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Backyard japanese garden design


28 Japanese Garden Design Ideas to Style up Your Backyard

There is something innately profound and inherently calming about Asian design with Oriental overtones in large and Japanese design and architecture in particular. Maybe it is the influence of the regions philosophical outlook towards life that has shaped its style and design principles for several centuries or it could be a combination of their lifestyle that is deeply connected with nature and the topography of the region that offers them a unique insight into every aspect of life.

Extravagant and exquisite Japanese garden design with a touch of flair (MARPA Design Studio)

Either way, an amalgamation of all these factors has shaped Japanese culture and lifestyle into a beautifully aesthetic and naturally relaxing form and the west has borrowed generously from them in the last century or so. Japanese gardens are another amazing gift from the Far East, which have given many modern homes a soothing and serene ambiance.

Beautiful and balanced garden adds to the look of the home

Here are a few inspirations that will hopefully help add a compact, yet vibrant Japanese garden to your very own home. Each design has unique blend of elements that have their distinct significance. Enjoy the tranquil visual treat-

A gorgeous Japanese garden showcasing the wide variety of plants one can useFiery Japanese Maple in the garden offer a tasteful and colorful contrast to the green monotony

by Richard Kramer

Give your garden a Oriental entrance with style galoreSerene and private Japanese garden encased in a fence of Bamboo goodness!

by Jesse

Japanese Blood Grass and a pond with lovely waterfalls stand out in this home garden

by Gaile Guevara

Miniature Landscapes with Grand Tradition

Stylish Japanese garden taking shape in the heart of Manhattan

by New Eco: Urban Landscape Design

While Japanese gardens initially started off by borrowing largely from the Chinese model, over several hundred years they evolved their own inimitable flavor and distinct features that are identified as intrinsic and essential components of the set up. These gardens are basically miniature versions of bigger and grander landscapes and they are a pleasing and idealized view of nature at its nourishing best.

Japanese Garden design blended with a western touch and sporting a Buddha at its heart

by Grace Design Associates

No one will understand a Japanese garden until you’ve walked through one, and you hear the crunch underfoot, and you smell it, and you experience it over time. Now there’s no perfect photograph or movie that can give you the complete experience since it is more than just visual brilliance.

Stunning Japanese garden exudes a soothing vibe perfect for finding inner peace

by Debra Prinzing

Use of colored carp and gold fish in the koi ponds along with stone lanternRefreshing little garden borrowing heavily from the Japanese motif

by Angelien Landscape

Small and compact Japanese corner garden offers an exquisite and polished appearance

by SRM Architecture and Interiors

Simple garden space with a fine balance of rock, water and a touch of Japanese maple

by Charles McClure

Aesthetic Artistry at its Natural Best

Lovely use of stone and still water in this home Japanese garden

Balance, poise and a sense of natural beauty that is neither forced nor contrived is the essence of a Japanese garden design. While placing them at the heart of your home as a vibrant and energizing hub will give your open interiors a whole new meaning, one in the backyard will allow you to stroll through captivating elegance while collecting your thoughts. One of the important things to remember is that Japanese gardens are asymmetric by nature and it is one of the carefully planned features that give them their special appeal.

Natural bamboo fence adds an element of inimitable style to this garden

by Kikuchi & Associates

Japanese gardens derive their beauty from a mixing and blending of different elements in a symbolic and natural manner to create an ambient atmosphere. Rocks, sand, water, bamboo, trees, flowers and even bridges are placed with precision to create an exceptional sense of organic asymmetry.

Picture perfect Japanese garden with stone pathwayDaft and compact Japanese garden with Shoji Screens perfect for the contemporary home

by Garden Mentors

Compact deck space and a Japanese garden give this backyard a unique presence

by Garden Architecture

Japanese zen garden perfect for the modern minimalistic home

A Balance of Symbolic Elements

Japanese Garden Bridge is an interesting and aesthetic addition for your backyard

by Eco Minded Solutions

The most alluring aspect of trying to design a Japanese garden for your home is the elements that can go into its making and what each of them signifies. Water is one of the basic components and from still ponds to flowing streams and even small cascades; you can incorporate any feature that you feel is best for your garden. Water and stone are the ying-yang and hence the balance each other and their placement must be done accordingly. For those not keen on fresh water usage, sand is a suitable substitute as it represents both water and clouds in the context of Japanese gardens.

