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Garden design japanese style


Japanese garden ideas: 14 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. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. 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.

9. 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. 

11. 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.

12. 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.'

13. 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. 

14. 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. 

5 Types of Authentic Japanese Garden Design You Should Know

by Anika Ogusu | LIFESTYLE

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Karesansui Dry Landscape Garden

Japanese gardens are renowned for their transcendent beauty. The classical Zen garden, for example, is praised for its purity and meditative spirituality. Its transformative quality is by no means an accident; Japanese gardens are meticulously designed and carefully crafted down to every single element. Their distinct styles are in fact exceedingly varied and reveal a deep connection to Japan’s history and culture. 

Anika Ogusu is a passionate gardener with a special interest in Japanese gardens. She is also the founder of Real Japanese Gardens, which is the most comprehensive online source for everything to do with Japanese gardens. Definitely worth your time to check it out!

Here is the low down on 5 of the most important types of traditional Japanese garden design and the elements that you will find in each. A little background to these styles will really enhance your understanding next time you visit a Japanese garden!

 

1. Dry Landscape Garden

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Ryoanji

The dry landscape garden (枯山水 Karesansui) is the best known type of Japanese garden type and is often called Zen garden. While monks do use them when practicing Zen, meditation more commonly takes place in groups in large rooms, often with no window.

Dry landscape gardens lack one elements that ties together all other styles of Japanese garden: the water. Water is instead replaced by gravel, giving the impression of a dry ocean or river. While people tend to focus on the stone settings of a dry landscape garden, the skill of the person who creates such a garden is more accurately reflected by the empty space between the stone groups. It is called yohaku no bi – the beauty of empty space.

Dry landscape gardens are famous for using only gravel and rocks, although in fact this is not quite true. In many dry gardens, plants play an important role.

The first pure dry landscape gardens were built during the politically very turbulent Muromachi period (1336 - 1573). Since that time, some popular patterns and styles have developed for the layout out of the stones, known as Ishigumi (石組み).

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Stone Triad

Sanzon-ishigumi, the stone triad, is perhaps the most popular stone setting in Japanese garden design, representing a deity-stone in the middle with two supporters on either. This arrangement is generally used in a religious context.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Shichigosan

The Shichi-go-san (7-5-3) arrangement is another famous stone setting. A good example is the dry landscape garden of Ryoan-ji in Kyoto.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Yodomari

Yodomari stone arrangements are created by placing rocks in a line in a pond in front of an island. The stones represent ships anchoring there and waiting for treasures, which can be gathered on the island.

You don’t have to be in Japan to visit some stunning traditional Japanese gardens. Check out these 12 Stunning Gardens in the US.

 

2. Study Garden

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Shoinzukuri Teien Study Garden

This type of garden is one of the oldest in Japan, and is still common today. Unlike most other types, the study garden (書院造庭園Shoinzukuri Teien) isn’t designed for visitors to wander around, but rather to enjoy it from the study, like a painting. The most common layout for a Study garden begins with a pond nearest to the visitor, with the garden leading the view up an incline beyond. Bridges are often placed on one side of the pond while both stone settings and small shrubs are arranged in various locations on the garden slope. Some of the stonework you may see include lanterns, pagodas and statuary.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Stone Lantern

Kasuga-style lanterns (灯籠 Toro) are the most common type and can be found in almost every traditional Japanese garden. The firebox is hexagonal with two openings and carvings of deer. These lanterns stand on a single solid pillar.

Snow-viewing lanterns stand on three or four legs next to a pond. The big umbrella is perfect to catch the falling snow and present it as a soft white hat to the carefully watching eye.

A famous lantern style, but not so frequently employed in Japanese garden design, is the Rankei lantern. The firebox is placed on an overhanging pillar and placed over a pond or stream.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Pagoda

Pagodas (石塔 Sekito) became a more popular design element from the Edo period. They are normally placed on a hill, half covered by shrubs and standing under trees, to recreate the sense of the pagodas constructed throughout the mountains of Kyoto.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Buddha Statue

In the west, statues of Buddha are sometime used as decoration. In Japan however stone Buddha statues (石仏 Sekibutsu) would only be used in gardens connected to a museum or a temple. Sometimes Buddhist deities are displayed on stone plates in a hidden corner of a strolling garden.

