“A rose is a rose is a rose. But could it be more?” muses Hikari Yokoyama, who established the London-based floral studio called Naum Flower. She delves deep into understanding every aspect of her flower arrangements—from petal to root—especially focusing on their growing conditions. “People admire flowers; however, many aren’t aware these blossoms frequently come from pesticide-soaked earth rather than genuine soil,” explains Yokoyama. Through Naum, she strives for an ethically sound yet aesthetically pleasing experience throughout the whole journey: from cultivating the plants in healthy environments to ensuring fair harvesting methods.
Yokoyama is relatively new to the floral design scene. Born in Japan but raised in Chicago, this designer has previously worked in technology, luxury goods, and fine arts (her spouse is Jay Joplin, who founded the White Cube gallery). It was during the pandemic-induced introspection period that she decided to shift her focus away from what she perceived as a misstep in her career path. “It seemed as though I had taken a wrong turn,” Yokoyama remarks.
Amidst the pandemic, the pair resided in Yorkshire with their new baby, immersing themselves in a landscape dominated by fields. “It was then that I began feeling deeply concerned about the climate emergency and the decline in biodiversity,” remarks Yokoyama. This prompted her desire to locate a piece of earth she could safeguard. By 2021, she acquired more than 1.5 acres in Oxfordshire, enlisted a gardener’s help, and commenced cultivating a spectrum of flowers ranging from tulips to hydrangeas to sweet peas. Soon after, she established Naum Flower along with the design studio Naum House, both emphasizing community engagement and harmony with nature.
I believe we should have gardens that promote variety, diversity, and plenty—a place for reflection, exploration, and potential.
Yokoyama points out historically that gardens often embody “the human urge to dominate, utilize, and accumulate.” However, she highlights several exceptional gardens worldwide that operate quite distinctively. These gardens showcase what could be possible when humanity coexists peacefully with nature,” according to her statement. Among her top picks are: an eco-friendly educational farm located in Auroville, India; a restored wild garden from the Victorian era situated in Sussex, England; as well as a Brazilian park in the southeast region where artworks and natural elements interact dialogically.
BUDDHA GARDEN
In Auroville, India, lies an inviting and budget-friendly spiritual commune where individuals can reside for several weeks to acquire fundamental knowledge about organic farming. The opportunity to volunteer at this place is open to everyone. During my youth in my twenties when I visited, I enjoyed kneeling amidst the crimson soil, surrounded by winding drip irrigation systems, inhaling the aromatic scent of spicy arugula plants. Communication primarily relied on broken English and gestural signals since the volunteers originated from various corners of the globe. Previously exhausted due to excessive use of chemicals, the land in Buddha Garden has undergone extensive rejuvenation efforts over many years and now thrives abundantly. Should you wish to lodge in one of the nearby guesthouses close to the premises, make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!
SALMON CREEK FARM
In the 1970s, this commune nestled among redwoods in Northern California was revamped under the guidance of architect and artist Fritz Haeg. It now functions as an artists’ community, a hub for creativity, and an educational institution.
HACIENDA DE SAN ANTONIO
In Colima, Mexico, lies a distant coffee farm nestled at the base of the Colima volcano, which has been transformed into an eco-friendly ranch and retreat center. Its sibling establishment is the well-known Cuixmala resort. The estate runs parallel to a river channeling water from higher grounds down to lower areas across this verdant farmland. Surrounding the main residence, there are meticulously maintained gardens featuring intricate networks of tiny canals that align with the natural slope of the terrain, highlighting the landscape’s contours. As you stroll through the premises, you sense the forceful presence of water and realize how abundantly supplied this location is with it. Being a guest here feels akin to residing in one of Earth’s most stunning private residences, complemented by exceptional hospitality.
INHOTIM,
a 345-acre art park in southeastern Brazil that showcases around 700 artworks, is an interesting project where art is in dialogue with gardening and nature. Artists who are asked to collaborate here are each given a standalone pavilion in the park in which they can install their work, and they also have the opportunity to design the surrounding gardens and approaching path. Adriana Varejão’s gallery, which was designed by Rodrigo Cerviño Lopez, feels the most complete—and surreal—because she spent the most time there during the park’s development (she was married to the founder, Bernardo Paz) and had a deep connection to the place. A resort, the Clara Arte, recently opened in the park.
KNEPP
In Sussex, England, there is an area featuring a restored Victorian walled garden alongside a sustainably managed market garden spread across a historic 3,500-acre family estate passed down to conservationist Charlie Burrell during the ’80s. Following initial upgrades to the agricultural tech, machinery, and infrastructure, Burrell along with his spouse, Isabella Tree, struggled to achieve profitability. Consequently, they shifted their approach towards managing the lands, concentrating solely on ecological restoration as their primary objective. Today, these gardens teem with biodiversity. Visitors have the option to lodge within cozy tents or tree houses situated onsite and dine at the Wilding Kitchen, where dishes feature ingredients sourced directly from the cultivated fields nearby.
I know about the
TOKACHI MILLENNIUM FOREST
In Hokkaido, Japan, since 20 years ago, my acquaintance and current partner, the landscape architect Dan Pearson, was tasked with designing a garden there. The idea has always captivated me.
satoyama,
An ancient, native approach to harmoniously living and collaborating with nature in countryside regions, particularly challenging in locations where the planting period is exceedingly brief, nestled between intervals of severe frost and substantial snowfall. When visiting this area, Pearson suggests lodging at Seijyakubow located near the Tokachigawa hot spring, approximately a 45-minute journey by car.
The article initially appeared in the May 2025 issue of
Harper’s Bazaar
