Gardening Wisdom

The Lawns at the Garden

August 14th, 2007

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 keep your eyes pleased. Sometimes this requires small changes. Currently, we are in the process of transforming some areas of the lawn. This includes reshaping and replacing the grass with either dwarf mondo grass or moss.

For example, the lawn you see to your right at the Garden’s entrance has been modified from a rectangular shape into a form with flowing rounded edges using transplanted moss and grass. On the right side of the island in the Sapporo Lantern area we have planted dwarf mondo grass. We will be installing a border of mondo grass on the other side of the island shape as well.

Mondo grass is a popular plant in Japanese gardens. Botanically it isn’t a grass at all, but belongs to the lily family and is related to Liriope spicata. As a slow but nicely spreading groundcover, it has the benefit of tolerating a wide range of growing conditions including shade (most lawn grass varieties struggle with this) and full sun. It also produces delicate little flowers and berries.

Garden Updates

April 19th, 2007

In the last couple months we have taken many strides to maintain and improve the Japanese Garden. The east deck of the Pavilion has recently received a facelift. Much of the deck itself was replaced and a beautiful new railing has been constructed. In the next month, the west side will also have new railings installed. Access to the west side Pavilion deck will be restricted during installation. However, the finished east side will be open for your viewing pleasure.

In addition, the steps that lead into the Pavilion will be replaced with a wooden stairway system. This stairway is intended to created a safer way for patrons and staff to access the Pavilion and complement the formal design of the pavilion building itself. The stones, as in traditional mitate form, will be recycled into the Garden. You may recognize some of those immense stones when you view the landscaping around the new wooden steps. The landscaping also includes some heavy pruning of ilex (Japanese holly) and a pieris japonica (Andromeda or Lily of the Valley shrub). This harsh pruning is rather shocking at first sight. In the long run, radical renovation is often necessary for rejuvenation.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work to carry on the legacy of tradition and quality at the Portland Japanese Garden.

— Mary McMillin Gill, Gardener, Portland Japanese Garden

Links:

• Takumi Company

Spring Tips

March 25th, 2007

Ah, spring is just around the corner, which for many gardeners means shearing. Maintaining a hedge’s shape and size—while ensuring its longevity—can be a challenge. Light must reach the inside of the plant to promote new growth, while a consistent density should be maintained all through the outer edge. By selecting a few larger (thumb diameter or smaller) branches each year and cutting them at their lowest healthy leaves, you can create the growth that will become the outer edge in years to come. Be sure not to choose branches that will leave large holes, and leave plenty of leaves below the cut so that the branch doesn’t die. Remember, don’t be too aggressive. Adding this step keeps the outer edge from getting larger each year, and gives the skeleton of the plant thick, stable characteristics.

If some of your plants are in poor health, don’t spread the illness with your tools. After you finish shearing one plant, apply some alcohol to your blades and wipe them well. This will also keep them free of punk that makes shears dull and harder to close. Waiting until the new, lighter growth changes color to match last year’s growth will save the root’s energy stores used to fight disease. It will also save you the trouble of having to prune multiple times in one season. Be sure to also remove dead branches to allow light and reduce the chance of the disease spreading. Finally, remember to go easy on plants that get direct sunlight, so they don’t burn.