Garden House and grounds
$150 members / $175 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
Discover the unique stone pavement design and techniques utilized in Japan for stone pathway construction utilized primarily in tea gardens or a nobleman’s entryway. The program begins with a 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. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.
Maple Pruning Demonstration
TBA, 2012
9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion and grounds
$65 members / $85 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
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
TBA, Fall 2012
9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion and grounds
$150 members / $175 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
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:
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.
Pine Pruning and Needling Demonstration
TBA, Fall 2012
9 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine
Pavilion and grounds
$65 members / $85 non-members
Reservations required; space is limited
Learn how to care for your pine trees. Conducted by Head Gardener Michael Kondoand staff gardeners, this demonstration (with limited hands-on practice) explores specific pine-pruning and needling techniques, shaping, and growth regulation. Participants are asked to please provide their own lunch.
Kadomatsu Workshop
TBA, 2012
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pavilion
$80 members / $90 non-members
Resrvations required; space is limited
Sho-Chiku-Bai or pine, bamboo and plum are three most conspicuous plants for the Japanese New Year. Far and wide in Japan, during the new year celebration, or Oshogatsu, you will find these plants at residential doorways and the entrances to temples, shrines, public and commercial facilities alike. They are kadomatsu or “the guardians of the gate” in various forms as the boughs of the three plants are tied together. A common interpretation goes: evergreen pine tree as the symbol of constancy and longevity; bamboo for its uprightness and resilience; and plum as purity and the first blossom in spring, providing the sense of renewal. The trio of plants accordingly occupies prominent positions in traditional Japanese gardens. The preparation of a kadomatsu is an important year-end task for a Japanese gardener.
The Portland Japanese Garden is offering a workshop to assemble a traditional kadomatsu* decoration. Garden Curator Sadafumi Uchiyama leads this workshop with staff gardeners.
