Gardening Staff
Michael Kondo
Head Gardener
In thirty-plus years with the Portland Japanese Garden, Michael has received training under numerous Garden Directors and Japanese garden specialists. He is our most highly skilled pruner and technician. Michael is responsible for projects and construction as well as heading the department.
Adam Hart
Senior Gardener / Lower Stroll Garden
Adam has been with the Garden since 2008. Previously, he worked at Japanese gardens in both Richmond, Virginia and Chicago, Illinois. He holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Virginia Tech. The Lower Pond area of the Strolling Pond Garden is under Adam’s care and he works in coordination with the Head Gardener to oversee the organization and maintenance of the Garden as a whole.
Justin Blackwell
Zone I Gardener Technician / Flat Garden
Native to the Pacific Northwest, Justin has a background in art and landscape design. He joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2006 and quickly became a skilled aesthetic pruner. Justin possesses a keen eye for detail and a passion for grooming his area to suit the artistic vision. Justin is currently our lead aesthetic pruner.
Heike Edossa
Zone II Gardener Technician / Natural Garden
Heike acquired an education in Earth Sciences at Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany. She joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2006 after working one year in the City of Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Heike has been responsible for numerous areas in the Garden including nutrient management. Her contributions have enhanced the Garden overall. Heike accepted responsibility for the Natural Garden in 2008 and has guided it toward a greater sense of beauty.
Frank Tree
Zone IV Gardener Technician / Upper Stroll Garden
Frank joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2007 after becoming acquainted with Japanese landscape art forms at the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frank brings diverse background acquired through public gardens and private estates. He specializes in irrigation management, turf management and koi management. Frank has been a Certified Nursery and Horticulture Professional for more than twenty five years. The Upper Strolling Pond Garden and Tea Garden are under his care and maintenance. Frank also assists in caring for our turfs.