Spring Plant Sale Pregame: Japanese Garden Design Fundamentals in the Front Range - ONLINE

Do you want to create your own Japanese garden but don't know where to start? Join us online live for this class that demystifies the fundamentals of Japanese gardens and shows how they can inspire lush, serene, water wise landscapes. Learn how our natural Colorado native plants and trees inspire and adapt classic Japanese garden design elements. Expert landscaping advice is provided on how to use materials that work well in the Front Range, with in depth discussion on how native and drought tolerant plants support both beauty and sustainability.

Japanese gardens naturally embody the principles of low water design: thoughtful plant placement, efficient use of space, seasonal interest, and an emphasis on form and texture instead of heavy irrigation—proving that xeriscaping doesn’t have to look like a field of grass and rocks. Gain an understanding of seasonal rhythms, water wise techniques, and native plant opportunities within Japanese garden design principles. Get expert guidance on creating a serene atmosphere, highlighting the seasons, and maintaining your garden over time.

This class is for novices as well as expert gardeners looking for their next inspiration. It also serves as an introduction to an in-depth, three day workshop focused on creating a landscape plan tailored to each participant’s unique needs and site conditions.

This course fulfills an elective requirement for the Rocky Mountain Gardening full series certificate program.

Price: $20, $17 member

Location: Online

Special Instructions: This class is shared live via Zoom. The Zoom link is sent the day before the class. This class is NOT recorded.

Instructor: Desirae Wood

Desirae is a landscape architect inspired by Japanese gardens and trained in both Japanese garden and ecology-based principles and practices. With over 17 years of experience, she currently serves as the founding principal of Dobro Design and was the former garden asset manager for the Portland Japanese Garden. In these roles, Desirae has led garden renovation, design, construction, maintenance, asset management, research and education while guided by a strong purpose - to connect people to nature through the beauty of awe-inspiring gardens.