 

3. Strolling Garden

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Kayushiki Teien Strolling Garden

Most strolling gardens (回遊式庭園 Kayushiki Teien) were constructed during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) by daimyo (feudal lords) and are therefore sometimes known as daimyo gardens.

The gardens of the Edo period reflected the peace in the country: very soft shorelines, un-dramatic stone settings, and softly curved hills. These types of Japanese gardens often recreate scenes from history and myth, both from within Japan, but also from China. The design of these daimyo gardens reflected the wealth and intellectual prowess of the garden’s owner.

As these gardens were nearly always arranged around a central pond, or lake for the very well-to-do, bridges were an essential element of the design.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Curved Bridge

Curved bridges were commonly used in Heian period palace gardens about a thousand years ago, where boat parties would be held on the ponds. The bridges needed to be curved, so that boats were able to pass underneath them. Today these curves are no longer necessary, but survive as a popular decorative motif.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Stone Bridge

Stone bridges come in various shapes: slightly curved, as one whole block or as two blocks parallel to each other with only a small overlap in the middle. Stone bridges are made of hewn rock and are used to span shorter distances.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Zigzag Bridge

Despite some rumors, zigzag bridges are not constructed to prevent demons from crossing. In fact zigzag bridges have their origin in a compilation of poems about a man crossing the eight branches of a iris-strewn river. For this reason zigzag bridges are commonly used in gardens where many irises grown. Larger zigzag bridges also enable the visitor to take different perspectives from which to view the garden.

One great strolling garden that was certainly not commissioned by a Daimyo is the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. You can find out all about it in our Complete Guide.

 

4. Tea Garden

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Tea Garden

Japanese tea gardens (茶庭 Chaniwa or 露地 Roji) are always connected to a tearoom or tea house and are an integral part of the tea ceremony.

The garden is an important instrument for the guests’ mental preparation. Walking from the entrance of the garden towards the tea room, guests purify themselves through various rituals in order to achieve the right mindset for the coming ceremony.

A typical tea garden has one or more gates, waiting shelters, a toilet, stepping stones, a water basin (tsukubai), a waste hole and mostly evergreen, non-flowering plants.

Japanese garden designs relies on a variety of different trees and shrubs, but one particular distinguishing feature is the extensive use of moss.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Pine Trees

The mostly commonly seen trees are the black pine, red pine, and the Japanese maple. Other evergreen shrubs, which can be found in almost every Japanese garden are the Camellia, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Japanese pieris, Mahonia japonica and the Satsuki-Azalea.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Moss

Several varieties of mosses are cultivated with the most common type being the sugi-goke, a Polytrichum variety. Lately, Racomitrium canescens is becoming more and more popular.

 

5. Courtyard Garden

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Tsuboniwa Courtyard Garden

Gardens within the walls of a residence or in a small, enclosed space beside them, are known as Courtyard Gardens or Tsuboniwa (坪庭).

This type of Japanese garden first appeared during the Heian era (794 – 1192). During these times women were often given a name that referred to a specific plant which grew in the tsuboniwa next to her quarter.

As houses grew bigger courtyard gardens also took on the function of regulating the temperature and airflow in the home during the long hot summers. Various water features were particularly effective for this, and are used in many types of Japanese garden.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Tsukubai

A tsukubai is a hand washing basin composed of several elements that is commonly used in Japanese tea gardens. There is a basin in the middle with two stones on either side. A stepping stone path usually leads towards a large flat stone in front of the basin on which to stand. Water flows into the basin through a bamboo tube, and a lantern at the back of the basin helps to guide the guest towards it.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Suikinkutsu

The Suikinkutsu is a popular, almost musical, feature of a garden. A jar is buried upside-down in the ground and covered with cobblestones. As water drips through a hole in the bottom of the jar and hits the standing water in its top, it makes a sound like a harp.

© Anika Ogusu, Real Japanese Gardens, Shishiodoshi

The shishiodoshi is sometimes known abroad as a deer-scarer. A bamboo pipe is balanced like a seesaw under a source of flowing water. One end of the bamboo pipe is open and one is closed. When the open end fills with water, the extra weight causes it to snap down. It makes a very pleasant soft crack as it tips back into place.

Japanese gardens feature a large variety of unique elements and styles. Which are your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out Real Japanese Gardens where you can find downloadable ebooks on all aspects of Japanese garden design.

