Aesthetic Pruning Program - Winter Schedule
Fundamentals of Pruning, Zoom: Thursday, February 9th, 6:00-8:00pm
LINCOLN PROUD, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
In the Fundamentals of Pruning course students will cover more than just how to make cuts and shape plants within thelandscape. Topics discussed will range from why we prune, what tools should be used, and even some basic plant biology—
all of which form the foundation and provide the necessary background knowledge needed to prune woody plants correctly.
After covering these synergistic topics, the instructor will discuss how to approach a variety of plants found in landscapes.

January 2023

Tsuru Soars
Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden Newsletter

Fundamentals of Pruning Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, February 11th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Fundamentals of Pruning course.

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach, Zoom: Thursday, March 9th, 6:00-8:00pm
MARYANN LEWIS, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
Learn to apply the aesthetic pruning approach to trees and shrubs in your garden, including how to assess your tree, identify
the role it will play in your garden, and develop a pruning plan to achieve your goals.

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, March 11th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach course.

Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape, Zoom: Thursday, April 13th, 6:00-8:00pm
FRANCHESKA SNYDER, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
Managing an overgrown landscape can be overwhelming. How do you even start? Learn ways to gracefully bring your landscapeback into a scaled composition.

Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, April 15th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape course

Pruning Workshop at Vanport International, Onsite: Saturday, May 6th, 9am-3pm
In addition to the Zoom classes and onsite Recaps, GJG is offering a hands-on all-day workshop in May. The workshop will belimited to 12 participants with two instructors for an optimal learning experience.

COSTS
Pruning Course (Zoom): $45 ea. | Course Recap (Onsite): $20 ea. | All-day Workshop (Onsite): $100
Register and Pay at: https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/happenings/pruning-program/

Upcoming Workshops
IKEBANA FOR THE SEASON
Tuesday, January 10, 1:00-2:30pm
NANA BELLERUD, INSTRUCTORP R IC IN G
REDUCED

Nana Bellerud will use plant material that resonates for the season. She will
cover the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care.
Participants will make 1 basic style and 1 freestyle with emphasis on theseasonal theme. The cost includes all material. Cost: $45
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/happenings/ikebana-for-every-season/

THE ART OF BONSAI
Third Thursday and Saturday, 1-3:00pm
MARK VOSSBRINK, INSTRUCTOR
Learn bonsai techniques and concepts from instructor Mark Vossbrink.
A different project is introduced each month. Bring pruners or snippers
and pliers to class. The cost includes all material. Cost: $35
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/product/art-of-bonsai/

Volunteer Newsletter Editors: Sue Hughes, Mary Taylor and Mary Dickson. Photos by Bill Peterson.

We’re Halfway to Our Goal
If there’s a positive about
Covid, it’s the acceptance of
online auctions. In-person
auctions require a ton ofeffort and upfront costs, butwith Covid, not only havesoftware developers figured
it out, people are much more
ur hearts our full, and our bank accepting of shopping online. We areaccount is bigger. We havegrateful to everyone who participatedraised $25,500 out of the proj- and to our generous community donors!
ect’s projected cost of $50,000!
As we look ahead to raise the next
The online auction kicked off with the$25,000, we’ll be selling raffle tickets toin-person event, taking place on a day
vacation destinations, and hopefully
we got a bunch of snow. We were happy another auction and a springtime
it didn’t deter people from joining us.
event at the Garden.

O

PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW
.雪ちるや一本草のひょろひょろと
yuki chiru ya ippon kusa no hyoro-hyoro tosnow falling—one blade of grass, trembling– Issa 1925

Sponsors are the backbone of a fundraiser!

