はじめまして、ガーデンデザインショップ庭衆です。

Thank you and bye bye!

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:41:58 +0900

今日はロシアからきた研修生のアリヤさんの最後の日です。
この3ヶ月はちょっと早すぎて過ごしたですね・・
アリヤさんはとても良いアイディアを持って、色々な素晴らしい物をRJG「Real Japanese Gardens」に紹介してくれました。
アリヤさん、本当にありがとう！ロシアへ帰って、面白い庭をたくさん作ってください！^_-
また是非、庭衆に遊びに来てくださいね！

そして、私のアニカも7月1日から産休に入って、庭衆の仕事を6ヶ月ぐらい休みます。
RJGのソーシャルメディアを続きますので、InstaとFacebookを是非見てください！

お客さまの皆さん、ブログの読者の皆さま、お世話になりました。
また来年からどうぞよろしくお願いします！
- アニカ

Hello all!

I’m very sad to say that today is my last day in the company. My internship is already over and I’m going back to Russia soon. I would like to say thank you to Anika and Mr. Hayano for giving me the opportunity to learn about beautiful Japanese gardens and Japanese culture. It has been a great pleasure working with you! Through my time here I’ve learnt a lot of new things. I hope you’ve enjoyed my blog posts and have also been able to learn more about Real Japanese gardens!
It has been a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed the time I spent in RJG and Niwashyu.
Thank you!:)
-Aliya保存保存

Seminar, 植物の植栽に関わる基本的考え方

にわしゅう日和 — Fri, 27 May 2016 15:09:37 +0900

Seminar about basic concepts of growing plants, Tokyo.
Yamamoto Norihisa - dendrologist of Tokyo Agricultural University, Chair of Ai-Shokubutu landscape planning office and the main landscape designer of famous Tokyo Disneyland. This Monday RJG staff participated in the seminar by Yamamoto Norihisa about basic concepts of growing plants. Let me share in short the main ideas of the event.
1.Plants in different environment.
There are plants we can find in mountain area, plain area and in the cities in Japan. Plants have adaptations to help them survive (live and grow) in different areas. Some of them could be used for design of gardens.

2. Japan's monthly blossoms, hanafuda.
Seasons are the main theme in the Japanese garden culture. There are 12 main seasonal blossoms in Japan for each month. Hanafuda (花札) are Japanese playing cards (translates as "flower cards"). The Hanafuda card deck has twelve suits, each named for a month and an associated flower.

Hanafuda cards
Every Japanese garden is always prepared for each season, so every month people can visit gardens and enjoy one of the flowering plants.
3. There are two types of tree shapes we can find: artificial and natural. When we are planning a garden we always need to consider that naturally trees grow with a small group, never alone.

4. Soil structures. Soil structure refers to the soil picgrouping of soil particles (sand, silt, clay,organic matter and fertilizers) into porous compounds.In Japan we mainly can find coarse and clay soil.

Coarse textured soils have mainly large particles in between which there are large pores, so the rain or irrigation water enters and moves more easily into larger pores; it takes less time for the water to infiltrate into the soil. On the other hand coarse soil cannot keep water for long time. Clay soils hold on to water for a very long time, therefore, these soils are the most prone to leaving a garden plagued with standing water. The best option to grow healthy plants is to use mixed coarse and clay soil.

第18回国際バラとガーデニングショウ

にわしゅう日和 — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:36:30 +0900

On 18th of May I participated in the 18th International Roses & Gardening Show. Let me tell you more about this beautiful event. The show has been holding by International Roses & Gardening Organization Committee (Mainichi Newspapers/NHK/Sports Nippon Newspapers) every year since 1999. The largest event of its kind in Japan, it showcases roses and beautiful gardening from all around the world. There were presented over 1 million roses and the latest works of garden designers. The show received international recognition as a one-of-a-kind celebration. There were also many events such as gardening markets, special events held on the rose terraces, and rose and gardening contests.
-Aliya

Seibu Dome (Exhibition area), Tokorozawa city, Saitama, Japan.

