Jake Hobson

• Saturday

• The Germination Station

• 12:15

Jake Hobson, the founder of Niwaki, draws upon years of experience with Japanese gardens and landscaping to bring the precision and artistry of Japanese gardening tools to a wider audience. His journey began in 1996 when he travelled to Japan as a budding sculptor, intrigued by the cultural phenomenon of cherry blossom season, or hanami. What started as an artistic exploration quickly evolved into a deep fascination with Japanese gardens and the art of tree shaping, and a desire to return to Japan prompted him to train as a TEFL teacher back in England.

During this period, Jake met Keiko, who would become his partner in both life and adventure. Together, they returned to Japan, where Jake spent a year working at a traditional plant nursery in rural Osaka. There, he mastered the techniques of tree training, pruning, and rootballing - skills that would later define his approach to gardening. His time at the nursery solidified his understanding of the artistry and meticulous care that go into Japanese garden design.

Upon returning to England, Jake joined Architectural Plants in Sussex. He was astonished to find people using four-legged ladders, so different from the tripod ladders he had grown accustomed to in Japan. Determined to introduce these superior tools, he asked his brother-in-law Haruyasu to ship over a pair of tripod ladders. Along with his preferred robust secateurs and topiary clippers, these tools caused quite a stir and soon gained a following.

In 2004, drawing on his deep appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship and gardening traditions, Jake founded Niwaki, a company dedicated to distributing high-quality Japanese garden tools. His background in sculpture, in which he received his bachelor's degree, gave him a unique perspective on the sculptural qualities of plants and garden design. This artistic eye, combined with his practical experience, has enabled him to select and promote tools that are not only functional but also embody the elegance and precision of Japanese gardening techniques.

Niwaki quickly became known for introducing gardeners to the benefits of Japanese tools. Tripod ladders, initially designed for pine pruning, proved indispensable for hedge trimming, while topiary clippers, used for shaping azaleas in Japan, were equally adept at sculpting box topiary. Although these tools are rooted in Japanese tradition, they work effectively across a wide range of plants.

The name Niwaki, which means "garden tree" in Japanese, signifies more than its literal translation. In Japanese culture, gardens are landscapes that encapsulate the essence of nature, and the trees within them are meticulously shaped to reflect this philosophy. The brand Niwaki embodies this artistry and cultural heritage, proving that while the name may be hard to pronounce (knee-whacky) and perhaps even harder to remember, it resonates with a deeper meaning.

Jake has also authored two book on Japanese pruning and gardening techniques, sharing his insights into the profound connections between Japanese horticulture, culture, and aesthetics. Niwaki represents more than just tools; it is a celebration of the craft and a bridge between gardening traditions, showing that you don’t need to grow bonsai to appreciate and benefit from these exquisite instruments of craftsmanship