CHRISTINA PRICEThe Secrets to Successful Gardens

Oshogatsu Rings in the New Year in JapanE

xperienced Japanese gardeners
The key to a good pruner iswould all say that proper mainexercising patience. Devise atenance is the key to a beautiful three-year plan. There should beJapanese garden. One of the essential
short, medium and long-term
maintenance tasks is pruning.
goals to achieve the desiredTree pruning is a task that can go on for results.
decades. It’s also one of the most comWhat is the purpose? Is the tree
plicated and difficult to master. If a tree the focal point or a backgroundhas been neglected, or has never beenplant? What can be pruned
pruned, it will most likely be dense with now? How much can you prunecrossing branches and wild growth in
now? Aesthetics plays a role inevery direction. Deciduous trees in par- this plan, but the health of theticular often become too dense. Keeping tree should be your highest priority.
the interior airy and sunny, lessens insect Severe pruning should be avoided at all
and deadwood problems.
costs, especially if the tree is under stress
Correct some of the most importantfrom such factors as drought, extreme
problems and then stop. Patiently wait
sun or shade conditions, soil compacuntil next year to tackle other problems. tion, or transplanting. Pruning frequently
and moderately is better than pruning
dramatically once a year. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Pruning should improve andenhance the plant; it should
never harm and usuallyshouldn’t be noticeable.
This is best accomplishedby respecting the basic
habit and branching patterns of the tree or shrub.

by Mary Dickson

I

Platform tripod ladder versus a regulartripod ladder

What is the natural shape of the tree;
Upright, spreading, weeping? Prune to
the natural growth and expected reaction of the tree. One arborist told GJG,
“don’t try and defy the natural growthhabit of the tree, because the tree is always
going to win.”
And last, sharp, high-quality tools are
essential for good results. Bypass shears,
snippers or scissors, lopper, saw, and an
extended pruner are your best friends.
Also, investing in a safe, quality, regulartripod ladder will save time and makeclimbing easier.
Source: Sukiya Living - 2015

Pruning Help

Damage to the Shadehouse

Last month the Garden received some
professional pruning services from the
instructors who will be teaching our pruningclasses (see back).
Who you don’t see in this photo is
Francheska. She’s climbed 15 feet high into
the pine tree. Bill and Lincoln are the eyeson the ground advising her on what limbs
to cut.

The planted trees and shrubs survived thewinter storm. Even the greenhouse came outof the storm with no damage. But, the shadehouse and plant inventory did not. The windripped off the shade cloth from its frame andthrew plants around like they were skippingstones.
Our volunteers will have plenty of work tocome back to in the new year.

GARDEN REDESIGN
Questions to Consider
Layers: Can I use a trellis or pergola toextend vegetation higher?
Sustainability: What native shrubs or
flowers can I plant to help pollinators?
Soil nutrition: Should I begin a compost
pile to help rejuvenate my soil?
Diversity and aesthetics: What plants
would add seasonal colors and textures?
Spring: What seeds should I order tostart indoors?
— Jim Buck, Garden Volunteer
and Organic Gardener

