Show Notes
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.
More from The NAJGA Japanese Garden Podcast
In this episode of the NAJGA Podcast, host Tim Gruner sits down with Greg Afman of Rettig Garden Fostering and Stewardship at Anderson Japanese Gardens for a wide-ranging conversation about the experiences, ideas, and philosophies that have shaped his approach to Japanese gardens.
We’re excited to announce a new NAJGA podcast episode featuring a special conversation with three NAJGA Presidents: Benjamin Chu (current president), Jeanette Schelin (past president), and Michelle Day-Miles (incoming president). In this thoughtful roundtable, our presidents reflect on their personal journeys with NAJGA and explore the organization’s evolving priorities—from governance and fundraising to community engagement and the future of NAJGA. Together, they share insights on accomplishments, challenges, and hopes for the next five years, offering a deeper understanding of how NAJGA is stewarding its mission forward. Whether you’re a longtime member or simply passionate about Japanese gardens, this episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, collaboration, and purpose.
In this edition of the NAJGA Podcast, host Ben Chu—NAJGA President and Horticultural Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden—offers a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 7th NAJGA International Japanese Garden Conference, taking place October 15–18 at MoBot. Joining him are three special guests: Dr. Kendall Brown, Professor of Asian Art History at CSU Long Beach, founding NAJGA member, and past president
Learn more about our guests and see pictures of Amache at: najga.org/amache
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