🌸 The Flowers of Spring at Portland Japanese Garden 🌿 While cherry blossoms may steal the spotlight each spring, they’re just the beginning of the floral story unfolding now through June. Japanese gardens are intentionally subtle in their use of color. As former Garden Director Michio Wakui shared: “Japanese gardens do not use a lot of colors and flowers,” noted Michio Wakui, Garden Director (1974-76), to Board President Ed McVicker (2009-11) in a 2010 interview. “For example, when we use camellias, we don’t use many but strategically place it in one spot. English gardens use a lot of colors and have fun with colors. On the other hand, Japanese gardens try to keep it as simple as possible. I don’t think that in Japanese gardens, they are consciously arranging the different tones of foliage like in an English garden. It’s more about shape, using stones, and the balance between stones and trees.” • Azaleas & Rhododendrons – Look for them along paths and near stone lanterns, their vibrant blooms popping against serene green backdrops. • Wisteria – Cascading from the arbor near the Membership Center, its blossoms have enchanted visitors for decades. • Dogwood – The species planted here, Cornus kousa, are native to East Asia, including Japan. Read more: https://japanesegarden.org/2025/05/19/the-flowers-of-spring-at-portland-japanese-garden/ (fb)

🌿 Help Portland Japanese Garden grow! Make a one-time gift or become a monthly donor today—your support keeps this cultural gem blooming with peace, beauty, and belonging for all. Donate here: https://donate.japanesegarden.org/springappeal And psst... spring is showing off—moss is glowing, koi are cruising, and blossoms are doing their delicate dance. Come be part of the magic. ✨🐟🌼 #portlandjapanesegarden #hereforportland #communitysupport (fb)