Natural looking archway brings home the Japanese garden atmosphere with ease

by HartmanBaldwin Design

Rocks are another essential feature and their meaning depends on both their composition and placement. It could vary anywhere between a towering mountain to rocky shores eroded by constant corrosion caused by waves. Koi Ponds, stone lanterns, garden bridges and wash basins all add up to painting the perfect scenery.

Minimal Japanese Garden with elegant use of rock and sandStriking waterfalls perfect for a vibrant Japanese Garden

At the end of the day, conjuring up and creating a perfect Japanese garden is a task for both a creative home owner and an expert who specializes in the craft. With right imagination and technique, one can truly create a piece of heaven in your backyard that is draped in greenery.

Interesting Japanese Garden that incorporates several different natural elements seamlessly

by Q. Le

Japanese gravel garden with a distinct patternOpen boundaries and soothing atmosphere allow you to enjoy this garden both from outside and within

by Huettl Landscape Architecture

Tasteful and refined Japanese garden crafted to perfection

by Cathy Warner

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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Japanese garden ideas: 15 ways to create a tranquil space with landscaping, plants, and more

(Image credit: Alamy)

It’s no surprise that the interest in Japanese garden ideas is growing fast as we all look for ways to create a truly calm and relaxing outdoor space. Known for their tea gardens, contemplative rock and gravel areas and bamboo water features, it’s easy to see why Japanese gardens captivate so many, but there are plenty of other clever design ideas we can discover and use too.

Historically Japanese gardens were designed for many different purposes, each with their own characteristics and features. Those surrounding tea houses were intimate retreats away from the hectic streets and daily life, while strolling gardens were intended for quiet contemplation and discovery through movement. Dry gardens featuring raked gravel and choice rocks were intended to be viewed rather than physically explored, and courtyard gardens were the precursor to today’s indoor-outdoor living. Each fascinating in their detail and meaning, we can include many of the same design ideas in our own spaces, no matter what their size, shape or aspect.

With so many standout plants, including stately bamboo, fiery acers and exquisite lilies and azaleas, it’s hard to resist introducing some Japanese style into your backyard. But how do you get it right and not over-do the dramatic plants and features? We’ve spoken to top designers and experts for their tips and advice so you can introduce some Japanese garden ideas to your own plot with confidence.

1. Go for undulating, sculptural forms

Japanese garden ideas designed by Maitanne Hunt

(Image credit: Maïtanne Hunt Gardens & Landscapes)

Many Japanese garden ideas are designed to be admired from inside the home, often framed by a picture window or arch. Faced with a secluded courtyard garden? Then why not try something similar for your own garden design ideas. The results can be hugely calming and provide an elegant green backdrop throughout the year. 

The team at Maitanne Hunt created this stunning design. 'We decided to use Soleirolia soleirolii as an alternative to moss used in Japanese gardens, taking advantage of its naturally mounding, creeping habit to create the impression of the Japanese hills our client loved. Soleirolia soleirolii is a vigorous, low maintenance ground cover plant, which looks fantastic in tropical, lush or shady gardens. It is good in part shade or shade, providing the soil is consistently moist but well-drained. 

There's more suggestions for the best ground cover plants in our guide. 

2. Choose bamboo features for instant Japanese style

Create a tranquil corner in your Japanese garden ideas with the Shishi Odoshi small water feature from UK Bamboo

(Image credit: UK Bamboo)

Fast growing, sustainable, tough and durable, bamboo is an unbeatable natural material that simply oozes Japanese style. Used for centuries in Japanese garden ideas and harvested in every size, its garden uses range from channelling water, creating fencing, privacy panels, archways, pathways and  – of course – wind chimes. 

Young green Moso poles make a neat, curving low fence when bent over and tied in place with knotted black twine – perfect for lining pathways or protecting precious areas such as delicate moss gardens or raked gravel areas. Giant poles – often up to 10mm or more in diameter – are useful for pergolas and shelters and can also be lashed together to create lightweight platforms. 

You can find out how to grow bamboo in our expert guide. 