Rose exhibition

Bouquets, exhibition

Rose garden

Small models of gardens

Japanese exterior design lesson

にわしゅう日和 — Mon, 16 May 2016 15:08:53 +0900

Last week Anika and Aliya participated in Japanese exterior design lesson. The lesson was hold by Furuhashi Norimasa – very talented designer and exterior architect. He is a teacher of Japanese garden design courses in E&P Academy and he also runs his own exterior building company (here is the link: E&P Academy). We have learnt many new things. Let me share with some interesting information!
The first part of the lesson Furuhashi-san introduced us “Procreate”- drawing and sketching iPod application - very useful program for architecters and designers. Then he talked about difference between Gaikou (we can translate it to English as building envelope) and Exterior.
Gaikou is the physical separator between the interior and the outdoor environment (for example, separation ground from streets, neighbors, other buildings etc.). The main focus is always on functionality.
Exterior includes building and design. It is not only functional part but also material coordination, color schemes, textures, contrasts etc.
Then we moved to the roles of optical effects in gardens like symbol trees, light, plants etc. The designer should be able to elaborate and describe every part and every detail of the planned garden. For example (on the picture), the vertical walls in front of the house and high trees set to hide the windows:

　
Step by step development of the outdoor environment

Every customer has his own request and design always should be planned accordingly. There are three styles currently presented in Japanese exterior designing: open style, closed style and semi-open style. Open style does not include walls to block the view from the street into the garden. Closed style separate the property with walls, fences and the gate from the street and neighbors. Semi-open style is a mix of both.

Then Norimasa-san showed us the real examples of his own work.
Step by step development of a garden design with terrace and lawn area.

Pictures of the house before and after reconstruction.Day and night views.

The pictures credit from website, for more information, please visit: EXPLANNING company

Hello, I am a new intern in Niwashyu

にわしゅう日和 — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 13:05:07 +0900

Hi all,

my name is Aliya. I just started my internship in Niwashyu company and I would like to introduce myself.

I am from Russia, graduated from Technical University. I love Art and Nature. I have always had a strong interest in garden design and Japanese culture. I came to Japan to learn more about this mysterious country and culture. Here in Tokyo I am going to learn about beautiful Japanese gardens and share my experience with you :) I would like to make people outside of Japan to understand more about Japanese garden culture and its beauty.

初めまして、アリヤです、ロシア人です。アートと自然がすきです。日本へ庭を勉強に行きました。よろしくお願いします。

【スタッフ募集】Staff recruitment

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:13:06 +0900

2016年7月中頃よりスタッフの１人が産休に入る為、
スタッフの募集を始めます。

【スタッフ募集】
日本人の場合は、業界経験者を募集します。
外構・庭の設計・デザイン・管理の出来る方、CAD作図、プレゼンテーションの出来る方、建築知識の有る方、（VectorWorks / Illustrator / Photshop / RICCAD）
向上心のある方で興味があれば、下記メールアドレスへ履歴書をPDF添付にてお送り下さい。

［日本人：担当窓口］
早野
E-mail:niwa@niwashyu.jp

【Staff recruitment】
Requirements
Exterior and garden plans, design, project management,
CAD (VectorWorks / Illustrator / Photoshop / RICCAD), presentations
People with a deep interest in exterior and gardens who are desperate to learn and gain experience
by themselves.

If you are interested, please contact us!

［外国人：担当窓口］
小楠アニカ（Anika Ogusu）
E-mail:anika@niwashyu.jp
Tel:080-3535-3700

アニカはイギリスからインタビューをされました！

にわしゅう日和 — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:02:03 +0900

何週間前に私はイギリスの旅行会社に日本庭園についてインタビューをされました。
今日、記事のリンクをもらいました！

英語ですが、読んでみてください。
「イギリス人は日本庭園がどのように見えて、どこの名庭が好きか」はちょっと面白いかも知れません！

質問があったら、アニカのほうにメールを書いてくださいね。

https://www.wendywutours.co.uk/blog/japan/tranquil-beauty-of-japans-gardens/

-Anika

Thank you for your time...

にわしゅう日和 — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:32:05 +0900

Dear Niwashyu readers,

Sadly my time here at this lovely exterior design company has come to an end! I would like to say a few words before leaving…

I have visited many different places throughout Tokyo during my time here, and seen many variations of gardens. It has been a pleasure to meet all the customers and understand their aspirations for their gardens. Each one has been unique and interesting, they have ranged from the traditional to the contemporary – Japanese to European styles.

