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Japanese garden landscape ideas


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. 

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 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

The Land of the Rising Sun is famous for its original culture and traditions. Here, each item has its own philosophical meaning and centuries-old history.

The main word characterizing the culture of Japan is harmony. She reigns in everything. The unity of man with nature creates an atmosphere of calm, tunes in to thoughts about the eternal. Therefore, the Japanese style has become quite popular with us.

How can you create an original atmosphere of the country of philosophers and samurai on your site? nine0003

Planning principle

The main accents in the formation of the Japanese garden: asymmetry in the arrangement of elements, smooth lines, the predominance of green, red, yellow, orange, purple hues, simplicity of design techniques.

Visually, such a garden is divided into two zones. In one zone, the main one, decorative elements, stones are installed, plants are planted. The second zone, in contrast to the first, remains deserted.

In addition, in the main zone, the "visual distance" method is used to effectively reveal the landscape:

  • large plants are planted in the foreground or volumetric stones are installed
  • in the background - average in size
  • on the third - the smallest

Then, while walking through the garden, with each step you will discover new elements of the landscape. Everything resembles the untouched bewitching naturalness of nature.

Philosophy and symbols of the garden

"There can be a garden without flowers, but there cannot be a garden without stones." So said the Japanese sages. nine0003

The Japanese garden is different from our usual garden plantations and combines three main components - water, stone and vegetation, which are in harmony with each other. The harmony of the elements is especially important here.

There are few or no plants. And the main elements, the basis of the garden, are stones skillfully installed on the territory.

Equally important in the design of the landscape is water - the "blood" of the garden. A waterfall, stream, spring or pond are must-haves for your Japanese corner. nine0003

Garden of stones

The stone symbolizes stamina and strength, and collected in a composition, they symbolize the infinite and unknowable Universe. That is why the stones are laid out so that no matter where you are in the territory, you would not see all the stones at the same time.

We start laying out the composition of stones (necessarily an odd number) from the left corner of the site diagonally. Try to use stones in a single color scheme or in groups of different colors, without any processing, as they are in nature. Overgrown with moss, boulders will look even more natural. Compositions of large and small stones are also possible. Nearby we plant plants with foliage of an attractive color or unusual shape. nine0003

Smooth winding paths paved with stone are exactly what makes a Japanese garden calm, balanced and fills the atmosphere with harmony. A path of smooth flat stones symbolizes a journey through life without barriers and problems. What will the path in your garden look like?

Using river pebbles, sand or pea gravel (all of which traditionally represent water), you can create a "dry stream" or a small waterfall.

Sandstone and natural shales are also used to decorate the garden. nine0003

Plants for the Japanese garden

Each of the plants carries a philosophical meaning:

  • pine - a symbol of long life, courage, strong character, longevity
  • weeping willow - modesty and obedience
  • the plum tree represents the beauty of the soul
  • maple - a symbol of wisdom, knowledge
  • bamboo - assertiveness, fortitude, striving forward
  • bindweed - poetry of life
  • moss, lichen - personify maternal kindness and love, protection and reliability

Therefore, when choosing plants for your garden, consider this aspect as well.

Plants grown in a special way with a beautiful extravagant crown can become an extraordinary decoration of your garden. They are also called "garden bonsai" for their strong resemblance to these plants. The main principle in the landscaping of the territory is the "wave principle": the plants are selected in such a way that at any time of the year one can admire something.

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Shrubs and low-growing trees, such as rhododendron, juniper, Karelian birch, dwarf spruce, combine with tall ones - oak, pine, elm. Fruit trees (cherry, apricot) may well replace Japanese sakura and will also delight you during flowering.

Large-leaved species such as hosta, ferns, chrysanthemums, rogersia should be selected from herbaceous plants.

Bamboo and baobab are thermophilic and may not take root in our area. Black alder "Imperialis" or Sakhalin buckwheat can serve as an alternative to bamboo. nine0003

If the territory of your garden is in the shade, such plants as rhododendrons, Japanese primrose, three-parted multi-row, light spinach are suitable. On the sunny side are good: Japanese spirea, dwarf Weymouth pine, Ginnala riverine maple. A bright periwinkle or Siebold's hoof will also be appropriate in your flower bed.

Water

Water is a symbol of life energy, purification, prosperity, positive energy. A Japanese-style garden is inconceivable without a water feature. This is a waterfall (symbolizes the beginning of human life), a stream (streams of water - the river of our life), a fountain, a small pond. Moisture-loving plants can be planted along the banks of your pond. nine0003

An alternative would be a "dry stream" or "dry pond" or wavy lines drawn on sand or fine gravel.

Stone bowl - tsukubai

An indispensable interesting element in your garden will be tsukubai - a stone bowl for washing face and washing hands (symbolizes purity and purity). Water from the tsukubai is collected with a bamboo ladle. Usually tsukubai are located near the house or at the entrance to the garden.

The space around the tsukubai is filled with a "sea" - black pebbles. Tsukubai can be combined with the Oribe lantern (no other lanterns are suitable for this role). Such a duet will perfectly emphasize the style of your garden and fill it with the melody of babbling water. nine0003

One can talk endlessly about Japanese culture, it is so interesting and fascinating. And you can't go wrong if you decide to decorate your garden in Japanese style. After all, it is here that you will feel on the same wavelength with nature, which is so important in our modern dynamic pace of life.

Terrain

Depending on the characteristics of the site, you can create a garden in flat and mountainous terrain. nine0003

Reanlsey Garden is an example of a planar composition. For this design, you will need sand, small stones and moss. On the sand, draw transverse stripes-waves with a rake - they will symbolize the water area, a "dry pond". Arrange randomly moss and stones.

Sand, pebbles and large structural stones are useful for hilly terrain. Place a large elongated stone vertically - this is your mountain peak. Make the slopes of your hill out of flat cobblestones.

The bridge in Japan is a symbol of life's journey, which is why it is made of precious woods. For a harmonious combination, lay out a stone path to your bridge. You can also lay out stones on both sides of the bridge or plant a flower bed. Sitting on the bridge with a cup of tea, you can think about the main values ​​​​of life.

Decor

Bridges, lanterns, arbors, bamboo fences will complete the look of your garden. Hang bells on the trees, which, when the wind blows, will sing a melody to you. nine0003

Stone sculptures, rockeries and miniature pagodas will make your garden stand out and stand out.

Lighting

A Japanese garden has its own lighting nuances. So, for large areas, high tachi-gata lights are suitable. In gardens with a small area, ikekomi-gata are installed, the light in which is directed downwards, while creating a romantic twilight.

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