3. Plant up a rocky outcrop

Consider including natural stone in your Japanese garden ideas

(Image credit: Buzy Lizzie)

Let the beauty of natural stone and Japanese garden ideas inspire you to transform a dull, sloping site. Fine gravel paths weaving through rocky outcrops, planted with low growing sedums, alpines, azaleas and statuesque conifers provide beautiful year-round color and interest and cast an instantly calming mood for small rock garden ideas. 

This Japanese-inspired tea garden by Buzy Lizzie is a crevice garden full of character and texture. Local stone laid side on and packed close together makes a bold contrast with laid dry-stone walls and boulder-edged planting areas. 

4. Be bold with a black backdrop

Black painted walls and fences are a striking backdrop for your garden furniture, such as this Amberley sofa set from Garden Trading

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

One of the easiest ways to introduce Japanese garden ideas into your space is to use large areas of black in your outdoor design. Whether it’s painted garden wall ideas, porcelain paving tiles or a wall clad in charred timber, it will create the perfect backdrop for highlighting minimal-style furniture and richly toned planting. 

Lush, glossy foliage and the intense orange, crimson leaves of acers are all accentuated by this dark, moody shade and it will also throw the intricate-shaped foliage into sharp relief too. 

Build on this strong statement by introducing furniture with striking black detailing too. This modern sofa set has a bold U-shaped aluminium frame and an extended low-level platform in teak to create a softer finish. 

5. Showcase miniature bonsai

Dark blue ceramic oval bonsai plant pot from Gardenesque

(Image credit: Gardenesque)

Perfection in miniature, bonsai trees first appeared in Japan around 1,200 years ago and, over time, were adopted by Zen Buddhist monks as tray landscapes where the diminutive but beautifully trained trees represented the universe. They soon became highly prized by scholars and today they have worldwide appeal in Japanese garden ideas. 

Start your collection by displaying your leafy treasures in richly glazed garden planter ideas. There are a few rules to follow though, as the Gardenesque team explains. 'The basic principles for estimating your ideal pot size are relative to your bonsai tree. The pot at its longest side should measure half the tree's height and the depth is equivalent to the width of trunk at the soil base. Chunky bonsai trees are better suited to square pots, whilst the more delicate trees in circular pots.'

6. Try your hand at cloud pruning

Taxus Cuspidata 'Niwaki' (Japanese Yew) from Architectural Plants

(Image credit: Architectural Plants)

Shaping a garden tree into a series of cloud-shaped boughs is an ancient Japanese art. Intended to accentuate the plants individual characteristics and harmonize it with its surroundings, the results make stunning, sculptural focal points.  Make sure you have the best garden shears to hand to keep yours looking good though.

Japanese privet and box-leaved holly both create stunning results, but to find out more we spoke to Guy Watts, owner and MD of Architectural Plants. 'The asymmetrical beauty of 'Niwaki' sits well among structured schemes of complementary plants: topiarised pillows and balls, or other blob shapes, left fluffy for looser texture.' 

Although they look exquisite potted in gravel gardens, they also look good in a border. 'Think of contrasting the tranquility imposed by Niwaki with movement,' adds Guy. 'Bamboos, grasses or something like Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa nana’. Consider color, too. Maples are a fantastic addition for this as well as providing texture and contrasting form. Position where they are protected from winter winds and direct sunlight for best results.'

7. Showcase an acer or two

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

(Image credit: Alamy)

Exceptionally beautiful, Japanese maples are the perfect plant for your Japanese garden ideas. With varieties of all shapes and sizes – from small, weeping trees perfect for pots and besides ponds to stately specimens that reach up to 8 metres high – they will add elegance, structure and year-round interest. 

These slow-growing beauties can be a little diva-like in their needs, preferring a sheltered spot in free draining and non-alkaline soil. Once you've learned how to grow acers, however, you'll be rewarded with stunning autumn color and graceful, finely cut foliage that oozes Japanese style. 

Here are our five stand-out varieties for you to try in your space. 

