Explore lush, dense planting choices inspired by the breathtaking garden that captivated hearts at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show. Kazuyuki Ishihara, the master of miniature landscapes, once again wove his magic into a small plot, creating a sanctuary that whispers of faraway mountain retreats.
The Wizard of Wow: Kazuyuki Ishihara
Imagine, if you will, a gentleman in polka dots and bow ties, exuding the joy of a child on Christmas morning. This is Ishihara, the flamboyant designer whose gardens are anything but loud. For two decades, he’s been turning heads and winning medals at Chelsea, including a well-deserved Silver for 2024’s MOROTO no IE – the Garden of Happiness.
From Dapper to Serene: Ishihara’s Design Philosophy
While Ishihara’s fashion choices might make you reach for sunglasses, his Japanese-style miniature gardens invite you to slip them off and drink in the serenity. MOROTO no IE is a masterclass in contrasts:
- Lush greens playing hide and seek with pops of violet and white
- A hidden stream’s gentle song harmonizing with rustling maple leaves
- Traditional elements like pines and nandinas reimagined for modern spaces
- A grand landscape in a small urban garden space
MOROTO no IE: Where Zen Meets Whimsy
Ishihara proves that even the tiniest urban nook can become an oasis. His Garden of Happiness boasts:
- A pint-sized parking spot for a charming motorcycle and sidecar (because why should cars have all the fun?)
- A “man cave” that would make any nature lover swoon – think living walls and a record player for impromptu Beatles sessions
Bring the Magic Home: 8 Plants for a Japanese-Style Garden Inspired by Ishihara
Ready to sprinkle some Chelsea stardust in your own garden? Here are my top picks inspired by MOROTO no IE:
1. Acer ‘Yama nishiki’: This Japanese maple is a fireworks display in slow motion. Finely cut leaves shift from spring’s light greens to autumn’s warm embrace, all supported by striking red stems. It’s meditation-worthy, whether you prefer tea or (like me) a steaming cup of coffee in the garden.
2. Iris ensata ‘Silverband‘: Ishihara used just 20 pots of irises to pull off the beautiful effect (I know because The Royal Horticultural Society publishes plant lists with quantities from each garden which is SO COOL!) proving that sometimes less truly is more. Their regal purple blooms create show-stopping focal points.
3. Quercus suber (Cork Oak): While not traditionally Japanese, this weathered wonder from Southern Europe and North Africa fits perfectly into Ishihara’s vision of timeless beauty.
4. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge): The ultimate problem-solver for shady, dry spots. Ishihara carpeted his garden with 100 of these glossy-leaved ground covers. They’re practically indestructible! What a winner.
5. Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’: Don’t let the mouthful of a name deter you. This charmer boasts delicate bell-shaped flowers in spring and a fiery autumn display, perfect for smaller spaces or containers.
6. Dryopteris erythrosora (Japanese Red Shield Fern): Gorgeous coppery new growth of this shade-loving fern beautifully knits together the scene of the lush green carpet of low growing plants and the rosy tones in the canopy of Japanese Maples.
7. Liriope muscari ‘Okina’ (Frosted monkey grass): A nice companion to mirror the grassy shape of the iris leaves, lily turf extends the season with purple flowers in late summer and fall.
8. Saxifraga stolonifera (Strawbery Begonia): Another stunning groundcover to complement the tapestry, fuzzy leaves streaked with silver veins have maroon undersides. A gentle repetition of the color scheme, subtle and serene.
Your Own Slice of Happiness: How to Start Your Own Japanese-Inspired Garden
Remember, creating a Japanese-inspired garden isn’t about rigid rules. It’s about finding balance, embracing simplicity, and carving out a space that brings you joy – just as Ishihara does with every garden he creates.
Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, you can infuse a touch of MOROTO no IE’s magic. Start small, perhaps with a single Japanese maple in a beautiful pot, surrounded by a carpet of pachysandra. Add a tiny water feature, and voila! You’ve created your own pocket of serenity in the midst of urban hustle.
Dive Deeper into Japanese Garden Design
Feeling inspired? Here are some wonderful resources to fuel your garden dreams:
- Follow Kazuyuki Ishihara on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his design process, latest projects, and exuberant outfits.
- Visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show page to learn about past and upcoming exhibitions.
- Check out the Japanese Garden Society for additional resources on creating and maintaining Japanese-inspired gardens.
Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as the destination. So put on your most colorful outfit (Ishihara would approve!), grab your trowel, and start creating your very own Garden of Happiness. Who knows? You might just find yourself whistling a Beatles tune as you work!