How are lovers like flowers? What can fictional landscapes tell us about life? In this interactive talk about the gorgeous gardens described in The Tale of Genji (c. 1020), Japan’s most famous story, we’ll explore how early Japanese aristocrats used plants to discuss people as well as political threats. Given the timing of this event, we’ll also consider the special significance of summer gardens in Genji – particularly the role of the garden at night.

Charo D’Etcheverry teaches various things at UW-Madison, including courses on The Tale of Genji, Japanese Ghost Stories, and Forest-Bathing (the last as a partially trained guide and amateur enthusiast). She is the author of two books about Japanese literature and the proud co-creator of a messy backyard garden filled with vegetable planters, fruit trees, and urban chickens – none of which do what she wants.