Capture the beauty of Shinzen Garden while learning the fundamentals of photography in this engaging Photography 101 workshop. Designed for beginners, this hands-on class will introduce you to essential camera settings, composition techniques, and how to use light to create stunning images. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or simply want to better understand […]
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select Sundays, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance. During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden […]
Step into the garden and discover the calming art of Kokedama, the Japanese technique of creating living “moss balls” that blend nature and design. In this hands-on workshop at Shinzen Garden, you’ll learn how to shape, plant, and wrap your own kokedama while enjoying the serene beauty of the garden around you. Guided by an […]
Petals to Pages: Journal & Mindful Writing Slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your thoughts through the calming practice of mindful journaling. Set within the peaceful surroundings of Shinzen Garden, this workshop invites participants to explore writing as a tool for reflection, creativity, and personal awareness. Through guided prompts and gentle mindfulness exercises, participants […]
Join us Saturday, May 16, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on May 16, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class […]
MAY 2026 BOOK SELECTION Heaven by: Mieko Kawakami With profound tenderness and sensitivity, Japanese literary superstar Mieko Kawakami turns her unique gaze onto the causes and effects of violence. Raw but revelatory, this novel stands as a dazzling confirmation of Kawakami's standing as one of her country's most insightful and compelling novelists. In Heaven, […]
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:00 am. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene […]
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 1:30 pm. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene […]
Join us Saturday, June 20, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Bring color, movement, and a touch of elegance to your painting practice in this botanical watercolor class inspired by the peacocks of Shinzen Garden on June 20, 2026. Guided by an instructor, participants will learn watercolor techniques while capturing the iridescent feathers, graceful forms, and natural surroundings of these iconic birds. Designed for all skill […]
JUNE 2026 BOOK SELECTION The Guest Cat by: Takashi Hiraide A bestseller in France and winner of Japan's Kiyama Shohei Literary Award, The Guest Cat, by the acclaimed poet Takashi Hiraide, is a subtly moving and exceptionally beautiful novel about the transient nature of life and idiosyncratic but deeply felt ways of living. A […]
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Blumes and Tea, a delightful workshop held in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. Registered attendees will enjoy sipping traditional Japanese tea while learning to create a fresh, seasonal floral bouquet inspired by the garden’s natural elegance. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore balance, color, and […]
Join us Saturday, July 18, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
JULY 2026 BOOK SELECTION Kitchen by: Banana Yoshimoto With the publication of Kitchen, the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature. Kitchen is an enchantingly […]
In the spirit of the Japanese ceremony Tōrō Nagashi, please join Shinzen Garden for our 41st annual floating lantern celebration on Saturday, August 15, 2026 Traditionally, this Japanese ceremony honors the memory of loved ones. During the festival of Obon, it is believed that ancestors come back to spend time with the living. On the […]
Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Step into the garden and discover the calming art of Kokedama, the Japanese technique of creating living “moss balls” that blend nature and design. In this hands-on workshop at Shinzen Garden, you’ll learn how to shape, plant, and wrap your own kokedama while enjoying the serene beauty of the garden around you. Guided by an […]
Seasons of the Page: Non-Fiction Writing Every story has a season. In this engaging writing workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore the art of non-fiction writing—learning how to transform personal experiences, observations, and real-life moments into compelling narratives. Inspired by the changing seasons and quiet beauty of the garden, this workshop will guide writers […]
Let your brush flow like water in this botanical watercolor class inspired by the koi of Shinzen Garden on September 26, 2026. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while capturing the graceful movement, vibrant colors, and symbolic beauty of koi swimming among lotus and reflections. This class is welcoming to all skill levels and offers a […]
Moments Between Leaves: Writing Small, Powerful Pieces Sometimes the most meaningful writing comes in small moments. In this reflective workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore how brief pieces of writing—short reflections, micro-essays, poetic prose, and snapshots of experience—can capture powerful ideas and emotions in just a few carefully chosen words. Inspired by the quiet […]
Join us Saturday, October 17, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on October 24, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class […]
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Blumes & Tea, a delightful workshop held in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. Registered attendees will enjoy sipping traditional Japanese tea while learning to create a fresh, seasonal floral bouquet inspired by the garden’s natural elegance. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore balance, color, and […]
Join us Saturday, November 21, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]