I have also had a great time at the Real Japanese Gardens, writing articles for their social media and learning much about the intricate aspects of Japanese gardens throughout time.

I would like to sincerely thank my ‘senpai’s’ Mr Hayano and Anika at the company. It has been a pleasure learning so much from you, and working alongside you.

I hope that you will all continue to make your gardens green and always enjoy the delight that these beautiful sanctuaries give us!

Thank you for your time.

Jasmine

ヨーロッパの庭について

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:22:33 +0900

最近、庭造りの打ち合わせで、お客様から「洋風のお花がいい」という希望をよく聞きます。
特別なスタイル、イギリス風やフランス風もよく聞きます。
ヨーロッパ人として(ドイツからきた庭師なので)、そんな要望は特に問題ありません。
日本の気候は天国みたいです！
さらにヨーロッパ風の庭園を造りたい庭師に…
日本では大体の花は生えます。

だけど、二つの問題がありそうです。その問題は後で書くことにします。

まず、本当のヨーロッパの庭を紹介したいです！
ヨーロッパはだいたい日本より寒いです。
特に冬。
厳しい寒さの中では、常緑の植物に大きな問題があります。
冬の2ヶ月間くらい、地表に30cmぐらいの厚い氷が張ります。
水遣りは無理です！
だけど、晴れの日に常緑の植物は葉から水を蒸発させます。
枯れるリスクが大きいです。

両親の庭

じゃ…(北)ヨーロッパの庭はどう見えますか？
ヨーロッパ人は低木より宿根草をよく使います。
えッ？宿根草は何ですかとよく聞かれます。
宿根草は多年草です。緑の葉っぱは秋に枯れてしまうけど、次年の春にまた出ます。
宿根草は多いから、ヨーロッパでは皆それを知っています。

gardenista.comより

モダンな庭では、落葉低木と宿根草とエバーグリーンとグラス類と球根植物を混ぜて植えます。。

forum.garten-pur.deより

冬の花壇はちょっと淋しいけど、この庭も楽しめます！
エバーグリーンとグラス類はもちろんいつでもきれいだけど、宿根草もきれいです。
えッ？葉っぱ無しでもきれい？
はい、そうです！
宿根草の花は多種多様です。
秋に咲いている宿根草は冬に必要です。
枯れた花は朝の露ですごくきれいです！
でも、朝だけじゃなく、一日中きれいな形が目に飛び込んできます！
雪が降った後も、ヨーロッパの花壇は特別な美しさがあります。
常緑植物が多い庭は冬にも緑を保ちますが、つまらなくなる危険があります！

igpoty.comより

ヨーロッパ人は四季折々変化する庭を楽しみます。
春、夏、秋にいつも違う花が咲きます。
だけど、いちばん楽しい季節はもちろん春です！
2月や3月頃、最初の球根植物が目を出します。
待雪草は雪の上で咲いているのがいちばんいいです！

landscaping.about.comより

最後の雪の後、宿根草と落葉低木も新しい葉っぱが出ます。
日本人は新緑が大好きですよね。ヨーロッパ人もそうです。
長くて無色の冬の後、新緑はいちばん楽しいことです。

長い時間緑を恋しがる人は、春の新緑をいちばん楽しむことができます。
ドイツでは毎年、新緑の時期に日本の花見に似たことをします。
皆はとても喜んで、ピクニックやバーベキューをします。

これらのことを通して二つの問題を説明したいです。
日本では常緑の植物が多いから、皆は冬の間にも緑を楽しみたいですね。
それは当然のことですね。

日本で言われているヨーロッパの庭園は、オーストラリアと日本のエバーグリーンの植物で造った地中海風の庭のことです。

本当のヨーロッパの庭を造るには、植物の在庫の問題があります。
小ロットで買える植物は、いつも季節の植物です。
ヨーロッパの庭は、多くの花を混ぜて使います。
東京の庭は小さいから、普通のロットサイズは難しいです。
四季折々変化する庭を楽しむには、インターネットで小ロットを、ちょっと高い値段で購入できれば、可能性がありそうです。
他の可能性としては、季節ごとに植物を追加しながら造ることが考えられます。
まず、季節の植物とエバーグリーンとグラス類で始めて、あとで、他の季節の植物と球根植物を追加すればできます。