 

June 21, 2018 | Lifestyle, Craft, Japanese Gardens

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Japanese style and garden in landscape design

Japan has long attracted people from other countries with its mysterious philosophy and culture, which are very clearly manifested in the field of Japanese style landscape design. The Japanese garden is the embodiment of the Land of the Rising Sun in a single area. The purpose of its creation is a positive impact on the life of the owner, support of his vitality, help in finding inner harmony, getting rid of stress. It attracts with its practicality and simplicity, it traces the philosophy inherent only to it. It is very difficult to create, but it is quite simple to maintain, although at first glance it does not seem so. nine0003

Contents:

Features and spiritual basis of the Japanese style in landscape design

Japanese style is one of the most symbolic and mysterious, and at the same time one of the easiest to care for. Created on the basic principles of the culture of the East (spiritualization of nature), it is very different from the logical and pragmatic culture of Western peoples in its special spirituality, wisdom and sensuality. nine0003

A Japanese-style garden is something special. Through symbols, it embodies the whole nature of the islands - its plains, mountains, meadows, rivers, as parts of one puzzle, are combined into a common multifaceted and perfect composition. This is a great place to restore vitality. A feeling of peace arises in it, here a person knows himself, becomes one with and finds peace of mind.

Refined philosophy dominates here, built on the principles of spirituality and harmony. They were formed over the centuries under the influence of different eras, each of which dictated its own laws. nine0003

In our country, the design of a Japanese-style site should not exactly copy the landscapes characteristic of Japan, otherwise it will not look natural. It is enough to use symbolic elements balanced with each other.

The four basic principles of Japanese garden design:

Basic elements of Japanese landscape design

The characteristic elements of this style are stones, water and plants, which are harmoniously and most naturally complemented by small architectural forms.

Stones in a Japanese garden

These motionless guardians symbolize stability, strength and eternity, radiating peace and harmony. It is they who set the structure of the garden, therefore they are an indispensable element. There are a lot of placement and application options, this is a whole art that embodies the key moment of this style. With their help, accents are placed in the water, bridges are built from them, paths are paved, or simply fit into the natural composition (for this they are placed only asymmetrically). nine0003

Water in a Japanese garden

Water has a special meaning in Japan. It is a symbol of prosperity and an inexhaustible source of vitality. It is considered the fastest of the natural elements, therefore it sets the mood and rhythm for the garden and the whole house. According to Eastern beliefs, the more water, the better. Therefore, there simply cannot be many reservoirs! When designing a territory in the Japanese style, a wide variety of water bodies are used - ponds, waterfalls, streams. The only thing that must be observed without fail is no imitations! nine0003

Plants in a Japanese garden

They, like other elements, help to create a miniature model of the universe (which, in essence and concept, is any Japanese garden). Since the universe is very small, the plants used in it are also small - shrubs and low trees (chaenomeles, azaleas, quince, sakura, pines). Japanese quince in the landscape design of such a garden, like sakura, occupies a special place. They serve as both decoration and symbols. Quince represents longevity and fertility. Sakura reminds that everything comes, and life is fleeting. Only beauty is eternal. nine0003

According to the Japanese tradition, all bushes and trees are given a round shape, this symbolizes the sky. Although the plants themselves emphasize the change of seasons (from cherry blossoms in spring to chrysanthemums blooming in late autumn), symbolizing the transience of life and the unstoppable running of time. To enhance the impression, contrasts are often used that clearly demonstrate these postulates: dry trees or ancient stumps are located next to lush flowering shrubs.

Almost any of the plants has a very versatile use. For example, beautiful openwork hedges, magnificent group compositions are created from Japanese spirea in landscape design today, or they are used as an independent decorative unit. nine0003

Small architectural forms in the Japanese garden

It is with their help that the garden turns into a small universe. All of them are made from natural materials - wood, bamboo (reed), stone, harmoniously intertwining with nature.

Even lanterns, a symbol of virtue and kindness, are made of stone in the Japanese garden. The use of many other small architectural forms is also envisaged - garden screens, light gazebos and pagodas, simple benches and, of course, bridges. They can be very different: made of bamboo and wood, light and elegant, hovering over a water mirror, or deliberately rough, made of stones laid on the bottom of a stream. nine0003

Features of the layout of the Japanese garden

The elements are not numerous, balanced and together form a single harmonious composition, where any of them is in its place. Decorating the entire site in this style, it is divided into irregularly shaped zones, which may or may not coincide with the functional zones. For each such zone, a separate composition is built, after which smooth transitions are made between them.

