Meet the Gardeners
Michael Kondo
Head Gardener
In thirty-plus years with the Portland Japanese Garden, Michael has received training under numerous Garden Directors and Japanese Garden Specialists. He is our most highly skilled pruner and technician. Michael is responsible for projects and construction as well as heading the department.
Virginia Harmon
Director of Grounds Maintenance
Possesses an extensive background in public landscape development and maintenance. Virginia specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Soil Biology, Nutrient Management, and Japanese garden maintenance techniques. She studied in Japan for six years after serving as the Director of The Japanese Garden in Hermann Park for the City of Houston, Texas. Virginia joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2007 following three years with the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.
Justin Blackwell
Zone I Gardener Technician / Flat Garden
Native to the Pacific Northwest, Justin has a background in art and landscape design. He joined the Portland Japanese Garden Staff in 2006 and quickly became a skilled aesthetic pruner. Justin possesses a keen eye for detail and a passion for grooming his area to suit the artistic vision. Justin is currently our lead aesthetic pruner.
Heike Edossa
Zone II Gardener Technician / Natural Garden
Heike acquired an education in Earth Sciences at Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany. She joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2006 after working one year in the City of Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Heike has been responsible for numerous areas in the garden including nutrient management. Her contributions have enhanced the garden overall. Heike accepted responsibility for the Natural Garden in 2008 and has guided it toward a greater sense of beauty. Heike is the point person for koi care in the Garden.
Adam Hart
Zone III Gardener Technician / Lower Stroll Garden
Adam hails from the Chicago Botanic Garden where he was the caretaker of the Japanese Garden and Waterfall Garden. He had previous experience in Richmond, Virginia, where he maintained a Japanese Strolling Style Garden at Maymont. Adam holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Virginia Tech. His career objective is to become a Japanese Garden Professional. Adam is responsible for the Lower Pond area of the Strolling Pond Garden.
Frank Tree
Zone IV Gardener Technician / Upper Stroll Garden
Frank joined the Portland Japanese Garden staff in 2007 after becoming acquainted with Japanese landscape art forms at the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frank brings diverse background acquired through public gardens and private estates. He specializes in irrigation management, turf management and koi management. Frank has been a Certified Nursery and Horticulture Professional for more than twenty five years. The Upper Strolling Pond Garden and Tea Garden are under his care and maintenance. Frank also assists in caring for our turfs and koi.
Stephen Siegrist
Zone V Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Technician
Stephen holds a B.A. in Interior Design and an Associate's Degree in Architecture. Stephen specializes in project planning and management, design restoration and maintenance, and has considerable skills in public property presentation. Stephen will provide quality maintenance of all of our structures and buildings and care for the grounds outside of the Admission Gate.