magine you are in Japan in December. Toward the end of the month,
you will clean your house thoroughly
and pay off your debts. You may go backto your home town. Starting on New
Year’s Eve, schools and businesses willclose for several days, up to two weeks.
Prior to the festivities
on New Year’s Eve, you
Huge bell being rung by the priests just before
Osechi ryori, traditional foods for the holiday.
would send nengajo
midnight on December 31, 2010, when I celebrated New Year’s in Tokyo. symbolic. This tradition started in theto your friends. These
special cards make the
Heian Era, between 794 and 1185. You
Japanese postal system sleep, but you’d better get up in time for will eat this meal, considered the most
hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise
very busy, striving toimportant meal of the year in Japan, withdeliver millions of them of the New Year, a time for reflection and special chopsticks called iwai-bashi.
praying for good fortune and happiness.
on New Year’s Day.
In addition to all this symbolism, New
From late December through theYear’s in Japan has many fun aspects.
31st, you would say to your friends, yoi
Children look forward to otoshidama,
otoshi-o. From January 1, your say, akeenvelopes containing cash that they getmashite omedeto gozaimasu. Both meanfrom relatives.
“Happy New Year” and “Congratulations
A really fun tradition is fukubukoro,
for the New Year” which is beginning.
bags that you buy in stores withYou might also makeout knowing what’s in them(or buy) kadomatsu
Here’s the throng of people when I participateddecoration made ofin hatsumode on January 1, 2011. A really fun tradition is fukubukoro, bags
bamboo, pine, andthat you buy in stores without knowing
Though Japan is not religious in theplum branches. These
what’s in them. They contain leftoversame way as the US, many people
materials represent
goods the store wants to get rid of. You
observe hatsumode, the first shrine visit.
longevity, prosperity,
are always guaranteed that the value is
Here
you
would
make
wishesfortheand sturdiness. The Garden wraps its
significantly higher than what you pay,
entrance pillars with kadomatsu. Other new year, offer prayers, and buy lucky
and some stores include very high-value
charms. The atmosphere around shrines
decorations include kagami-mochi (aitems such as plane tickets to Hawaii.
is festive, with food booths and souverice cake) and shimekazari (New Year’s
When someone opens a fukubukoro ofnirs
reflecting
thezodiacsignforthewreath).
high value, a loud cheer goes up in the
On New Year’s Eve, you will hear joya no year. In 2023, it is the rabbit.
crowd.
kane, Buddhist temple bells being rungNo matter how you celebrate New
108 times, symbolizing the number
Year’s, the Gresham Japanese Gardenof desires people have, like anger andwishes you health and happiness in 2023.
jealousy, and their relationship to human
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!
suffering. The bell-ringing cleanses yourheart, mind, and soul for the year ahead.
If you were at Tokyo Disney, you could
watch the fireworks display. You would
Join Our FlockCorn Standfind a stand and have a cup of toshikoshi
Sign up on our website to
Even with a snack of corn, all this celesoba, long buckwheat noodles which
receive the monthly newsletter.
brating
will
make
you
hungry.
Youcanrepresent long life and prosperity.
look forward to osechi ryori, traditional
You might catch a couple of hours offoods for the holiday, each of which is

The Secrets to Successful Gardens

Oshogatsu Rings in the New Year in JapanE

xperienced Japanese gardeners
The key to a good pruner iswould all say that proper mainexercising patience. Devise atenance is the key to a beautiful three-year plan. There should beJapanese garden. One of the essential
short, medium and long-term
maintenance tasks is pruning.
goals to achieve the desiredTree pruning is a task that can go on for results.
decades. It’s also one of the most comWhat is the purpose? Is the tree
plicated and difficult to master. If a tree the focal point or a backgroundhas been neglected, or has never beenplant? What can be pruned
pruned, it will most likely be dense with now? How much can you prunecrossing branches and wild growth in
now? Aesthetics plays a role inevery direction. Deciduous trees in par- this plan, but the health of theticular often become too dense. Keeping tree should be your highest priority.
the interior airy and sunny, lessens insect Severe pruning should be avoided at all
and deadwood problems.
costs, especially if the tree is under stress
Correct some of the most importantfrom such factors as drought, extreme
problems and then stop. Patiently wait
sun or shade conditions, soil compacuntil next year to tackle other problems. tion, or transplanting. Pruning frequently
and moderately is better than pruning
dramatically once a year. Remember, patience is a virtue!
Pruning should improve andenhance the plant; it should
never harm and usuallyshouldn’t be noticeable.
This is best accomplishedby respecting the basic
habit and branching patterns of the tree or shrub.

by Mary Dickson

I

Platform tripod ladder versus a regulartripod ladder

What is the natural shape of the tree;
Upright, spreading, weeping? Prune to
the natural growth and expected reaction of the tree. One arborist told GJG,
“don’t try and defy the natural growthhabit of the tree, because the tree is always
going to win.”
And last, sharp, high-quality tools are
essential for good results. Bypass shears,
snippers or scissors, lopper, saw, and an
extended pruner are your best friends.
Also, investing in a safe, quality, regulartripod ladder will save time and makeclimbing easier.
Source: Sukiya Living - 2015

Pruning Help

Damage to the Shadehouse

Last month the Garden received some
professional pruning services from the
instructors who will be teaching our pruningclasses (see back).
Who you don’t see in this photo is
Francheska. She’s climbed 15 feet high into
the pine tree. Bill and Lincoln are the eyeson the ground advising her on what limbs
to cut.