日本で本当のヨーロッパの庭を造ることは普通に簡単だけど、多くのお客様のご希望(まず安くて、エバーグリーンを一回造って終わり、ノーメインテナンス…)はちょっと難しいです。

本当のヨーロッパの庭には、メンテナンスが必要です。
ヨーロッパの庭師にノーメンテナンスと言うと、コンクリートの庭ばかりになります。
植物は生きものですから、成長して大きくなります。

重森三玲の作品

ヨーロッパで庭を持っている人は、メンテナンスについて３つの選択肢があります。
１．週末に庭の仕事を楽しんでやりながら、メンテナンスも自分で行う。
２．メンテナンスは業者に全てお願いし、メンテナンスサービスを受けて、料金を支払う。
３．剪定と芝刈りはメンテナンスサービスを受け（料金を支払う）、花壇の管理のみお客様ご自身で行う。

平安時代から、日本人は庭の仕事をいつも楽しんできました。
当初は庭のデザイナーとして、その後、庭の管理は宗教的な目的で必要になりました。

最近の日本人は庭の仕事を楽しむことができませんか？
きれいな庭が欲しいと思うのに、なぜ高額な自動車にお金を使いますか？
良い庭は生活の質を高めることができます。
良い庭は心を癒すことができます。
しかし、良い庭はお金がかかります。

いつか日本で、本当のヨーロッパの庭を造りたいです！

reallyprettyuseful.co.ukより

後記
ヨーロッパには、もちろん、現代的（コンテンポラリー）な庭があります。
それは本当に面白いので、今度説明したいと思います。

アニカのPinterest:
冬の庭
ヨーロッパの庭

World Soil Day 2015/12/5 - 国際土壌年2015

にわしゅう日和 — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:00:37 +0900

This week, on Saturday, it is World Soil Day. This year, it will be a larger celebration than normal, as it is also the International Year of Soil (国際土壌年2015). World Soil Day has only been designated in recent years. It aims to raise awareness around the world of the vital resource this vital resource and the benefits it brings us. Perhaps this is something that is easy for us to take for granted, as we see it so often in gardening! However, together we can recognize that outside of our own garden spaces, soil is used every day to produce our food and grow the forests of the beautiful Japanese mountains. It is a day to celebrate this and also to be aware of the problems that face the health of soil in agriculture and rural areas. If you would like to read more about World Soil Day, and issues involving soil, please click on the following links (日本語版): International Year of Soils 2015
JSSSPN
English: International Year of Soils 2015

Here are some useful and easy tips to improving soil in your garden:
➢ Use compost (you can even make this yourself with a compost bin!)
➢ Keep soil covered (with mulch, wood chips, low growing and creeping plants)
➢ Keep plants and soil watered.

Remember, good soil means good plants! ;)

Paris COP21

にわしゅう日和 — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 12:11:00 +0900

Paris COP21

This week in Paris, global leaders are coming together to decide on a plan to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions internationally.

Although this may seem distant, we can recognize as lovers of gardens and plants that we can play our part in climate regulation and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It’s important for us as individual gardeners to be aware that we are a part of a larger community of gardeners within Tokyo and the rest of Japan. Within this community, we can do a lot individually and together to help reduce emissions. Luckily, as garden lovers, plants can help with this by absorbing CO2… So let’s keep planting trees, shrubs and flowers and make Tokyo and Japan an even more beautiful place to live!

Please click on the following links for more information:
日本語版: NHK page
Japan Conservation Society blog page

English: COP21 International page

... and to find out how Japan's youth are getting involved, please click here: Japan's Youth Climate Action

(Source: http://www.pwrdbyplants.com/post/93895591943)

YKK AP Award Ceremony

にわしゅう日和 — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 09:56:06 +0900

Two weeks ago I had my first conference event at Niwashyu. This was actually an award ceremony for an exterior design created by Hayano san, the head of Niwashyu. The opening to the ceremony included an exciting video walk-through of presumably the latest designs and materials. Many talented architects were present and we saw some interesting design innovations, I also gained a further picture of how Japanese people are designing their garden spaces in Tokyo. Additionally, YKK gave a presentation about the kind of materials and styles of fences, flooring etc. that they are supplying architects and customers with. I really wanted to ask… do you use recycled materials, and do you talk to customers about the source of these? I also wanted to ask about perspectives of encouraging wildlife in gardens (such as butterflies, bees and birds), as is becoming popular in the UK. Perhaps questions for future meetings!

