Designing Japanese Gardens

Designing Japanese gardens are all the rage now and for good reason. People are looking to escape the hectic world for a more serene and relaxing getaway.

The art of Japanese gardening incorporates traditional elements with deep historical roots. People often think that these types of gardens are elaborate and filled with exotic plants. However, this could not be further than the truth, in fact, most Japanese gardens are simple and sometimes even boring.

Japanese gardens are inspired by nature. Wherever the garden lives, it integrates it’s natural surroundings. If for example a specific type of flower is found in that region then that plant becomes a part of the garden. If there are lots of rocks and slopes then this will become part of the garden’s landscape.

Japanese gardens also display symbolic items much like Fen Shui. If a body of water needs representation then a sandy area is raked to resemble the subtle ripples of the ocean. Most gardens feature rocks and stones as this is found in nature. They are placed in various locations such as around ponds, along a pathway, in a sitting area or randomly positioned in an organic way. Never add elements to a Japanese garden that is not found in nature.

Pay careful attention to details like lines and curves. Japanese gardens do not have hard edges, squared items or perfectly round objects, because nature is not built that way. Also carefully select flowers that are indigenous to the area. For example, tropical flowers don’t naturally grow in a cold mountainous region. There are no set rules on what and where to create a Japanese garden because each garden will be specifically tailored to your unique environment.

The idea is to create a garden that naturally evolved from it’s surroundings. If you have a body of water near by, then your garden could feature a pond, waterfall or a trickling stream. If you do decide to add a water element, make sure to build it using materials that replicate nature. Do not use plastic! Rock and stone are the ideal elements for ponds and bamboo is perfect for a water fountain. Make sure that the rocks you select are different shapes and sizes, this will lend to a true nature inspired garden. Try grouping them in various positions.

A walkway is usually part of any garden regardless of theme, but in the case of a Japanese garden, it is simply a matter of making it look like it naturally developed over the years through organic traffic. Use the natural curves of the land and incorporate natural plantings and rocks to steer yourself and your guests in the right direction.

Now that you know the basic rules of creating a Japanese garden, you will be able to create a sanctuary inspired by nature’s best and escape into a world untouched by stress and chaos.