Japanese garden color scheme

Only soft and restrained colors based on smooth halftones and transitions. The use of various shades of the same color in Japanese site design indicates a special level of craftsmanship. Muted tones of white, brown, green and gray are considered basic. Today, a couple of bright color accents are allowed.

IMPORTANT. Creating a landscape design for a Japanese garden is a painstaking and time-consuming process that requires special knowledge, vision and patience. This is a kind of art, albeit subject to certain rules. nine0003

Where can I order Japanese-style landscape design in St. Petersburg?

AG GARDEN DESIGN offers professional Japanese landscape design services in St. Petersburg and the region.

  • Our specialists know all the intricacies of creating Japanese landscape design and are able to take into account the peculiarities of the site.
  • At your service is a team of craftsmen with special skills, knowledge and rich experience in creating Japanese design in a variety of areas. nine0008
  • We approach each site only individually, avoiding stereotyped solutions, but taking into account the interests of the owners.
  • Regardless of the amount of work, we offer the lowest prices for landscape design of the site, regardless of the chosen style.
  • We consistently do our work efficiently and quickly.
  • We will be happy to turn your site into a harmonious corner of Japanese nature!

Japanese-style garden design: symbols and principles

Who doesn't dream of a traditional Japanese garden? Compact, bright and cozy, it is able to give any corner of the site a uniqueness and convey the traditions of the East.

The Japanese style as a landscape trend arose in the 8th-18th century, borrowing its foundations from China. The main differences in the design of styles are space. In China, landscape style is always parks and vast areas. In Japan, it is customary to minimize space. But still, the majestic palaces and temples also needed improvement, so today a Japanese-style garden can be: nine0003

- for palaces

- for living quarters

- for temples

- gardens for tea ceremonies


Palace territories mean a huge space for recuperation and walks, so you can often see the intersection of many paths and small pavilions that help to contemplate the beauty around. The temple ones are designed more for meditation and contemplation, so the landscape is distinguished by tranquility and sophistication. nine0003

Residential gardens are always remarkable for their small size (3-5 meters) and are often replicas of landscapes. But the territory for a tea house is like a passage from everyday life to the spiritual world, so it should be decorative all year round. In spring, these are fruit trees and shrubs, in summer - the most beautifully flowering flowers, in autumn the territory should be decorated with maple, and in winter - a beautiful plexus of branches. And only somewhere in the depths of the garden you can see a path that leads directly to the house. The symbolism of the Japanese garden is amazing: there is space, a play of colors, traditions with their own meaning, and harmony. The tea house itself is small in size with an underestimated doorway, which makes each guest bow down, thereby hinting at the equality of all people. nine0003

There are other categories of Japanese style:

By terrain type:

- convex

- flat

According to the type of composition dominance:

- rock garden

- moss garden

- water garden

- fern gardens

According to the complexity of execution:

- "sin". A garden filled with various compositions: stones, water, moss, etc. nine0003

- “co” An incomplete form in which separate decorative elements are used, but they must make up a harmonious overall picture, as well as be an integrity separately.

- "ge" In such a garden, single elements are taken as the basis, which together create a complete picture. The whole landscape around, as it were, is part of the main accents.

Kokedera or "moss garden". It is considered the most ancient garden, erected in the 14th century. The main color palette - green shades - soothing and peaceful. In the middle of the garden there is a lake with small islands that create an atmosphere of peace and solitude. nine0003

But the most famous rock garden - Tenryuji in Kyoto consisted mainly of shrubs and stones, which were located so that they succeeded each other in flowering all year round. Very often, a rock garden is an area filled with gravel, creating geometric surface waves reminiscent of the sea.