The designs exhibited were modern and clean cut, with a focus on decking in seating areas (if space) or the use of evergreen plants and minimalist tiling (if space was at a premium). Garden owners on an international scale usually want increasingly cost effective options independent of the space available, which often results in low maintenance designs. In Europe, many Asian plant species are used in gardens, however it is encouraging to see that native plants are still used in Japanese gardens. It will be interesting to see how preferences and designs change into the future. I hope for further use of native plants species, and the encouragement of more native flowers.

One of the few ladies present (an interior designer who was a judge for the awards), dressed in beautiful green kimono that apparently reflected her design style, spoke up to encourage more women into the profession. Well said! It’s always great to hear this kind of inspiration for women, no matter the business. She is a great role model for future women exterior and interior designer.

The award ceremony emphasized that the Japanese are very innovative within the small spaces they have to work with, and simplicity really works well with this. The designs were elegant and aesthetically pleasing, however, I cannot help but be a fan of native plants that encourage wildlife and am hoping to see them used in future designs. Maybe, once I’ve mastered some more of the language… this is something I can help to do!

After the event, it was great to be able to talk to some of the YKK representatives and learn more about their work. A very interesting and fun day out of the office! I would like to thank Hayano san and YKK AP for the warm invitation and reception during the award ceremony.

Jasmine

My first few weeks at Niwashyu as an intern

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:57:35 +0900

とても面白い！(...Or very interesting!) I have been initiated into a very hard working team, with a friendly, positive and determined attitude towards work. I began my internship by learning how to do the landscape design drawings of birds-eye and perspective views for clients. I love to draw, so this was a great start and something I look forward to doing more of.

English clotted cream gifts meet Japanese adzuki bean sweets!

Since then, I have been getting my hands covered in my favourite stuff – soil! The maintenance work has been physically tough (no exercise needed in the evening / weekend!) But it keeps you fit and there's always an美味しい (tasty) lunch! During this work, I’ve had the chance to help choose plants, giving me an awareness of the seasonality of this work and the species available for city dwellers to grow. I have enjoyed meeting each of Niwashyu’s clients thus far, and learning about their preferences for garden plants. I have noted there is a general liking of low maintenance evergreens and subtle colours. Additionally, there seems to be a preference towards English and contemporary Japanese garden styles, rather than traditional Japanese gardens. I would like to take the opportunity during this blog post to ask Niwashyu clients how wildlife other than plants (for example, birds, bees, insects etc.) are considered in the garden – are these a part of the decisions made when choosing plants?

Arranging flowers chosen from the garden center for a client’s balcony.

Currently, English gardeners are learning more about the importance of wildlife in gardens (both urban and rural), and as a consequence are incorporating more native, bee friendly flowers into garden designs. This recent development in garden design has been inspired by a greater awareness of global bee population decline due to loss of food and living space from farming and urban expansion. Is this something that modern Japanese gardens will also adapt?

Something that may be of inspiration to Tokyo gardeners is some of the leading work already happening in 銀座 (Ginza) - http://www.thinktheearth.net/thinkdaily/report/2010/10/rpt-54.html#page-3

More information about the importance of using bee friendly plants can be seen here - https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/conservation-biodiversity/wildlife/encourage-wildlife-to-your-garden/plants-for-pollinators

So, it’s been a busy first few weeks, but highly productive and educational! I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here, meeting more clients and understanding what they want from their urban gardens.

Jasmine

A note to say hi...

