Hello GPODers!
A few weeks in the past we noticed some spectacular backyard scenes from Bonnie Phipps Moninger’s fall journey to Japan (Try these posts, if you happen to missed them: Half 1 and Half 2), and right this moment we’re retuning to the small however mighty nation for an additional take a look at their lush landscapes. Bonnie’s submission centered on the temple gardens all through Kyoto, however Charlona from Houston, Texas wished to share probably the most well-known gardens within the counry: Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard in Tokyo. The grounds of this historic monument and botanical wonderland have been initially a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence through the Edo Interval (1603-1868) in Japan, however it was finally transformed right into a botanical backyard and eventually opened to the general public in 1949. Carlona had the pleasure of visiting this backyard marvel this January.
These footage are from a visit we took to Japan in January 2026. Whereas in Tokyo, I wished to see a conventional Japanese backyard, so we went to Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard, a part of the Nationwide Parks of Japan. The park is 144 acres and is among the largest parks in Tokyo. It options over 1,500 cherry timber, a really giant greenhouse, and three major types: Japanese conventional, French formal, and English panorama.
Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard within the coronary heart of Tokyo, Japan, in January 2026.
Japanese gardens are most likely most identified for his or her clever and meticulous pruning, and that’s abundantly on show at Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard. Many timber and shrubs are educated with a technique referred to as “cloud pruning,” or Niwaki, which creates rounded foliage clusters that seem like floating inexperienced clouds. Be taught extra about this method on this article from the Royal Horticultural Society: Cloud pruning.
The rope construction across the tree helps disperse snow in order that it will possibly’t pile up and break the tree branches.
This lush panorama and interesting assortment of vegetation can be dwelling to gorgeous backyard buildings—though most buildings on the grounds have been, sadly, destroyed throughout World Battle II. The ornate construction above is the Kyu Goryo-tei Pavillion, or the Taiwan Pavilion, which was given to the park by Japanese individuals residing in Taiwan to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Hirohito in 1927.
Cherry tree in bloom
The London airplane tree (Platanus x acerifolia, Zones 4–9) is a hybrid cross between American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis, Zones 4–9) and Oriental airplane (Platanus orientalis, Zones 7–9), and may be very tolerant of air pollution.
The Nationwide Backyard has a really giant indoor greenhouse. This was an enormous staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum, Zones 9–13).
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum, Zones 10–11) rising on a wall within the greenhouse.
Lastly, though Japanese backyard design often favors wealthy foliage over vibrant flowers, there are some blooms to take pleasure in at Shinjuku Gyoen. This beautiful laelia orchid (Laelia anceps, Zones 9–11) was one other spectacular specimen that Charlona noticed within the greenhouse.
Thanks a lot for sharing these fascinating pictures from this world-class botanical backyard, Charlona! For anybody that appreciates the naturalistic look of Japanese backyard designs, Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard is among the most wonderful landscapes to expertise.
Whereas I’ll by no means get sick of going “On the Street” with GPOD, I can’t assist however marvel: The place is spring?? The season has been sluggish to get getting in a lot of North America this yr, however there should be some spring shade that our readers in hotter climates can share to get the remainder of us by way of the final stretch of chilly. In the event you’re beginning to see spring shade emerge in your backyard, please take into account sharing some pictures with the weblog. Observe the instructions beneath to submit your pictures to Backyard Picture of the Day!
We wish to see YOUR backyard!
Have pictures to share? We’d like to see your backyard, a specific assortment of vegetation you like, or an exquisite backyard you had the prospect to go to!
To submit, fill out the Backyard Picture of the Day Submission Type.
You may as well ship 5–10 pictures to [email protected] together with some details about the vegetation within the footage and the place you took the pictures. We’d love to listen to the place you might be situated, how lengthy you’ve been gardening, successes you might be pleased with, failures you realized from, hopes for the long run, favourite vegetation, or humorous tales out of your backyard.
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Wonderful Gardening Really useful Merchandise
DeWalt Variable-Pace Cordless Reciprocating Noticed with 6-Piece Noticed Blade Set
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You’ll be able to match a wide range of blades to this noticed to chop fallen branches or prune bigger limbs from timber in a pinch. It’s quick, robust, straightforward to make use of, and very versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke size
– Variable pace set off with 0-3000 spm
– DW4856 Metallic/Woodcutting Reciprocating Noticed Blade Set, 6-Piece
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
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With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little man weighs lower than 2 lb. and might zip by way of all of your minor pruning duties shortly and simply.
– 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
– Makes use of a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Features a quick charger
ARS Telescoping Lengthy Attain Pruner
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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Reduce and Maintain (160) Blades. Drop solid blades for unsurpassed lengthy lasting sharpness. Light-weight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Completely balanced for simple pruning.
