Gardening and landscaping are activities that offer a peaceful respite from the day-to-day bustle, and can be especially enjoyable when you know the local language. Both are popular pastimes in Japan as well, where meticulously maintained gardens and thoughtful landscaping are a testament to the country’s aesthetic values. If you’re curious about Japanese gardening, or if you’re a Japanese learner who enjoys gardening, learning specialized vocabulary can enrich your experience. Here’s a collection of Japanese words related to gardening and landscaping, complete with definitions and example sentences.

園芸 (えんげい – Engei)
Definition: This term translates to “horticulture” or “gardening,” and it’s used to describe the cultivation of a garden.
私は週末に園芸を楽しむのが好きです。
(My hobby is to enjoy gardening on weekends.)

庭 (にわ – Niwa)
Definition: Niwa means “garden” or “yard” and is a general term for any outdoor space where plants are cultivated.
私の家には小さな庭があります。
(My house has a small garden.)

植木 (うえき – Ueki)
Definition: Ueki denotes “garden trees” or “potted plants,” referring to trees that are grown in a controlled environment or containers.
植木の世話をすることが私の日課です。
(Taking care of the potted plants is part of my daily routine.)

花壇 (かだん – Kadan)
Definition: This word means “flower bed” and refers to a section of the garden reserved specifically for growing flowers.
花壇には色とりどりの花が咲いています。
(The flower bed is blooming with colorful flowers.)

肥料 (ひりょう – Hiryō)
Definition: Hiryō means “fertilizer,” the substance that enriches the soil to promote plant growth.
肥料をまく時期が来ました。
(It’s time to spread the fertilizer.)

剪定 (せんてい – Sentei)
Definition: Sentei refers to “pruning” or “trimming,” the process of cutting off parts of plants to encourage healthy growth and maintain desired shapes.
この木は剪定が必要です。
(This tree needs pruning.)

土 (つち – Tsuchi)
Definition: Meaning “soil” or “earth,” tsuchi is the material in which plants grow.
この土は水はけが良いです。
(This soil has good drainage.)

水やり (みずやり – Mizuyari)
Definition: Mizuyari is the act of “watering” plants.
夏場は毎日水やりをしなければなりません。
(In the summer, I must water the plants every day.)

害虫 (がいちゅう – Gaichū)
Definition: Gaichū literally means “harmful insect” or “pest,” referring to insects that damage plants in gardens.
害虫対策をしっかりしないと植物がダメになるよ。
(If you don’t take pest control measures seriously, the plants will be ruined.)

草取り (くさとり – Kusatori)
Definition: Kusatori is the act of “weeding,” removing unwanted plants from the garden.
草取りは大変ですが、庭がきれいになります。
(Weeding is hard work, but it makes the garden beautiful.)

堆肥 (たいひ – Taihi)
Definition: Taihi refers to “compost,” organic matter that has been decomposed to be used as a fertilizer.
堆肥を作ることで、キッチンの残り物を有効活用しています。
(By making compost, I’m making good use of kitchen leftovers.)

As you explore the world of Japanese gardening, these words will help you communicate your passion and better understand the art of gardening in Japan. Whether you’re discussing plans with a local landscaper, visiting a Japanese garden overseas, or simply talking about your own gardening adventures, having the right vocabulary is the key to a richer cultural experience. Happy gardening!