Perfectly imperfect trail - Karumi

A couple point up to an autumn yellow tree

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Perfectly imperfect trail - Karumi

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Karumi

Usually applied to art and poetry, the concept of karumi implies a lightness and humour. Accompanied with affinity for nature and warmth towards others, it expresses the everyday with simple and plain words.

Look again, with words

Our ‘signature trees’ are 21 species planted widely across the arboretum by our founders, the Holfords, for their beauty. To safeguard this visual legacy, we continue to plant these species, four of which are maples. 

This Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. amoenum) is one of our most loved. The leaves take the spotlight, but notice the tree’s form, which some have likened to a squid! In fact, take a moment to consider tree forms today, and how you would describe trees you see everyday using the karumi philosophy of simplicity, lightness, and humour?