Just bought a house in Ibaraki which came with a small yard and an established garden. I enjoy gardening, but I have no idea what some of the plants are! I’d like to figure out the best way to care for them but also want to find out if any would be harmful to my dogs.
Anyone have a good idea on how to ID the plants? I’ve been doing google image searches to moderate success, but if someone knows of a good gardening guide for Japanese plants I’d appreciate it greatly. I’m also happy to take photos to my local garden center and embarrass myself with my poor Japanese language skills if that may be worthwhile. Thanks!
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The first thing I’d do is ask the neighbors. Buy some little gifts and ask if someone might mind not stepping over and telling you what plants they recognize.
There are a few subreddits and apps that help ID plants. But I think asking your neighbors if the plants are safe for you dog is a good way to connect to your neighbors.
[r/PlantIdentification](https://www.reddit.com/r/PlantIdentification?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Google Lens can identify plants
The app Biome (Japanese) or PictureThis (English) are great for identifying plants.
There is a facebook group called Japan Gardening. If you upload the photos there, the group will identify it quick.
Not altogether that active, but if you haven’t already:
/r/GardenersJapan/
PlantSnap is another plant photo ID app. Hit or miss (like, 80/20 for me here), but works well for things that flower. Also, just going to large nurseries and seeing what things are helps a ton! Take photos of what you’ve got and note their conditions (full shade, moist soil, full sun, etc) and you may find most things in person.
/r/whatsthisplant
/r/gardenersjapan
If you have an iPhone, take a picture and your iPhone can tell you. Select a photo and find the info icon.
See if there’s a Silver Service in your city. You can hire older folks to help you maintain your garden and help you identify your plants.
Once you identify them, draw a map of your garden, then create a wiki or a file folder with your plants. Also keep a calendar (five year calendars are great!) of when you do garden chores, first and last freeze, etc.