This Saturday Learn Pruning From a Master in a Japanese-Inspired Garden on Whidbey Island

For a one-of-a-kind horticultural event in an inspiring setting, consider spending this coming Saturday on Whidbey Island to learn about pruning from a master.

Osaka native Masa Mizuno has designed and installed public and private Japanese gardens around the world; he's best known in the Northwest as the former landscape director of the Japanese Garden in Portland. On Saturday, April 30th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., he'll demonstrate Japanese pruning techniques, answer questions, and lead a tour of the Bodine Japanese Gardens in Clinton at the south end of Whidbey Island. All this garden activity will be capped off by an authentic Japanese luncheon in this beautiful waterfront house and garden....cost is $75.00 to benefit the Northwest Language Academy's scholarship fund.

Mizuno has worked on the Bodine garden for years, and this is a chance to see his work at a residential scale. Stroll the paths past mature trees and mossy boulders, cross bridges over ponds and a stream while admiring the view of salt water and mountains from this private garden high on a bluff above the sea. And the Bodine's are wonderful and enthusiastic hosts... how many horticultural events are this unique, let alone delicious?

Reserve your place ... Call 360-321-2101, or email info@nwlanguageacademy.com. And while you're on Whidbey Island, check out the fabulous Cultus Bay Nursery which is close to the Bodine garden, the Bayview Farmer's Market opening April 30 for the season, neighboring Bayview Farm and Garden with its exciting new greenhouses, and Chocolate Flower Farm for a fun selection of dark-toned plants.

The Bodine Japanese Gardens at the height of spring - look how elegantly pruned that cherry tree is....

 

Comments

[Calvin]

That garden looks tremendous! I am trying to work toward something similar, only am limited to native plants. I am keeping track of my progress at http://athistleinmysensitivearea.wordpress.com/ I wish I could attend the workshop, I am a Niwaki superfreak! Thanks-Calvin

[DariaW]

I think we're so lucky to have the tradition of the influence of Japanese sensibilties here. I remember seeing the rhododendrons and azaleas blooming at the National Arboretum in DC, the other Washington. It's the same sorts of plants we have here, but it was painfully garish.