8. Add a Japanese-inspired bridge

There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to mimic the effect of a Japanese style bridge in your garden design

(Image credit: Alamy)

You don’t have to have a stream or large pond in your garden to include a Japanese style bridge. Representing the journey from the mortal world to the afterlife or higher spiritual realm of purity and nature, a bridge is the ideal way to create movement around and structure within your Japanese garden ideas. 

Your bridge could take the form of simple stepping stone ideas in the middle of a shallow pool or a graceful arching bridge over a dry gravel and pebble river. The key is to thoughtfully integrate it into its surroundings. 

Creating a slight dip below the bridge and adding clumps of natural planting – ferns, ornamental grasses are both good options – at either end will help bed the structure into the ground. Frame the scene further by adding one or two of the best trees for small gardens nearby, so the lower branches can reach over and soften the effect. 

9. Light your Japanese garden ideas with stone lanterns

Stone lanterns are a traditional sight in Japanese gardens

(Image credit: Rohan Gangopadhyay/Unsplash)

Simply unmistakable, stone lanterns – tōrō or ishidourou – are a key feature in Japanese garden ideas. Originally made and positioned to light the way to temples and shrines, they were lit with a candle or small oil lamp. 

There are many different styles and sizes of lanterns, each with their own fascinating history and purpose, so it’s worth finding out about each design before you buy - try Herons Bonsai for a wide selection.  

Oribe lanterns tend to be tall – raised on a pedestal it has a square light box featuring a crescent, full moon and square openings while the three-legged Yukimi doro or snow viewing lantern was used to help fisherman navigate and traditionally sits with two feet in the water and one on land. 

No matter which lantern you choose, less is definitely more. A few, carefully chosen and placed pieces will add a chic and tranquil atmosphere to your outdoor lighting ideas, whereas too many can result in a cluttered, themed look.

10. Hang a ceiling of colorful lanterns

Hikari Solar Garden Lanterns from Not On The High Street

(Image credit: Not On The High Street)

This is a great way to cosy up any outdoor living or dining space. Hanging an assortment of fabric Japanese-style lanterns will not only introduce color, shape and pattern in amongst your planting, it will create the illusion of a ceiling too, helping to visually enclose the space.  

These sophisticated lanterns feature solar LED lights too for added atmosphere. Cluster them together and hang from your pergola ideas, garden arch or tree branches for a magical effect. 

This sloping garden was redesigned by Cityscapers to create a interconnected series of mini gardens surrounded by shrubs and lush grasses

(Image credit: Cityscapers)

Contemplation while walking, surrounded by nature, is at the heart of many Japanese garden ideas. Designed to be viewed from meandering garden path ideas, new garden features and views are gradually revealed with each twist and turn. 

The perfect way to make the most of a small outside space, it’s definitely a design trick we can use in many urban gardens today. Designer Nigel Gomme of Cityscapers has employed a similar approach in this gorgeous London garden. Using raised curving walkways made from rich-toned hardwood deckboards, the rectangular space is divided into five distinct planting areas each with their own planting palette and signature scent. Rounded shrubs and grassy hillocks echo the curvy design and increase the sense of movement. 

There's more clever ways to introduce decked areas into your garden in our decking ideas feature. 

12. Add handcrafted and traditional Japanese details

Japanese-style rain chains from The Gutter Centre

(Image credit: The Gutter Centre)

Character and charm often lie in tiny details and this is definitely true in minimal Japanese garden ideas. A carefully placed item – often laden with historic and traditional significance – can have significant meaning and look stunning against a particular background or surface. 

Shaka Tsukubai – a bamboo water ladle – traditionally used at Shinto shrines for purification, is often laid next to a stone water basin in a garden while each basin is surrounded by three kneeling stones or large flat rocks. 

Rain chains are another delightful detail that are easy to add to your Japanese garden ideas. Used for hundreds of years, these Kusari-doi’ channel water from the roof to ground via a series of tiny buckets or links. Historically made from copper, today you can also find stainless steel and mixed designs.

13. Go for a few thoughtfully placed features

In this Japanese-inspired garden design by Kirman Design , an Oribe lantern and Tetsu bachi (water basin) are the main focal points

(Image credit: Kirman Design)

When it comes to designing Japanese garden ideas, make the most of your existing garden features. Mature shrubs and trees, sloping banks or natural dips all present opportunities to get creative and a chance to try out fresh ideas. 

