Check out our final podcast of 2024, an interview with renowned Garden Designer, Hoichi Kurisu and his daughter, Michiko Kurisu. Hoichi Kurisu is President and Founder of Kurisu LLC. He has been designing and building gardens for nearly 50 years. His daughter, Michiko, is a NAJGA Board Member and Project Coordinator and Public Relations at Kurisu LLC. The podcast is hosted by Steven Pitsenbarger, Garden Supervisor at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. You can learn more about Mr. Kurisu and his company, Kurisu International, at kurisu.com

NAJGA Board Member & Director of Japan Institute at Portland Japanese Garden Aki Nakanishi, was recently in London. Listen to his powerful interview with Director Richard Deverell of Kew Gardens. Kew Gardens is the largest botanical institution in the world. This unscripted interview that took place during Aki’s informal visit to Director Deverell’s office at Kew, is an impactful statement of action, inspiring us to think differently about our own gardens as a vehicle for positive social change through public engagement and communication.

Check out our latest podcast on DIY gardens. Our host, Phil Pochoda, a private garden owner from New England, interview Nikolai Loveakis and Jeanne Kay Guelke about their gardens. You can listen here and see pictures of Nikolai and Jeanne’s gardens here: najga.org/diygardens

In this episode of the NAJGA podcast, Nick Esthus discusses climate change, sustainability and water conservation with Barrie Agar, Head Gardener Emeritus, Royal Roads University, Victoria, British Columbia, and Terri Clay, Horticultural Supervisor of the Japanese Garden at Lotusland, Santa Barbara, California.

In this episode of the NAJGA podcast, Shayna discusses the art, craft and heart of Japanese garden design with Tim Gruner, who shares his extensive knowledge and experiences related to pine trees and pine pruning in Japanese gardens. They explore various aspects of pine shaping, training, pine pruning, the differences between bonsai, niwaki or garden trees, the importance of space in Japanese gardens and placement of pines and how to create a cohesive effect in a Japanese garden.

Tim Gruner emphasizes the significance of achieving the right scale, transparency, and the role of pines in creating space. He also discusses techniques such as candling, cleaning the bark, and needle pruning to enhance the aesthetics of pine trees in the garden.

The conversation delves into the challenge of helping visitors connect with and appreciate Japanese gardens fully, especially when unfamiliar with the style. Tim suggests that turning off distractions and observing in silence can help individuals better appreciate the gardens' beauty.

Finally, they touch on the different shapes of pine trees, with Tim expressing a preference for compositions that involve multiple trunks functioning as part of a harmonious whole, particularly in combination with deciduous material, which offers a dynamic and invigorating experience.

To explore the world of Japanese garden design further go to our website at www.najga.org for all the resources available from the North American Japanese Garden Association.

In this podcast episode, host Shayna Price explores the world of Japanese dry gardens, or karesansui, with guest Heather Grzybek, the garden curator at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Florida. Heather shares her background and journey into Japanese garden design, highlighting the unique aspects of their contemporary take on a dry garden there. They discuss the challenges of maintaining dry gardens in the US, including the impact of weather, tools, and techniques for raking patterns, and the unconventional use of dry gardens for initiatives like Gardens for Peace. Heather emphasizes that the heart of dry gardens lies in simplicity, elegance, restriction, and the ability to provide a sense of peace and quiet in a chaotic world.

To explore more Japanese garden insights, resources, and engage with the community, visit the NAJGA website at www.najga.org and follow us on social media. Membership will provide community and access to a wealth of knowledge in the world of Japanese garden design. Happy Japanese gardening!

Welcome to the NAJGA Official Podcast, the ultimate resource for Japanese garden enthusiasts. The official podcast of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) explores the art, craft, and heart of Japanese garden design. Join Shayna as she engages in unscripted conversations with experts and enthusiasts about everything related to Japanese gardens.

In this episode, Shayna sits down with John Powell, an experienced Japanese landscape gardener who has built and maintained Japanese tea gardens across America. They dive into the world of tea gardens, discussing the challenges and joys of sharing Japanese tea gardens with guests of all knowledge levels in North America. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between form and function in Japanese garden design, highlighting the unique aesthetic and practical considerations that shape tea gardens.

As they explore the challenges posed by varying climates and available materials in North America, John offers insights into adapting traditional design principles to suit local environments. They discuss the importance of introducing guests to the immersive experience of a tea garden, fostering engagement with all five senses. The conversation also touches on the intersection of tea ceremony practices and garden design, revealing how each element complements the other in creating a holistic experience.

Join Shayna and John on this illuminating journey through the world of Japanese tea gardens. Discover the intricate nuances of design, the significance of cultural context, and the ways in which these tranquil spaces invite visitors to engage with nature, aesthetics, and tradition.

To explore more Japanese garden insights, resources, and engage with the community, visit the NAJGA website at www.najga.org and follow us on social media. And remember, becoming an NAJGA member not only supports the community but also offers you exclusive benefits and access to a wealth of knowledge in the world of Japanese garden design. Happy Japanese gardening!