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Kokedama moss balls are a type of bonsai, or miniature tree, that originates from Japan. The word "kokedama" literally translates to "moss ball" in English. These moss balls are created by taking a plant's root system and wrapping it in moss, then wrapping the entire ball in string. The result is a plant that can be hung from the ceiling or placed on a shelf, without the need for a pot or soil. The History of Kokedama Moss Balls The history of kokedama moss balls dates back to the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868). It is believed that this type...

Wisteria are popular for their beautiful flowers that are used in flower arrangements. They are one of the most popular flowering plants in Japan. However, it can be difficult to find a wisteria plant in the store. This is because they need to be grown from seeds. Growing a Wisteria Bonsai from seeds is not difficult at all. It only takes about three months to grow one and you can do it yourself at home with some simple steps to germinate wisteria seeds!   Wisteria (Fuji 藤) Seeds Germination While some seeds, such as our Sakura require a longer germination...

Japan is famously known for Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) all around the world. While Sakura of course are beautiful, people here in Japan share an almost equal love for the Japanese Maple or Momiji (紅葉). Sakura represent new beginnings in spring with its beautiful white and pink blossoms, while the Japanese Maple signifies the end of the summer and the nicer weather. This time of year is a favorite for many and is largely unknown to travelers in Japan with this time of year being one of the least busy, and also most affordable times to visit Japan.  Koyo Hunting Koyo...

Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Seeds Germination A prior treatment with Scarification (weakening the hard outer shell) and Stratification (mimicking winter to encourage germination for certain types of seeds)  is recommended for most Sakura (Cherry Blossom) seeds to achieve high germination rate. *Orders will arrive from our greenhouse supplier in protected envelopes. Inside will be a sealed grey package containing your seed packs. The image below is an example of what a delivered order will look like*   Here are the steps for scarification: In the following sections of our guide we refer to hydrogen peroxide to help weaken the outer shell as...