The planted trees and shrubs survived thewinter storm. Even the greenhouse came outof the storm with no damage. But, the shadehouse and plant inventory did not. The windripped off the shade cloth from its frame andthrew plants around like they were skippingstones.
Our volunteers will have plenty of work tocome back to in the new year.

GARDEN REDESIGN
Questions to Consider
Layers: Can I use a trellis or pergola toextend vegetation higher?
Sustainability: What native shrubs or
flowers can I plant to help pollinators?
Soil nutrition: Should I begin a compost
pile to help rejuvenate my soil?
Diversity and aesthetics: What plants
would add seasonal colors and textures?
Spring: What seeds should I order tostart indoors?
— Jim Buck, Garden Volunteer
and Organic Gardener

magine you are in Japan in December. Toward the end of the month,
you will clean your house thoroughly
and pay off your debts. You may go backto your home town. Starting on New
Year’s Eve, schools and businesses willclose for several days, up to two weeks.
Prior to the festivities
on New Year’s Eve, you
Huge bell being rung by the priests just before
Osechi ryori, traditional foods for the holiday.
would send nengajo
midnight on December 31, 2010, when I celebrated New Year’s in Tokyo. symbolic. This tradition started in theto your friends. These
special cards make the
Heian Era, between 794 and 1185. You
Japanese postal system sleep, but you’d better get up in time for will eat this meal, considered the most
hatsuhinode, watching the first sunrise
very busy, striving toimportant meal of the year in Japan, withdeliver millions of them of the New Year, a time for reflection and special chopsticks called iwai-bashi.
praying for good fortune and happiness.
on New Year’s Day.
In addition to all this symbolism, New
From late December through theYear’s in Japan has many fun aspects.
31st, you would say to your friends, yoi
Children look forward to otoshidama,
otoshi-o. From January 1, your say, akeenvelopes containing cash that they getmashite omedeto gozaimasu. Both meanfrom relatives.
“Happy New Year” and “Congratulations
A really fun tradition is fukubukoro,
for the New Year” which is beginning.
bags that you buy in stores withYou might also makeout knowing what’s in them(or buy) kadomatsu
Here’s the throng of people when I participateddecoration made ofin hatsumode on January 1, 2011. A really fun tradition is fukubukoro, bags
bamboo, pine, andthat you buy in stores without knowing
Though Japan is not religious in theplum branches. These
what’s in them. They contain leftoversame way as the US, many people
materials represent
goods the store wants to get rid of. You
observe hatsumode, the first shrine visit.
longevity, prosperity,
are always guaranteed that the value is
Here
you
would
make
wishesfortheand sturdiness. The Garden wraps its
significantly higher than what you pay,
entrance pillars with kadomatsu. Other new year, offer prayers, and buy lucky
and some stores include very high-value
charms. The atmosphere around shrines
decorations include kagami-mochi (aitems such as plane tickets to Hawaii.
is festive, with food booths and souverice cake) and shimekazari (New Year’s
When someone opens a fukubukoro ofnirs
reflecting
thezodiacsignforthewreath).
high value, a loud cheer goes up in the
On New Year’s Eve, you will hear joya no year. In 2023, it is the rabbit.
crowd.
kane, Buddhist temple bells being rungNo matter how you celebrate New
108 times, symbolizing the number
Year’s, the Gresham Japanese Gardenof desires people have, like anger andwishes you health and happiness in 2023.
jealousy, and their relationship to human
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!
suffering. The bell-ringing cleanses yourheart, mind, and soul for the year ahead.
If you were at Tokyo Disney, you could
watch the fireworks display. You would
Join Our FlockCorn Standfind a stand and have a cup of toshikoshi
Sign up on our website to
Even with a snack of corn, all this celesoba, long buckwheat noodles which
receive the monthly newsletter.
brating
will
make
you
hungry.
Youcanrepresent long life and prosperity.
look forward to osechi ryori, traditional
You might catch a couple of hours offoods for the holiday, each of which is

Aesthetic Pruning Program - Winter Schedule
Fundamentals of Pruning, Zoom: Thursday, February 9th, 6:00-8:00pm
LINCOLN PROUD, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
In the Fundamentals of Pruning course students will cover more than just how to make cuts and shape plants within thelandscape. Topics discussed will range from why we prune, what tools should be used, and even some basic plant biology—
all of which form the foundation and provide the necessary background knowledge needed to prune woody plants correctly.
After covering these synergistic topics, the instructor will discuss how to approach a variety of plants found in landscapes.

