What is it about Asian gardens that draws me to them? The focus on foliage and texture? The exotic and irregular shapes? The simplicity — which requires the kind of restraint I just don’t have? I’ll never have a full-on traditional Japanese garden, but since I started planting I’ve tried to include some elements that I love. Starting with Japanese maples.
I lack the room for sizable trees, but I’ve managed to work in a handful that will max out at 10′ or less. Here are my choices so far…
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’ (Crimson Queen Threadleaf Japanese Maple)…
acer palmatum ‘crimson queen’ | shot at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Drooled over this one at Brooklyn Botanic and then promptly hunted one down at Seven Arrows Farm in Attleboro, Mass.
Acer palmatum ‘Sister Ghost’ (Sister Ghost Japanese Maple)…
acer palmatum ‘sister ghost’ | essenceofthetree.co
Picked up online via Eastfork Nursery, who did a fantastic job of packaging. Gorgeous little tree.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Red Dragon’ (Red Dragon Threadleaf Japanese Maple)…
acer palmatum ‘red dragon’ | pacificcoastmaples.com
Picked up at Briggs Nursery in Attleboro, Mass. They carry a surprisingly good selection of Japanese maples in spring and summer.
Acer shirasawanum ‘Sensu’ (Sensu dwarf Full Moon Japanese Maple)…
acer shirasawanum ‘sensu’ | eastforknursery.com
Another tree I sourced from Eastfork. I wish I had room for a full-sized full moon but oh well. This will do nicely once it grows up.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Viridis’ (Viridis Threadleaf Japanese Maple)…
acer palmatum ‘viridis’ | plants.chaletnursery.com
A second maple from Briggs. I stalk there frequently.
Most of my trees are relatively dinky — buying smaller means buying more affordable. I’m a little nervous about how they’ll make it through their first cold, windy winter. I have a feeling some of them will need protection. Fingers crossed that everyone makes it through to spring.