I am a published children’s book author and illustrator, currently working on a novel (fiction) for middle grade (8-12 years old). The main character is Japanese-Canadian. Her mother is an avid gardener, specializing in Japanese landscaping. I’d like part of their family garden to focus on Japanese plants, especially BAMBOO.
The location is a fictional small town in northern Ontario. I do not specify HOW far north, so some leeway re: hardiness zone is ok. And because it’s fiction, I also have leeway re: sun/shade, wet/dry etc.
I would appreciate any advice about what type of Japanese theme plants that my character’s mother might put in their back garden, given the general location of northern Ontario. I’d also appreciate advice re: type or types of bamboo that might be grown in the garden.
Advice appreciated, thank you!
Thank-you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners with your question.
I am sure your book will be very interesting.
Here are some recommendations.
Trees:
Japanese maples, of different shapes and heights
ornamental cherry tree
Evergreens:
Japanese boxwood
dwarf mugo pine
black dragon cedar
Japanese cedar
Spring flowers:
Japanese irises
Rhododendrons
Summer flowers:
Hydrangea
Vines:
Japanese wisteria
Evergreens:
Japanese boxwood
Japanese pine
dwarf mugo pine
black dragon Japanese cedar
Japanese painted fern, lady fern and Japanese forest grass for shady areas.
Lotus for the water garden.
Bamboo:
umbrella bamboo
blue fountain bamboo,
red dragon bamboo and
black cherry bamboo.
Good luck with your writing.