Take time to look closely at your space – removing a few low branches from an established azalea or camellia could open up enough space to nestle in stone water feature ideas or a lantern, or clearing out an overgrown corner could prove the ideal spot for a gravel garden. 

In this enchanting design by Kirman Design an existing acer became the ideal canopy and setting for an Oribe lantern and water basin. 'Creating a successful Japanese garden or arrangement within your garden hinges on authenticity,' says designer Rick Everett. 'Take the time to study how and why ornaments, rocks and plants are traditionally positioned in original Japanese gardens.'

14. Arrange a gravel and rock garden

A simple solution for Japanese garden ideas is to create a raked gravel garden in a corner of your plot

(Image credit: Alamy)

Whether you’ve a vast sunny spot or quiet, secluded corner, garden gravel ideas could be your perfect option. Consisting of flat areas of gravel featuring odd numbered groups of rocks, carefully chosen for their shape, markings and placed to suggest a distinct landscape, these areas seep tranquility and make a dramatic visual statement too. 

In both ancient Japanese garden ideas, and those surrounding Buddhist temples, the fine gravel is carefully raked to create concentric circles radiating out from rocks, straight lines like ploughed farrows and sweeping curves. Left open to the elements, the beauty also lies in the way the lines are shifted by the wind and rain. Choose a pale, cool shade of gravel – dove gray, white marble and silver blue granite all work well – and go for 6mm stones laid 75mm deep for defined raked lines. 

Feature stones and rocks are arranged in groups of three, five or seven. Chosen for their individual shapes, markings and color they are placed within the flat graveled area to represent key landscape features such as waterfalls, trees, mountains and even animals. Moss and lichen are encouraged to grow on the surfaces and the occasional small evergreen tree or conifer are sometimes added on the garden’s fringes. 

15. Mix stark and contrasting materials

This tranquil and contemporary Japanese-style garden was designed by Acres Wild

(Image credit: Acres Wild)

Playing with diverse surfaces and materials provides much of the interest in minimal, but creative Japanese garden ideas.  

'Japanese gardens are all about abstraction of nature in an artful manner which appears to be natural, but is in fact highly controlled and considered,' explains Ian Smith, Designer at Acres Wild. 'Here, black basalt was used for the path surface, and grey granite slabs were inserted to give the illusion of a bridge crossing water, which is itself represented by granite gravel. Granite boulders complete the illusion of a stream running between rocky banks.'

Find more inspiring options for your paving ideas in our feature. 

What plants work best in Japanese garden ideas?

Acers are a classic choice for your Japanese garden ideas

(Image credit: Alamy)

A much-asked question, we spoke to Natalie Hoare from the renowned Japanese Garden in St Mawgan, Cornwall UK for her planting suggestions for Japanese garden ideas. 

'The Japanese philosophy to approaching a garden design leans toward working with what you have. Although many Japanese plants are considered classic choices for a Japanese garden, it’s worth remembering that idea that what is true to the philosophy of Japanese design is to appreciate nature and design according to the requirements of your particular garden and to plant plants that will thrive in the environment. My top four plant suggestions are chosen as they are specific to our own little Japanese style garden in Cornwall.'

What features should you include in Japanese garden ideas?

Rocks and gravel are key elements of Japanese garden ideas and can be adapted to any size space

(Image credit: Alamy)

Hard landscaping ideas can include gravel, rocks and stepping-stones to provide plenty of contrasting texture and surfaces underfoot. Try tying pieces of bamboo together with black twine to create simple arches, gates, fences, and privacy panels. 

Encourage mosses to spread in nooks and crannies and plant clump forming grasses and shrubs for undulating foliage and to showcase the various restful shades of green.

How do I make my backyard into a Japanese garden?

This Japanese-style tea house is a beautiful addition to this enchanting English garden

(Image credit: Clive Nichols/Future)

Jill puts her love of plants and all things garden related down to the hours spent pottering around with her Nan and Grandad when she was little. Today she is lucky enough to have a garden of her own in Surrey, England, and spends much of her time writing about them too. 

