Morikami to host hands-on Kokedama Workshop

Kokedama is an ancient Japanese art form in which a plant grows from a rounded base of soil. [Photos by Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens]

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will offer visitors a chance to explore one of Japan’s most distinctive horticultural traditions on Saturday, Dec. 6, with “The Art of Kokedama,” a hands-on workshop inviting participants to create their own moss-wrapped botanical sculptures. Sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $65 per person.

Ad

Kokedama — literally “moss ball” — is a centuries-old Japanese art form in which a plant grows from a rounded base of soil encased in soft green moss and bound with twine. Kokedama serves as a living ornament that harmonizes organic materials with minimalist design. Popular among growers of orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants, the technique offers a unique alternative to traditional potting.

During the workshop, Morikami instructors will guide participants through the essentials of plant selection, soil composition, and wrapping techniques before inviting them to create three kokedama to take home. The museum emphasizes that the workshop is suitable for all skill levels, from seasoned gardeners to curious newcomers.

Supplies given at the workshop.

The kokedama class reflects Morikami’s mission to preserve and share Japanese art forms while connecting them to Florida’s natural environment. The museum, founded on the legacy of the early-20th-century Yamato Colony of Japanese settlers, continues to broaden cultural appreciation through hands-on learning, exhibitions, and its acclaimed 16-acre gardens. For more information, visit morikami.org.