If the rock garden is located on the territory of the temple, the ministers align the waves and paths several times every day so that the integrity of the lines is not violated. Everyone who observes at different times of the year and under unique lighting sees something individual in these compositions and goes into deep reflection. nine0003


Water garden. According to the ancient religion of Japan - Shintoism, everything around: stones, plants, water bodies are the habitat of invisible spirits - kami. The garden of water, first of all, is peace and tranquility: ponds, reservoirs, the murmur of water, the whisper of intersecting streams. It is believed that water drives away evil spirits, helps to unload from everyday life and brings enlightenment to the mind. To date, many water gardens have been preserved in Japan, such as Shugaku-in, Katsura Palace Garden, Kinkakuji. All of them are under protection and supervision. nine0003

What are the basic principles and rules for creating a Japanese-style garden?

Since Japanese traditions have developed over the centuries, the design of a Japanese garden is a complex system in which any individual element and composition is important in its own way and carries a special meaning. The main goal is to achieve maximum harmony and create space for the contemplation of beauty.

1. The principle of simplicity and maximum return. The Japanese have no equal in creating minimalistic gardens that carry the immensity of the universe. Seeing a small Japanese garden, you can plunge into an atmosphere filled with legends, traditions and spirituality. nine0003

2. Naturalness comes first. In Japan, nature and everything created by it is considered ideal. It can be brought to perfection, to bring in individuality, but it cannot be created. So, for example, you will never see square or rectangular ponds in the Japanese style.

3. Asymmetry. Compositions and decorative elements in space are arranged asymmetrically. Even when cutting plants, Japanese gardeners adhere to this principle, trimming the crown unevenly. nine0003

4. Water. In most gardens, a pond is an indispensable part of the landscape, as water symbolizes life and change. This is a kind of "engine" of the garden, on which many concepts are based.

5. Odd numbers. Anything that is plural in the garden should be odd. This is borrowed, first of all, from the religion of the Japanese, who, by the way, are very superstitious and faithful to religion.

6. Natural color palette. In the Japanese style, green is the dominant color, you will not find a predominance of another gamut in it, so the main accents are created through experiments with the texture of needles and leaves. Color accents are often used only to highlight the seasons of the year. nine0003

7. More free space. In order to independently achieve the desired effect in creating a Japanese garden, you need to remember about space. No pomp and glamor - the space should embody freedom.

8. Garden paths. Many gardeners have questions at this particular stage of building a Japanese garden. In Japan, paths are often not only elements of zoning, but also a work of art. Often these are smooth, undulating paths that reveal something new to the eye at every turn. nine0003

9. Solitude. As we discussed above, Japanese gardens are often used for reflection on life, meditation and solitude. That is why they are often hidden from prying eyes to emphasize the atmosphere.

10. Orientation. Psychologically, it so happened that a person’s gaze has a direction: from left to right. This rule also works with the arrangement of elements, do not forget about it. For example, a correctly composed composition of stones, playing with the eye of the viewer, is able to bring depth to any space. nine0003

We have analyzed the most important principles, but it is always worth remembering that our goal is not to copy a Japanese garden, but to create something special, unique and individual, without losing the traditions and spirituality of Japan, even if the elements are considered not very characteristic of the style.


Purpose and direction of the Japanese garden.

The Japanese garden is a unique work of art in landscaping. Nature for the Japanese since ancient times is a symbol of beauty, peace. Religions, philosophies and ideas closely intersect with the outside world. First of all, it is a corner hidden from everyday life, which helps to meditate, put your thoughts in order, admire the beauties and find peace. Everything that is hidden in nature has magical powers that guide each person on their own path. Nature helps to know oneself, as it is the foundation of humanity. The garden is a special place for any Japanese, which is what Japanese-style architects are trying to interpret. nine0003

MAFs of the Japanese garden.

Stones in the Japanese garden.

When creating any garden, the basis is the skeleton, consisting of the main elements and secondary ones, which serve as an addition. The stones are the skeleton of the Japanese garden. Since ancient times, they symbolize the masculine “yang”. A variety of shapes, sizes and textures of stones help to show the most daring imagination: both high vertical and low vertical, arched, recumbent, round, with corners - for every taste and color. Returning to the principles of the Japanese garden, we remind you that it is better to use them in an odd number: 3,7,9. And be sure to experiment with sizes: it will turn out more elegant and interesting.

Stones are selected by shape, color, structure. It is necessary to pay attention not to artificial, processed stones, but to natural forms that are found in nature. Unusual stones look ideal with holes slightly covered with natural rust or moss, as well as underwater representatives - from rivers and lakes. To enhance the effect, they are placed with a slope to the ground or lightly sprinkled with soil. nine0003

Water in Japanese design.