Japanese Backyard Gardens - Top 135 Photos, Landscaping, Garden & Garden

Japanese Tea House

Miriam's River House Designs, LLC

Photo shows Japanese Tea House west side. The gravel path contains a Japanese dry river bed and an Inukshuk sculpture, metaphysically designed. The surrounding garden is the inner Roji garden and contains a Roji stepping stone path designed with a metaphysical pattern. pattern. Photo credits:Dan Drobnick

Zen Garden

The Garden Artist LLC

Blu Fish Photography
Fresh Design Idea: Medium Plot and Garden, Oriental Backyard with Midday Shade in Winter - Great Interior Photo

Formal Structural Garden

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design

Charlotte Rowe Garden Design. Large formal garden structural with water rill, limestone paving, clipped Cloud planting with petanques court and subtle garden lighting.

Back garden planting with large boulder

Maximize Design

Lush back garden planting, with flowering perennials, grasses and evergreen ground covers. The tree is a mature Amelanchier (Serviceberry). A large boulder that was found on site sits in a bed of Irish Moss (Sagina) and Japanese Acorus Grass.

Renovation d'un jardin de Ville à l'arrière d'une maison dans le center ville de Blagnac.
Stylish Design: A small modern Japanese backyard garden with afternoon shade is the latest trend

Japanese Inspired Backyard Santuary

Bradford Associates, LLC

A custom designed koi pond is the central feature in the japanese inspired landscape. The waterfall is not only essential to the health of the fish and the aquatic plants, but it adds soothing, relaxing background noise to throughout the backyard. Espalier apple trees grow on custom built supports along the back fence.

Finished Lanscapes

Stephen A. Roberts Landscape

A Koi pond with water lilies, oxygenators, and stepping stones.
Design ideas for a medium sized Oriental backyard yard and garden with midday shade and paving stones

East meets West

Daniela Müller your green guide

Der Blick über die Rasenfläche führt in den klassisch englischen der Teilbereich Gartenanlage.
Original design example of a medium-sized spring yard and country-style backyard garden with midday shade and gravel

Japanese Inspired English Gardens

Ted Lare Design Build

Ted Lare Design Build
A fresh design idea for a medium-sized yard and garden in a neoclassical (modern classic) backyard with midday shade in winter - great interior photo

Pond Marvel

Smalls Landscaping

Japanese Maples and Evergreens are great ways to add that pop of color to a simple type of landscaping. Moss rocks give it that natural texture to elevate the land and landscape. This type of landscape allows seasonal interest and vibrant colors year round. The evergreens take over the landscape during the cold winter months.

Pond Marvel

Smalls Landscaping

Can you imagine this is your view in your back yard? Can you imagine the peaceful noise of the waterfall? Serenity NOW!
Stylish Design: Large Fall Lot and Classic Backyard Garden with Midday Shade and Stone Paving - Latest Trend

Japanese Inspired Backyard Santuary

Bradford Associates, LLC

A custom designed koi pond is the central feature in the japanese inspired landscape. The design provided for the year round color and textural interest through varied and interesting planting and hardscape materials.

Contemporary Pond Garden - Water blade.

Kirman Design

Water blade set in a granite and porcelain clad wall acts as a focal point from the lounge window. A specimen Japanese maple sits to the right of the waterfall surrounded by feature boulders and gravel.

Bluestone, Boulders, and Japanese-styled "Zen Garden"

Ohana Natural Landscaping LLC

Total rennovation and addition of the front entrance and side walkway. Whole front of house, essentially. Japanese styled Zen Garden, mossy bouldered "islands", bouldered edging along walkways, dry stream, natural bluestone.

Bavaria

One Square Rate

Celia Popkin
Original Design Example: Large Sunny Japanese Oriental Backyard Garden with Good Light

of all possible, especially if you are surrounded by a garden created by yourself. We tell you how to make a landscape design project yourself and where you can find inspiration in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Create a plan

First, make a plan, study the site (soil features, sunny and shady sides, planted large plants). Mark all objects: trees, buildings, fences, streams and communications. The plan should be oriented to the cardinal points. Professionals use topoplan , which is created by surveyors, where the nuances of the relief are indicated.

