The classes include a tour of the garden.

SARATOGA — Hakone Gardens' Japanese gardening class series, taught by Peter Bowyer, continues in October and November. The schedule is as follows:

"Evergreens in the Japanese Garden" on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. An introduction to the character, uses and care of wood evergreens in Japanese gardens.

"Japanese Maple Aesthetics and Arboriculture" on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Both classes meet in the Cultural Exchange Center and the gardens. An introduction to the character, uses and care of Japanese maples.

Both classes meet in the Cultural Exchange Center and the gardens. Topics include growing environment, physiology, life cycle, varieties, design uses, buying, planting, holistic integration of aesthetics, sound horticulture, and problem-solving, especially how to prioritize seemingly contradictory information.

The fee for each class is $35. To register, send a check payable to Peter Bowyer, P.O. Box 8031, Emeryville, CA 94662.

Bowyer is a landscape contractor and horticulturalist with a focus on design-build and aesthetic arboriculture. He volunteers at Hakone Gardens and other locations. For more information, call (510) 658-4941, e-mail mail@peterthomasbowyer.com or visit www.peterthomasbowyer.com.

The series is coordinated by Bowyer. Send comments and suggestions for new topics or potential instructors to the above address.

Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way. For directions, call (408) 741-4994, e-mail hakone@hakone.com or visit www.hakone.com.