As we said earlier, the Japanese attach special importance to the water surface. If the stone is characteristic of the masculine principle, then water is the feminine "yin". It is a symbol of life, movement and peace at the same time. Water in a Japanese garden is realized as a pond, stream or waterfall. It is also appropriate to use a "dry stream", but it is not allowed to design fountains of an unnatural shape.

Types of reservoirs:

Pond. Basically, they make out large gardens. The shape is natural, with its rounded edges and hollows. The level of the water surface should coincide with the shore, excluding the use of lining. The shores are decorated in a natural style, creating mirror images on the surface of the water. nine0003

Stream. Requires a much smaller area, can be characterized by a calm calm, or a turbulent current.

Waterfall.

It is considered the most popular reservoir. Pay attention to the offers on the market: there are waterfalls and portable ones, and for small gardens, the main thing is that the sound of water is present. Very often, for its design, one main stone is used, along which a stream of water flows, and two more compact stones that imitate the channel. nine0003

Dry stream in Japanese style.

An affordable alternative to a pond. It can be both calm and open into a stormy stream. To do this, you just need to clear the area and pour gravel or rubble, drawing a pattern with a rake.


Japanese garden - plants are like a transition from one season to another.

As in many gardens, plants carry some kind of semantic load. They are selected not only taking into account the microclimate, but also for the transfer of solutions and ideas. The task of Japanese garden plants is to convey the change of seasons. When choosing seedlings, remember that the Japanese very rarely use exotic plants, choosing mostly familiar, local representatives. Despite the fact that many of these plants will not be able to grow and winter comfortably in the middle lane, you can always pick up analogues that will fit perfectly into the composition and will not cause much trouble. nine0003

Walkways in Japanese style.

The winding paths are also the backbone of the garden. They take a person to the most amazing corners of the territory, directing his gaze and, as it were, controlling time. Paths in a Japanese garden can be of any material, of various shapes and sizes for each area. These are mainly stones, but saw cuts, logs and boards can also be used. Regardless of which format you choose, the tracks should not have sharp turns and corners.


An equally important decoration of the Japanese garden is lanterns.

The play of colors, shapes and shades ... How pleasant it is to walk among the lanterns in the evening! They are used in compositions with paths, plants, stones. The market today offers a huge selection of lighting: both lamps hidden from the eyes, and majestic royal candlesticks, and open lanterns resembling houses in shape - for every taste. When installing, you should pay attention to the fact that Japanese garden lanterns are used not only as decoration, but also open up the evening garden, emphasizing elegance and uniqueness. nine0003

Fences in the Japanese garden.

No less important in the garden is zoning. Dividing the site into zones so that you can walk slowly along it and discover new boundaries is a difficult but exciting process. In the Japanese garden, bamboo fences are often used, the manufacture of which is considered a special art in Japan. It is also worth paying attention to the fences made of wicker willow.

Arch at the entrance to the Japanese garden.

It will be much more interesting if the entrance to your Japanese garden is decorated with an arch. The main thing is to choose the right place for her. Pergolas and other recreational facilities are often placed in open space to emphasize their expressiveness. They can be realized both from wood and be woven from bamboo. Very appreciated in the design of recreation areas - simplicity, without the slightest hint of excess. nine0003


Decorative bridge in the landscape design of the Japanese garden.

Decorative and functional bridge - a very elegant decor element that attracts the eye. As soon as it comes to the Japanese bridge, a curved small red bridge appears, but this can be attributed more to the Chinese. The Japanese style is more characterized by zigzag or suspension bridges made of bamboo, stone or wood.

As we said above, for a Japanese garden, free space plays a very important role and the more it is, the more harmonious the environment looks. As a rule, voids are filled with moss, bark, or low, discreet ground cover plants. nine0003

The main rules for building a Japanese garden.

To create a real Japanese garden, you need to remember a few features of the placement of the main elements. If you follow them, you will not go wrong.

1. The design should fit and obey the garden, and not vice versa.

2. It is necessary to find the only right place for all elements of the garden: stones, trees, decorative ornaments.


Using these simple rules, you can easily create a landscape design on your site, the Japanese style of which will delight you and your guests for many years. And remember: a beautiful garden is a well-groomed garden.

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