Pruning
Each tree is different. I draw on the art of Niwaki pruning to find and bring out the characteristics of each tree, in a way that compliments their surroundings. With every act imagining what they will look like in the next growing season and years later. In Japan, we can often see windswept and bent tree trunks in the mountains, on sea sea-cliffs and in other harsh environments, as we do here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Time spent in these places inspire the finer natural details I bring into the work I do in creating and sculpting cloud trees. Many native trees such as tōtara and akeake also lend themselves to this technique.
SATO
Creative Gardening
Gardening with beautifully-composed wilderness
My name is Masa. Sato Creative Gardening specialises in the craft of pruning trees and creating personalised gardens. My work draws on the wilderness for inspiration, and is underpinned by my formal training in Niwaki, the art of pruning trees into cloud-like shapes.
Garden design
Gardens can be special places to their caretakers. I spend time with clients to understand what they are passionate about. Each visit deepens our shared understanding of what inspires them, and the characteristics of the site. This might be creating a place that reminds them of fond times in nature, and to inspire them about their next adventures; or to create a canvas they can bring their own creativity planting flowers and ground covers under large featured trees. A common theme is about creating spaces people can foster connections with over time.
My story
With 20 years of experience, I work in Ōtautahi Christchurch, designing and maintaining gardens for people who seek a deep connection with their gardens and with nature.
I grew up in a countryside village in Japan, with my family home surrounded by fields where rice, edamame and other crops are grown. The neighbouring families did not mind having the local children running around their land. After school, I would use the stepping stones as hopscotch, rock climb on big feature stones in dry stone gardens and climb up old cloud trees as though they were a terraced treehouse. Those gardens were perfect places for me. Now those physical memories inspire my approach in creating gardens.
Contact us
If you live in Ōtautahi Christchurch and would like to talk to me about your gardening ideas please contact me by phone, or via the form below and I will get in touch with you.