Partnership with the Topeka Zoo

Japanese Landscaping partnered with KBS Construction and GLMV (architecture firm) to create an authentic world-class Japanese Garden for the Topeka Zoo. Former Chief Justice of Kansas Supreme Court, Kay McFarland, wished to leave the Topeka community to enjoy a meditative space of Japan. The project was finished August of 2020.

Consul General on the Garden

KSNT News - Opening Day

Gallery

What is a Japanese Garden?

Workshops

The Japan Festival is an annual event held at Johnson County Community College. He holds his own segment where gives workshops and a Q&A section on Japanese landscaping for those who are interested in the craft.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, future plans of the Japan Festival are uncertain. Please keep a look out on the Japan Festival website for updates.

History of Loose Park Japanese Garden and Tea Room

The Loose Park Japanese Garden and Tea Room in 2007. Kurashiki has been Sister Cities with Kansas City, Missouri for 47 years. The project was made to celebrate their 35th anniversary. Koji was the Design Consultant for the Japanese garden.

Articles

Koji Morimoto has gained attention from local press on his work since starting his business. Here are the various articles about Japanese Landscaping and Koji Morimoto.

Landscaper lends Japanese style to local gardens

“Koji Morimoto grew up in a peaceful village living “a classic Japanese lifestyle.” Only after immigrating to the United States in 1992, landing in California, then moving to upstate New York, did he fully appreciate what he had and became serious about Japanese gardening.

Now as the owner of Japanese Landscaping, he designs and maintains gardens for clients throughout Kansas City. At the Prairie Village home of Francis and Charlene Lemery, a comprehensive garden he maintains, Morimoto shared his thoughts: […]” Click the button to read the full article. Article by Andrea Darr.

Architect Steve Abend builds an artful outdoor oasis

“[…] “Part of it is mystery,” he said. “You can’t see it all at once. It lets the imagination wander. Scale is important; (so are) lines that disappear and go beyond your line of sight. In Oriental design, odd numbers are better than even.”

Years ago, at Harvard, Abend took a course in Japanese garden design, but he received less than an A-plus when he asked local Japanese landscaping expert Koji Morimoto to grade his current efforts.

“Morimoto diplomatically let me know it could be a lot better,” Abend said. “It was a team effort to make it better.” […]” Click the button to read the full article. Article by Alice Thorson.

Adding Zen to your garden is easier than you think

“[…] Today, local Japanese gardening expert Koji Morimoto assists Lemery with pruning.

Masters of Japanese gardening often spend a lifetime perfecting the craft of pruning in the specimen style, which is similar to bonsai, only for larger trees in a landscape. Bonsai is for smaller, potted plants.

“When the Japanese trim pines in the bonsai style, they like to leave a space between the limbs that a robin can fly through, land on the branch and then fly off,” says Buck Buchan, of midtown’s Buck Buchan Landscape Design. “There are times for tight shearing, when they create many balls of azaleas, and then there are also times for a light and airy look. […]” Click the button to read the full article. Article by Tracy Flowers.