Why Maki Trees?

Our shop is nestled in a corner of our property surrounded by a New Zealand-inspired garden.

The bones of the garden are remnants of the niwa from the old farm house which stood here before - a few beautiful traditional Japanese plants are dotted here and there.

These include two large Maki trees that were planted originally probably around 60 years ago and a few that have self-planted. The maki is Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' or Japanese yew. It is a relative of the stately Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the tōtara, a species of podocarp tree native to New Zealand.

The garden is a huge part of our lives, connecting us back to home, creating a meaningful experience around our shop and indeed for our family.

We'd love to welcome you to visit the garden (or help out!). And if you're interested in gardening with a New Zealand twist here in Japan then read the following posts.

Under the Maki Trees

The Art of Designing with the Garden in Mind

The Art of Designing with the Garden in Mind

Recently, while taking a quiet moment under the maki trees in front of my shop, I watched a short film on The Local Project YouTube channel featuring a newly built...

The Art of Designing with the Garden in Mind

Recently, while taking a quiet moment under the maki trees in front of my shop, I watched a short film on The Local Project YouTube channel featuring a newly built...

a nz native plant in japanese garden -wire plant

Our NZ-Inspired Garden in Japan

When we first imagined the garden that would surround our winter wool shop, we knew we wanted something more than just decoration. We wanted a living space that would reflect...

Our NZ-Inspired Garden in Japan

When we first imagined the garden that would surround our winter wool shop, we knew we wanted something more than just decoration. We wanted a living space that would reflect...

Planting through grief

Planting through grief

On September 15th, 2023, my dad passed away from cancer. I had been home in New Zealand for nearly three months, helping to care for him — one of the...

Planting through grief

On September 15th, 2023, my dad passed away from cancer. I had been home in New Zealand for nearly three months, helping to care for him — one of the...