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 12:40:30 +0900

Hi all! I have just joined the company and would like to tell you a little bit about myself, before I begin writing blogs. :)

My name is Jasmine and I recently completed my Ph.D. in soil biogeochemistry at Newcastle University, UK. During this and my previous BSc studies in Environmental Science, I developed my passion for learning about the intricate and complex interactions of plants and animals within soil (…it’s not just brown stuff, believe it or not! -^) I have also always had a tangible interest in the Japanese culture, especially relating to their unique and beautiful gardens. Here in Tokyo, I am now marrying these two at Niwashyu.

I am very excited to learn more about all the different aspects of Japanese gardens and consider how they affect, and are affected by, the soil from which they grow. I also hope to investigate some Japanese urban agriculture projects during my stay... Perhaps I may even find an allotment to volunteer at!

Photoshoot for Odelic

にわしゅう日和 — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:27:03 +0900

Yesterday, we had a photoshoot for Odelic.
Odelic is a supplier of lights (house and garden), we use frequently when adding lights to a garden.

This shoot was done by Odelic itself for their catalogue.
They want to show how their products could look like when used.
The place for this shoot was a rooftop and a first floor, we designed earlier this year.
It is a building, which combines office space with apartments.

The owner loves green and nature and wanted to show it by using wood, interesting trees and evergreen climbing plants.
But of course, there should also be a modern factor, which is shown on the facade of the building and the unusual appearance of the aluminium fence for the climbers to grow.

The rooftop is a resting space for the employees of the companies as well as for the tenants.
There is a wooden terrace with chairs and tables for this purpose.
But most of the rooftop is covered with lawn.
This year, it is a combination of Phyla canescens, flowering plants and grass.
It is meant as a playground for dogs. Something, which is very rare in Japan.
All around the rooftop are planters with conifers for either give the image of privacy and for providing one more safety belt for not letting the dogs reach the surrounding fence.

It is wonderful to see the dogs play on this lawn.
In Japan, a dog leash has to be used any time.
This place is the only possibility for them to really run. And also to play and fight.

I didn't help much with the design of this place, but I was involved in the planting process and made the plant coordination in front of the entrance.
I am very happy, that I was involved in creating a green oasis for humans and dogs!

-Anika

Early Autumn Blues

にわしゅう日和 — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 11:30:21 +0900

Are you enjoying the nice weather and cooler temperatures of early autumn?

いい天気とちょうどいい温度を楽しんでいますか？

Niwashyu staff Anika is enjoying it to its fullest!

When not working on new design projects, I am working with all my might on new eBooks for Real Japanese Gardens.

庭衆のアニカはいい天気を是非楽しんでいます！

新しいデザインを作って以外、私は一生懸命新しいReal Japanese Gardensの電子書籍を書いています。

Until next year, my goal is to complete all our guides to Tokyo’s gardens!

Recently we published the guide about famous Koishikawa Korakuen.

Hamarikyu is soon to come and Rikugien will follow soon after.

来年まで、全ての東京庭園についてガイドブックをパプリッシュつもりです！

先、有名な小石川後楽園のガイドを公開しました。

もう直ぐ、浜離宮庭園の電子書籍をして、後で六義園のガイドは予定です。

Now is the perfect time to visit gardens in peace before the buzzling time of autumn foliage start.

Maybe with one of our guides?

今庭園に行くの時間は一番ですよ。まだ静かに散歩できて、賑やかな紅葉とき前に。

多分、Real Japanese Gardensのガイドブックと？

While doing the research, I am enjoying our green terrace with a Cafe Latte.

As a real German, I am totally addicted to coffee!

In my free time, I am now enjoying visiting Japanese Gardens, old temples and shrines, the mountains nd studying the art of real Japanese Gardens.

What are you doing these days?

Visit Real Japanese Gardens Website here: www.japanesegardens.jp

About Container Arrangements

にわしゅう日和 — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:13:27 +0900

One month ago, Niwashyu staff Anika attended a class about container design.

It was held by Gabriele Kubo of Flower Design School Hana-Ami at the Flagstore of Youkaen in Sakurashinmachi.

The participants learned the basics of design principles and how to pot the plants together into a planter.

I as a gardener already knew the basics, but was fascinated by how Gabriele hold the class. She is a strict teacher, but one really learns a lot, when listening well. Her combined knowledge of German and Japanese design, can widen one’s horizon.

