The Japanese garden represents tranquillity and serenity and is designed to be thought provoking and inspirational. Within a Japanese garden one will find areas to contemplate and dream.
Japanese gardening philosophy follows the idea of balance and harmony. There is no clutter or crowding, just quiet order and a sense of calm.
Types of Garden
Japanese gardens aim to replicate nature and follow major landscape features on a smaller scale. Have you ever just looked at a mountain, watched the changing light and weather patterns and felt a sense of calm? Japanese gardening aims to recreate this feeling. Rocks are placed strategically to imitate breath-taking mountain views.
There are two main types of garden: the mountain or hill garden (tsukiyama) and the flat garden (hiraniwa). The mountain garden contains small hills and ponds and is likened to a mountainous landscape. The flat garden is more level with no hills.
Features and Plants
Water, rocks, pebbles and moss are all used to complement the location of plants. Every area is designed to appeal to the senses and promote a sense of well-being. Shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias are used alongside evergreens. The famous art of bonsai (growing miniature trees) is also practised in a Japanese garden.
Bamboo is used for both screening and planting. It can also be used for flooring, alongside decorative paving.
A common feature of a Japanese garden is the tea house. For gardens with sufficient space this is surely a focal point. A bamboo tea house, with its clean lines and sense of space is certain to be an area to provoke thought and relax. The ancient Japanese tea ceremony is thought to cleanse the mind and bring a sense of peace.
Ponds or water basins are often used in a Japanese garden. The gentle trickle of a water fall or the reflection of sunlight on a pond is thought to encourage contemplation.
Stone lanterns and oriental themed statues and ornaments are also used to add focus.
Creating a Japanese Garden
To create a Japanese garden is quite a challenge, but an enjoyable one. It’s essential to research the theme and understand what plants will grow successfully. With planning and dedication you can create an oasis of calm in the midst of today’s busy world. Visit as many Japanese gardens as you can to collect ideas and see what works before you embark on your project.
A Japanese garden will always be neat and tidy with no clutter. There will be no plastic, garden waste, children’s toys or discarded garden tools. Just balance and order. Plants will always be alive and thriving.
A stroll around a Japanese garden will allow the visitor to wander peacefully in reflective mood.