Japanese Garden technique, Wara-maki

As the winter is approaching, the Japanese gardens are starting to prepare for the cold season. One of the techniques, the Yukitsuri "snow hanging" was designed to protect the carefully shaped trees against the snow.

Another interesting technique called Wara-maki is photographed here at the Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden from Tokyo: the tree trunks are wrapped in straw, for protection against the cold. A rosette is placed on top, similar to the roof of a "snow viewing lantern", with a decorative role, maintaining the garden's appeal throughout the winter...