In this edition of the NAJGA Podcast, host Ben Chu—NAJGA President and Horticultural Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden—offers a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 7th NAJGA International Japanese Garden Conference, taking place October 15–18 at MoBot.

Joining him are three special guests:

• Dr. Kendall Brown, Professor of Asian Art History at CSU Long Beach, founding NAJGA member, and past president

• Seamus Lewin, recent intern at the Scott Arboretum with a deep passion for Japanese gardens

• Oscar Romero, Seattle-based arborist, garden designer, and owner of Zenzia. Oscar is also serving as NAJGA Ambassador, building bridges and important relationships in México and Latin America. He, along with Seamus, will be a digital ambassadors at the conference!

They reflect on the origins of NAJGA’s international conferences, the impact of Japanese gardens on their personal and professional journeys, and what attendees can look forward to this October—from hands-on workshops and design sessions to the unique ways this vibrant community gathers to connect, share, and grow.