“Shin Deshojo Japanese Maple”
Heatherwood Spring
During the last two weeks, our Heatherwood Japanese Maples have been opening their leaves in a glorious burst of spring color. This Shin Deshojo graces our sitting area next to the pond. Its striking pinkish red color steals the show as we enter the sitting area.
We have another Shin Deshojo next our house. It has a story of its own to be told.
“Maple Leaf and Raindrops Abstract”
Heatherwood Garden
Simple images are fun to play with. I first photographed this vignette as a simple image of a leaf, a few branches, and raindrops. I liked the image, but then went beyond and asked myself, “If a single image was nice, how would multiple images combined look?” Sometimes more is better.
“Raindrops on Hana Matoi”
Heatherwood Spring
A rainy day in Yakima, Washington is not a common occurrence. And on this day, it rained ALL day. Since I have moved back into the area in 2016, I cannot recall it raining ALL day. But, my memory can be questioned from time to time.
On this rainy day, I was cooped up for most of the day. I couldn’t stand it much longer so I grabbed my camera and rain jacket and went exploring for rain drops. Walking through the garden among the trees and shrubs was like walking through a wonderland. Droplets were hanging down from the delicate bare branches of our Japanese maples. If I looked close, I could see an upside down reflection of my camera on the droplets. It was a day to create and experiment.
“Yukimi and Scolopendrifolium”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
Last week I added a new member to Heatherwood’s Japanese garden. It has quite a tongue-twister name: Acer Palmatum ‘Scolopendrifolium. Being an engineer, I have a hard time pronouncing a word with more than three syllables.
I planted the maple just south of the Yukimi to give the lantern a little protection. As the maple matures, it will form an umbrella shape weeping over the lantern and pond. From different view points it will help separate and frame the two waterfalls feeding the pond. Three years ago when we first build the pond, I imagined a lantern at the pond’s edge sheltered by a weeping Japanese maple. I was conflicted between having a wide-open view of both waterfalls or framed view of each. This summer, I finally made the decision to add the maple.
The structure of Heatherwood is pretty much in place. I enjoy walking around the garden searching for places where new plants, shrubs, and trees will enhance the overall garden. At the same time, I critically assess if a specific plant needs to be moved to a more suitable location. I feel lucky to be able to simultaneously enjoy what is in place and imagine what the garden will evolve to given time and a little help.
“The Iconic Japanese Maple”
Portland Japanese Garden
I usually am not drawn to that special iconic scene when I visit various “natural beauties.” But, sometimes I just must create an image. This iconic Japanese maple overlooks the main pond at the Portland Japanese Garden. It is the same tree that I photographed from beneath the branches in my previous posting. Over the years, I have haphazardly made a collection of images of this tree from my various visits to the garden. I have photographed it in different seasons, different times of day, different types of light, different weather conditions, and from many different perspectives. Most times, it is the first place I stop when I enter the garden. It is time for me to get serious and create a selective set of images that interprets this beautiful work of nature through my eyes.
“Signature Japanese Maple”
Portland Japanese Garden
Every time I visit the Portland Japanese Garden, I stop by and look under the branches of the signature Japanese maple that overlooks the main pond area. I get a completely different abstract view of the garden looking through the branches and leaves.
This star attraction is meticulously pruned to create the maple’s beautiful structure. The environment in the Portland garden is perfect for Japanese maples and their delicate pruned structure. In our Central Washington Heatherwood garden, we don’t the same luxury. Because of the harsh direct sunlight, we need to keep a heavy layer of leaves on the maples to protect them. We can still have a similar overall shape, but not the delicate loose layering of maples in a less harsh environment.
“Kotoji & Orangeola Japanese Maple”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
The Kotoji and Orangeola Japanese Maple are the guardians of Heatherwood’s stream and waterfalls. The Orangeola’s first breakout of leaves is a robust red. In mid-summer it transitions into a burgundy and green color. Then in the fall, it bursts out into a spectacular orange. Over time the Orangeola will grow and drape over the Kotoji.
This image illustrates some of our spring planting this year. Across the stream, white and pink phlox and kinnikinnick are starting to cover the ground. Siberian cypresses planted on both sides of the stream will gradually grow and flow down over the rocks to the stream. Some day, years from now, our Heatherwood Japanese garden will be filled with complementary vegetation from the ground to the sky. In the mean time, we will enjoy each day watching the garden grow.
“North Wind Hybrid Japanese Maple”
Heatherwood Japanese Maple
Our North Wind Japanese maple is a hybrid that has been developed to withstand harsher environments than a typical Japanese maple. It is located in full harsh afternoon sunlight and will eventually flow over the Oribe Japanese lantern and a Tetsu Bachi water basin. It provides an entryway to our lower Japanese garden retreat.
“Shin Deshojo Japanese Maple”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
I posted an image of this Shin deshojo earlier this month when the leaves were just starting to break out and before the new ground covers were added. The Japanese maple is now in its peak brilliant pink spring color. This spring we planted a patch of Bressingham thyme. In a few years, we should have a blanket of purple to complement the Shin deshojo maple. It takes time for the thyme.
“Japanese Maple and Waterfall”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
This morning’s garden stroll was focused on little vignettes of Japanese maples in our Japanese garden. This is one that I frequently turn to. This maple stands alongside our smaller waterfall. Its shape and green dissectum leaves provide a calm contrast to the rushing water.