January 2023

Tsuru Soars
Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden Newsletter

Fundamentals of Pruning Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, February 11th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Fundamentals of Pruning course.

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach, Zoom: Thursday, March 9th, 6:00-8:00pm
MARYANN LEWIS, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
Learn to apply the aesthetic pruning approach to trees and shrubs in your garden, including how to assess your tree, identify
the role it will play in your garden, and develop a pruning plan to achieve your goals.

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, March 11th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning Approach course.

Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape, Zoom: Thursday, April 13th, 6:00-8:00pm
FRANCHESKA SNYDER, INSTRUCTOR: See website for bio.
Managing an overgrown landscape can be overwhelming. How do you even start? Learn ways to gracefully bring your landscapeback into a scaled composition.

Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape Course Recap, Onsite: Saturday, April 15th, 12:30-1:30pm
This is an optional one-hour Course Recap to the Assessing and Pruning in an Overgrown Landscape course

Pruning Workshop at Vanport International, Onsite: Saturday, May 6th, 9am-3pm
In addition to the Zoom classes and onsite Recaps, GJG is offering a hands-on all-day workshop in May. The workshop will belimited to 12 participants with two instructors for an optimal learning experience.

COSTS
Pruning Course (Zoom): $45 ea. | Course Recap (Onsite): $20 ea. | All-day Workshop (Onsite): $100
Register and Pay at: https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/happenings/pruning-program/

Upcoming Workshops
IKEBANA FOR THE SEASON
Tuesday, January 10, 1:00-2:30pm
NANA BELLERUD, INSTRUCTORP R IC IN G
REDUCED

Nana Bellerud will use plant material that resonates for the season. She will
cover the basic concept, techniques, tools and equipment, and plant care.
Participants will make 1 basic style and 1 freestyle with emphasis on theseasonal theme. The cost includes all material. Cost: $45
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/happenings/ikebana-for-every-season/

THE ART OF BONSAI
Third Thursday and Saturday, 1-3:00pm
MARK VOSSBRINK, INSTRUCTOR
Learn bonsai techniques and concepts from instructor Mark Vossbrink.
A different project is introduced each month. Bring pruners or snippers
and pliers to class. The cost includes all material. Cost: $35
https://www.greshamjapanesegarden.org/product/art-of-bonsai/

Volunteer Newsletter Editors: Sue Hughes, Mary Taylor and Mary Dickson. Photos by Bill Peterson.

We’re Halfway to Our Goal
If there’s a positive about
Covid, it’s the acceptance of
online auctions. In-person
auctions require a ton ofeffort and upfront costs, butwith Covid, not only havesoftware developers figured
it out, people are much more
ur hearts our full, and our bank accepting of shopping online. We areaccount is bigger. We havegrateful to everyone who participatedraised $25,500 out of the proj- and to our generous community donors!
ect’s projected cost of $50,000!
As we look ahead to raise the next
The online auction kicked off with the$25,000, we’ll be selling raffle tickets toin-person event, taking place on a day
vacation destinations, and hopefully
we got a bunch of snow. We were happy another auction and a springtime
it didn’t deter people from joining us.
event at the Garden.

O

PHOTOGRAPHER’S VIEW
.雪ちるや一本草のひょろひょろと
yuki chiru ya ippon kusa no hyoro-hyoro tosnow falling—one blade of grass, trembling– Issa 1925

Sponsors are the backbone of a fundraiser!

CHRISTINA PRICE