Japanese Garden Tour

For over 30 years Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden has served as both a cultural treasure and a tranquil green space in the middle of Houston. Designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima, the garden was built to symbolize the friendship between Japan and the United States and to recognize Houston’s thriving Japanese community. Hermann Park Conservancy collaborates with the City of Houston to maintain and improve this vibrant yet peaceful space. With partnerships both across the city of Houston and internationally, Hermann Park staff preserves Japanese design concepts while managing the realities of maintaining a flourishing public garden. Join Hermann Park Conservancy’s senior director of green space Iris Clawson-Davis for a walking tour of the garden. She will share the history, important Japanese design concepts and horticulture present in the space.

Iris Clawson Davis, Senior Director of Greenspace at Hermann Park Conservancy brings over 20 years of horticultural experience. Formerly the City Horticulturist for Houston, she has led ecological restoration, urban design, and public engagement projects. A passionate leader, she combats “systemic green-blindness” connecting communities to nature through sustainable inspiring landscapes.