After that, projects of the future garden are created. Decide on the style and preferences, think about what this garden will be used for. In the project, it is important to take into account the drainage and storm water drainage scheme, the irrigation scheme (if necessary), lighting and the plan for planting trees, shrubs and flower beds. However, for a small garden, such a complex scheme is not needed.

In order to implement the plan, you need to be charged with ideas for creating gardens in the best world traditions.

Choose a style

Classic English garden


English garden in the elite complex "Polyanka/44"

This garden is called a landscape garden. It pleases the eye and emphasizes the natural beauty of nature. In the English garden, several types of plants are used, which are combined in color. It should not be too colorful, so it is better to choose certain shades of colors. Only cold (white, light pink, blue, light green, lilac) or only warm (orange, burgundy, yellow, red).

The English garden in the elite new building "Polyanka/44" recreates the authentic atmosphere of the natural landscape. Bulk hills are equipped here, mountain pine, linden, birch, hawthorn, maple, juniper and decorative grapes are planted, flower arrangements are installed.


The layout is dictated by the landscape itself. Jagged paths, flowery arches, many ornamental shrubs that grow as if they were given complete freedom. Strict angles and straight lines are not needed here; the guests of the garden should have a feeling of simplicity and serenity.

It is convenient to create such a garden on an already existing site, adding bright accents. Everything that is beautiful should be emphasized, everything that is not pleasant should be covered with flowering plants. When planning, it is worth combining flowers and shrubs that are adapted to the area. Use annuals along the paths and perennials to decorate the porch and house. Particular attention is paid to vertical gardening. The English garden has arches, gazebos, with lots of climbing plants, including fragrant roses. Here you can arrange tea parties and small receptions for guests.

Paths for such a garden are made from improvised natural materials, brick, gravel and paving slabs are suitable. If the path leads to a secluded place, it should narrow; if it leads to an open space, it should become wider. In an English garden, you can put wooden benches where it will be nice to relax or read a book. Around it is better to plant climbing roses or wild roses. The atmosphere of this garden is permeated with romance and classicism.

Pond should be shallow with uneven shoreline. A hedge or tall plants are placed near it, which combine different leaf textures.

Japanese Garden


This is a garden with a special philosophy, which is created for those who love privacy, harmony and peace. A garden for one person, immersed in their inner world. Noisy feasts and holidays are not arranged in this place. As a rule, it is not even customary to walk here. This garden is made for contemplation. It looks beautiful at different times of the year; for this, plants and shrubs are planted, with different flowering periods and beautiful foliage. Evergreen trees are often used.

A miniature Japanese garden can be set up anywhere, preferably in the backyard, where it is easy to hide from prying eyes. From different angles a new view opens up, along the perimeter of the garden they make wooden terraces where you can sit.

The main thing here is philosophy and composition. All elements are endowed with a special meaning, the combination of water and stone, symbols of the feminine and masculine, will be indispensable. The Japanese garden is asymmetric, in the center there is a dominant that personifies creation - Yang energy. It is important to use plants that are suitable for the area. The landscape should not have the same elements, all stones and plants should differ in shape and size. It is worth avoiding the same distances, otherwise the garden will look unnatural.

An example of the use of Japanese style in the exterior of the facades and the courtyard can be seen at Pioneer Group of Companies in the LIFE-Botanical Garden project.


The architectural concept was developed by the Japanese workshop Nikken Sekkei


Plants, characteristic of Japan

for 100% immersion in the atmosphere of the Japanese garden, it is enough to take 10 minutes and look into the main botanical garden in the main botanical garden them. N.V. Tsitsina RAS.


The Japanese garden is located in the eastern part of the massif between the arboretum and the floodplain of the Likhoborka River

There are four types of Japanese garden concepts.

Tsubo is a miniature garden, the area is from one to three and a half square meters. The perimeter is surrounded by large boulders, and the garden area itself is covered with moss, not grass. Small shrubs are planted in the center. Mirrors and lighting will visually enlarge the site.


Tree garden is created on a spacious area and is more like a European one. There will be a stream and many green plants. In such a garden, attention is paid to decorative elements: bridges, lanterns, bamboo hedges. The outer fence is also made of stones.


Rock garden is a special garden with a minimum of plants.


