All across Japan, during the New Year celebration of O-shogatsu, you will find the three auspicious plants — pine, bamboo, and plum — at residential doorways and the entrances to temples, shrines, public buildings, and commercial facilities. These kadomatsu or “gate pines” take various forms according to how the boughs of the three plants are tied together. A common interpretation of their meaning is that pine represents constancy and longevity, bamboo uprightness and resilience, and plum the purity and renewal of the first blossoms of spring. This workshop is conducted by staff gardeners at Portland Japanese Garden.

• Event fees are non-refundable and take place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
• Necessary tools, supplies, and printed educational material are provided.
• The course fee includes Garden admission.
• Participants should bring their own lunch.
• Please note that the Garden Workshops involve some physical work. If you wish to participate and have any limitations or concerns, please contact us for information.
• For more info about getting here and parking, please visit japanesegarden.org/parking/
• Please allow ample time for parking and arrive by 8:45 a.m. at the Welcome Center for event check-in.