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Category Archives: Gardeners’ Corner
Willow Fascine
John Hall The use of soil retention devices, such as the woven bamboo fascine in this photo, have long been used through the history of agriculture to fight erosion. We have installed a multi-layered fascine in areas around the Lower … Continue reading
Koi Return to the Lower Pond
Our usual routine of moving the koi is necessary to be able to give the ponds a good cleaning. After leaf fall in autumn, the fish move from the Lower Pond to the Upper Pond. Sometimes they overwinter there, and … Continue reading
Two New Plants of Significance
Near the entrance, we have installed manryo? ?? (Ardesia crenata or “coralberry”). The name “manryo?” signifies ten thousand ryo?, a gold coin in old Japan. We have also planted senryo? ?? (Sarcandra glaber a.k.a. Chloranthus glabra) at the sleeve fence … Continue reading
Camellias
Camellias are prominent evergreen shrubs in Japan and there are over 3000 named varieties. They can grow in sun or shade and can be used as a specimen plant, screen, or hedge. Three main categories include: Tsubaki ?, Camellia japonica, … Continue reading
Hydrangea in the Summer Garden
The Japanese have a long poetic and romantic history with hydrangea (known as ajisai 紫陽花 and gaku ajisai 額紫陽花). Nine species of hydrangea originate in Japan, and what we call “lace-cap hydrangea” is known as gaku ajisai—gaku 額 meaning “a … Continue reading
Flat Garden Moss Culture
The presentation of the sake cup and gourd (fukube ?) have been planted with a variety of mosses. We will carefully cultivate the most vigorous forms and develop a sense of which moss serves this arrangement best. The site presents … Continue reading
Organic and Sustainable Horticultural Practices at the Portland Japanese Garden—Part Two
Irrigation throughout the Garden has been reassessed and modern, reduced-volume emitter spray heads have been installed. A diligent fertilization regimen has been initiated to replenish soil nutrient values and microbial activity. For many years, organic material had been removed in … Continue reading
Organic and Sustainable Horticultural Practices at the Portland Japanese Garden—Part One
In keeping with established procedures to reduce our impact on the environment, the Gardens and Grounds Division of the Portland Japanese Garden continue to develop sustainable practices and methods of maintenance to promote a philosophy of awareness. Recycling and composting … Continue reading
Garden’s Upper Pond Willow to Be Replaced
After much deliberation and consultation with field experts, Garden Advisor Toru Tanaka, and the Garden Resource Committee, it has been determined that the willow on the Upper Pond of the Strolling Garden must be replaced. Unfortunately, time, disease, and insects … Continue reading
The Lawns at the Garden
As you know, gardens continually evolve and change. Plants grow, get pruned and shaped, and sometimes they are removed and replaced. We strive to stay close to the intended design and landscape effects of our Garden, while also working to … Continue reading
