The Green Japanese Maples

May 28, 2025

Brad always loved Japanese maples so when I moved into this house I bought a red one and planted it in the backyard where I spread some of his ashes. I remember being at the nursery trying to pick out the perfect tree. Mixed in with all of the contenders were a bunch of green Japanese maples. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want a green one when there were so many beautiful red ones to be had. The rich red tones seem like they’re on fire when the sun lights them up. They add a little spice and interest amidst all of the greens in a garden. Then last week I walked through the gardens at Cosby’s and these two showstopping green versions have forever changed the way I see green Japanese maples. The green ones are almost emitting light from their very core. Surrounded by browns and dark greens they absolutely come alive. They are just as beautiful as their red relatives but where the red ones catch the light and show it off, these green ones are taking the light and spreading it around.