If you are interested in Flower design, please visit the website of Hana-Ami School. Classes are held in Japanese, but Gabriele is also fluent in English and German.

Gabriele during the lesson.

Arrangements done by Gabriele.

I am often designing planters for private use or for customers.
There are some great differences in using planters, I want to write about today.

First of all, there are two styles of container design.
If you integrate big planters into your balcony design, you might want them to look great in all seasons and also to have them look good for a long time.

The other possibility for planters is a seasonal planter. These ones most often happen to be small but stylish pots with perennials or annuals, which are flowering for one season.

Winter arrangement done by me.

When designing a planter of the first style, there are again some possibilities how doing the design.
Always consider the surroundings. Sometimes, one single tree or symbol plant is doing well without anything else.

A single plant in a container. No need for more.

Sometimes, you want to combine a tree or special plant with smaller perennials, evergreens or ground covers.

Olive with evergreens.

And sometimes, you want a flower bed in pots.

Herb garden in a pot. It might be not beautiful in every season.

Always think about the seasons!

If you plant a deciduous tree, you might want some evergreen plants to its feet in winter.
When designing a flower bed in pots, you should think about the flowering times of each plant. Choose one or more for every season and combine them with some evergreens.
This kind of planter design is the most difficult one. It’s not only about flowering time, but also about shape, colour, height and sense!

A very maintenance intensive design.

The second design style is comparable with the above mentioned flower bed in pots. You have to create a planter, which is interesting and looks good. The colours have to fit, the plants should have different heights and the leaves different shapes.
A good way to choose plants for these designs is, to go to a plant shop, selecting plants and put them into your basket in the way you would like to plant it later. You can already guess how it could look like.
Garden centers should also have example planters, where you can borrow ideas.
Please be aware, that this arrangements are not meant to look nice for a long time!

It already looked totally different only one month after planted.

And they definitely need more maintenance than the above mentioned planters.
Of course you can choose evergreen plants too, but perennials, annuals or flowering plants may need to be exchanged during the seasons. You will need to cut off old flowers and resize evergreens regularly. Also old and dead leaves have to be removed.

When maintained in the right way, this arrangement can be enjoyed all year round.

Plants are living things. There are fast- and slow growing plants, but they all evolve. They will never look always the same.
To have a great garden, balcony or planter, one has to do maintenance on a regular basis, to keep plants in shape. There is no „no maintenance“ garden when plants are involved.
This is one basic rule, one should never forget.

A green terrace, which needs regular maintenance. Picture before maintenance.

First project finished

にわしゅう日和 — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:24:34 +0900

In November I finished my first project for Niwashu.
We reformed a huge garden in Tokyo's Minato-ku over one week.

When we first arrived in the garden, it was like a high green wall in the background and empty space in the foreground.
The new garden is a mixture of European elements and modern Japanese style.
The European elements are presented by creating a garden through plants and the Japanese style through the gravel areas and the small terrace in the middle of the flowerbed.

初めてのガーデンデザインを終わりました！
去年の11月に一週間ぐらい、新しい庭を作りました。
スタイルは洋風とモダーンジャパニーズのミックスです。

~Anika

Happy New Year!

にわしゅう日和 — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:27:02 +0900

We wish everybody a Happy New Year 2015!

There happened a lot in late 2014 and I will be happy to write about it when I'm not so busy like now.
So please look forward to it in 2015 :)
I hope, this year will be as much fun as the last.

May 2015 be a prosperous, healthy and happy year for you!

YKKap Exterior Foto Contest 2014

にわしゅう日和 — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:42:21 +0900

Yesterday, Niwashyu team went to a award ceremony of YKKap Exterior.

昨日、庭衆スタッフはYKKap Exteriorの授賞式に行ってきました。

There was a photo contest where Niwashyu also submitted designs an won two prices.

エクステリアのフォトコンテストは第4回目の開催となります。
庭衆もデザインを応募して、アワードを2つもらいました。

One was a bronze award for entrance areas and one was silver award for reforming a present exterior space.

1つは門・車庫まわりの銅賞、1つはエクステリアリフォームの銀賞でした。

I hope I will someday also be able to went up to the stage and receive a price!

はじめまして、ガーデン デザイン ショップ 庭衆です。