First, a platform is leveled under it, all unnecessary flowers and shrubs are removed. In the center is placed the symbol of the top of Horai - a large stone. Then they form a composition of several boulders, lay out the islands of the crane and turtle. The main thing here is to find suitable stones or turn on your imagination. The island of the crane is left without plants, the island of the turtle is decorated with undersized shrubs (heather, boxwood). Vertical stones are a symbol of male energy, horizontal - female.

The tea garden is decorated in a sober mountain landscape style.


Great importance is attached to shades of green, the play of light and shadow. In the depths of the garden there is a gazebo for tea ceremonies and one light source - a traditional Japanese lantern. If there is a stream, then there will be a bridge. If there is no water, it connects two imaginary banks.

Provence style garden


This garden is built on the principles of geometry. In a classic French garden, there is always a single axis. All elements are located on the same plane, there are no relief drops. Ornamental shrubs are planted in such a garden, which keep their shape thanks to the crown. If there is not too much space on the site, you can make a Provence-style composition next to the house.

Lavender is the main symbol of the region, which is sure to be in the French garden. This plant perfectly tolerates the Russian winter. Around the house, you can plant flowers in purple and pastel colors, lush greenery, unpretentious shrubs with small inflorescences. Large pots, wooden crates, earthenware and watering cans will do. For this style, old things are needed: stools and armchairs, ceramic dishes and knitted blankets. This garden should have a dining area for guests, because the meaning of eating for the French is communication with friends and loved ones.

Bouquets of dried lavender or other field herbs can decorate the house, both outside and inside. This garden is characterized by a combination of living plants and dried flowers.

Such a garden in the Provence style will ideally fit into the cottage villages, which are designed in a similar style.


Panorama of the Greenfield cottage community. Classic style: majestic residences reminiscent of country castles

Apothecary garden


Herbal aromatic garden or “apothecary garden” is a place where medicinal plants and spices can be grown. It does not take up much space, a couple of beds are enough. To start, plant those plants that are used for cooking: rosemary and parsley, sage and basil. Traditionally, the "pharmaceutical garden" is placed closer to the kitchen. It is convenient if you have a couple of sprigs of fragrant herbs and spices on hand.

If there is not enough space, you can make a small flower bed. Plant tall herbs in the center, short ones around. Most plants love light, so it is best to plant them on the sunny side. Some, like mint, thyme, parsley or lovage, grow well in partial shade.

Medicinal plants can be grown next to spices, diluted with decorative bright flowers. If you plan to plant wild plants, such as chamomile, St. John's wort or yarrow, then it is better for them to create conditions close to natural. Think in advance about the room where these plants can be dried. For this, a gazebo that is ventilated is suitable.

Any of these gardens is easy to make on a summer cottage. It is enough to select a few elements and find suitable plants. Nature itself will be a clue, and over time, the territory of the garden can be increased.

To create a garden, you can use programs for professional landscape designers that are suitable for amateurs. They have not only a set of various tools, but also a catalog of plants.

Use programs to plan your future garden

X-Desiner


3D glider, a lightweight program with which you can not only create a plan, but also "plant" plants, see how the site will change in different seasons, try different lighting. There is a useful function - terrain modification. The program has simple graphics, but it is quite enough to visualize the site.

After the free trial period, the program can be purchased.

Our Garden


Beginner Program. Here you can choose plants, change their shape and see how they look at different times, as well as draw a detailed plan, make an estimate for work. There is a catalog of objects: gazebos, garages, streams and ponds.

The program is free for a trial period.

English programs:

Garden Planner


Another free program with a large database of plants, trees, flower beds and other decorative elements. Each item comes with an accompanying card. Of the minuses - poor visualization and lack of 3D projection.

Realtime Landscaping Architect


A detailed program with realistic images and a large catalog of objects. You can print the plan and make a video. Allows you to create a professional landscape design. It costs quite a lot.

Before starting work, study the properties of plants, the period of their growth and flowering, select those that take root in our climatic conditions. You can see the changes in the site already in the first season. To do this, you need to buy seeds of annual plants and ready-made seedlings of trees and shrubs. In specialized centers (OBI, Belaya Dacha, Leroy Merlin) there is a choice of colors and decorative elements: stones, lanterns, garden figurines.

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