Alexander Polyakov oversees the maintenance and development of Shofuso’s traditional Japanese gardens. The scope of his work entails equally the physical care of the garden’s horticultural specimens, pathways, and spaces; and an ongoing exploration of traditional Japanese garden philosophy and techniques.

Coming from a professional background in ornamental gardening, Sandi has also lectured regionally on various ethnobotanical topics including wild food foraging and plant-based crafts. He studied painting at the Tyler School of Art, with an emphasis on composition, and currently maintains a diverse craft-oriented practice spanning from knifemaking to basketry. When not in the garden, Sandi enjoys devising functional knots and venturing into nature’s more seldom trodden places.

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