A Japanese Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show
View From The Cha No Niwa by Kazuyuki Ishihara - Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Wazakura had the chance to be at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, and what a moment it was! Between the immaculate gardens, the passion of the designers, and the heart of it all: Kazuyuki Ishihara, the beloved Japanese garden designer who once again captured the spotlight. His latest creation, Cha no Niwa – Japanese Tea Garden, earned him his 13th gold medal and, for the very first time, the prestigious RHS Garden of the Year award.
The announcement came as a surprise. Ishihara-san was mid-interview with Monty Don on the BBC when RHS Director General Clare Matterson stepped in with the news. His reaction said it all: joy, disbelief, and gratitude.
“I never thought I’d receive such a gift,” he said, still stunned. “Chelsea is a part of my life.”
To which Monty replied warmly, “And now, you are part of Chelsea.”
Cha no Niwa: Nature, Harmony, and the Art of Detail
Rooted in the spirit of traditional Japanese tea gardens, Cha no Niwa is a space for reflection, connection, and quiet appreciation of nature. Influenced by the Ikenobo School of ikebana, the garden offers a sense of natural flow, with every detail intentionally placed.
The judging panel described it as a masterclass. Hayley Skipper, chair of the panel, shared:
“It’s exquisitely detailed, with immersive planting and perfect composition from every angle. The trees are beautifully scaled, and the whole design proves that you don’t need massive specimens to create impact. There’s so much power in the subtlety.”
Highlights include soft, raked gravel patterns, a traditional tea house made from thatched Japanese pampas grass, and lush plantings of green foliage, white and purple flowers, and the iconic red of Japanese maple leaves. Stones are placed to reflect the hills of Ishihara-san’s native Japan, guiding visitors gently through the space.
It’s more than a garden: it’s an experience. A place to pause, breathe, and feel the deep beauty of simplicity.
The Next Generation: Jun Ishihara
This year was also a proud moment for the Ishihara family as Kazuyuki’s son, Jun Ishihara, made his debut at Chelsea. His compact balcony garden design won a Silver Medal, and with it, the admiration of many.
Jun’s garden captured the essence of Japanese aesthetics within a small urban space, blending tradition with modern life. While his approach is fresh, you can sense the same quiet elegance and care in his work, proof that the Ishihara spirit is in good hands.
A Royal Gift: Wazakura Scissors for King Charles and Brian May
Behind the scenes, there was another beautiful moment we at Wazakura are proud to share. Kazuyuki Ishihara, with whom we’ve developed an exclusive line of artisanal garden tools, chose to offer our handcrafted garden scissors as a gift during the show.
One pair was presented to His Majesty King Charles III, and another to legendary musician and environmentalist Brian May.
What makes this gesture even more meaningful is that Ishihara-san used these very scissors throughout the creation of Cha no Niwa. They are not just tools, they’re companions in his craft, shaped by Japanese tradition and the hands of a master.
For us, seeing our Wazakura scissors gifted to such inspiring figures is a moment of deep pride. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of how Japanese craftsmanship continues to resonate across cultures and generations.
A Special Moment for Wazakura
At Wazakura, our mission has always been to share the beauty and tradition of Japanese gardening with the world. Working alongside Kazuyuki Ishihara is an honor, and seeing his work celebrated in this way is truly moving.
Gardens, at their best, are more than beautiful: they carry stories, memories, and emotion. This year at Chelsea, Kazuyuki and Jun Ishihara reminded us of that. From Kyoto to London, from father to son, from a small pair of scissors to the hands of a king, this was a celebration of everything we believe in.
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