Japanese water gardens designs
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Japanese water gardens are pond landscapes that are built in the traditional style of a Tsukiyama Garden, which is a landscaping style originating in Japan, that often aims to make a smaller garden appear larger than it is. This is often achieved by blocking out surrounding buildings with vegetation, while keeping a clear view to the mountains in the distance. If done properly, this method will create the illusion that the mountains are actually part of the garden landscape.
In Japan, garden making is considered a high art, similar to the arts of calligraphy and ink painting. Traditionally, the art of garden making was passed on from sensei to apprentice as an oral transmission. Much like other arts from Japan, the teachings were considered somewhat secret and not to be shared with outsiders.
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Common Features
There are a number of features that in the end help classify a garden as a Japanese garden. Many of these features include the use of natural landscaping elements like water, stone and vegetation as symbolic representation of features that are found in nature. Other features include ornamental lanterns that are often made of stone, bridges, stepping-stones and enclosure devices such as hedges or walls. In addition, how the garden is viewed is often given special consideration, which is why it is quite common to see a teahouse or similar viewing structure in the center of the garden.
A natural looking environment
created using stones, water
and plants.
The Use of Water
One important element of water display in Japanese water gardens is that the water appears natural, as in something that could be found in nature. It is for this reason that fountains are typically not part of a traditional Japanese water garden. Streams are usually built to twist and wander much like a natural stream would.
Stones
Stones are also an important feature. They are often used to build paths and bridges throughout the garden. As well, stones are sometimes used to represent mountains, if no clear view of real mountains is available.
Plants
When it comes to the types of vegetation used, green plants are an important aspect of a Japanese inspired water garden. Traditionally, the use of green tones in Japanese art was considered attractive, and as such a Japanese garden is able to mimic this with green plants. Flowering trees and shrubs are also used to provide a splash of color.
photo credit: Stan Shebs
Koi Fish
Another commonly recognized attribute is the presence of Koi fish.
Although their presence is not necessary to classify a garden as a Japanese water garden, Koi can help add an authentic Japanese flavor to your pond landscape. For more information on Koi fish, or how to build a Koi pond, please check back soon for more content which is currently in development.
Building a Japanese Inspired Water Garden
Other than the above-mentioned aesthetic differences, the same basic principles of pond building apply to Japanese inspired water gardens. For more information on building a pond from start to finish, please see our guide entitled 'Building a Pond' (Coming Soon).
Equipment
For more information on the various pieces of equipment required to operate a healthy pond, please see our pages on Pond Pumps, Pond Filters, Pond Liners, Pond Skimmers and Pond Lighting.
Choosing Plants
Since plants are an integral part of Japanese Water Gardens, you might want to read our page on Pond Plants, which outlines the various categories of pond plants available.
For more information on how to 'plant' water plants into a pond, have a look at our page entitled 'How to Water Garden'.
Waterfalls
A waterfall would be considered a welcome addition to a Japanese inspired water garden if the waterfall looked like it could exist in nature. For more information on building a waterfall, read our page on Pond Waterfalls.
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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.
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 homeHere 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 monotonyby 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 gardenby Gaile Guevara
Miniature Landscapes with Grand Tradition
Stylish Japanese garden taking shape in the heart of Manhattanby 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.
by Grace Design Associates
Stunning Japanese garden exudes a soothing vibe perfect for finding inner peaceNo 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.
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 motifby Angelien Landscape
Small and compact Japanese corner garden offers an exquisite and polished appearanceby SRM Architecture and Interiors
Simple garden space with a fine balance of rock, water and a touch of Japanese mapleby Charles McClure
Aesthetic Artistry at its Natural Best
Lovely use of stone and still water in this home Japanese gardenBalance, 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.
by Kikuchi & Associates
Picture perfect Japanese garden with stone pathwayDaft and compact Japanese garden with Shoji Screens perfect for the contemporary homeJapanese 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.
by Garden Mentors
Compact deck space and a Japanese garden give this backyard a unique presenceby Garden Architecture
Japanese zen garden perfect for the modern minimalistic homeA Balance of Symbolic Elements
Japanese Garden Bridge is an interesting and aesthetic addition for your backyardby 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.
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 GardenAt 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.
by Q. Le
Japanese gravel garden with a distinct patternOpen boundaries and soothing atmosphere allow you to enjoy this garden both from outside and withinby Huettl Landscape Architecture
Tasteful and refined Japanese garden crafted to perfectionby 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[...]Next Post
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:
- 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.
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.
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.
- “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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No matter how you place plants, compositions and elements, keep an eye on their appearance and your garden will become the envy of your neighbors. If for some reason you are unable to design a Japanese garden or do not have enough time, you can always contact us for help and our team of professionals will be happy to create a Japanese atmosphere on your site. More about the service "Landscape design"
Japanese style pond
A pond brings comfort and peace to any garden, creates the integrity of the landscape picture, so sooner or later almost every gardener comes up with the idea of creating a pond in his garden.
Fourteen years ago, on the banks of the Ladoga Canal, we received a plot. Immediately after the completion of the main construction work, I had the idea to create a decorative reservoir. We didn’t have to think about which style of reservoir to choose, because instead of traditional flower beds, rose gardens and mixborders, we created Japanese corner .
The combination of plants and stones is one of the most interesting, contrasting and my favorite garden design techniques. Japanese garden style requires careful thought of every element. All its components must balance each other, creating an integral composition . There should be nothing superfluous, simplicity is the basis of this garden, intended for admiration and long contemplation. The size of the garden is usually small - no more than a few square meters. Here the focus is on details , each of which must be significant and be in its place.
The center of the landscape composition of my Japanese corner was a pond imitating a natural reservoir in shape and vegetation. No special funds and efforts had to be spent on its creation. Sandy soil greatly facilitated the construction of the reservoir - the bottom did not have to be covered with a layer of sand before lining it with a film.
To create unique patterns on the surface of the water using water reflectivity, which is an essential part of the traditional Japanese garden. The water level has to be constantly kept level with the shore. A wide gravel strip with three handsome boulders and a mountain pine stretches along the right bank of the reservoir. Opposite - on the left bank - after laying the finished rolled lawn, " green valley " was obtained, bordering with a curved line with a group of stones imitating rocky ridge . Between the stones grow rhododendrons, conifers and other plants, characteristic of the Japanese garden . There is no lush vegetation around the pond itself - this allows you to view our pond from different points, and on cool days you can admire its mirror-like surface from the veranda .
To make the mirror of the pond look more natural, I placed yellow water lilies in it.
They have become a good accent of the reservoir itself: on the one hand, they attract attention from anywhere in the garden, and on the other, they absolutely do not hurt the eyes and do not get out of the general style. I want to emphasize that the basis of the beauty of the Japanese garden is by no means in a riot of bright colors, but in soothing halftone game . And in winter, such a garden does not lose its charm, enlivening with its grandeur the picture of sleeping nature.
Japanese-style pond care is not difficult at all, at least in our garden. The cleanliness of the reservoir is maintained by timely cutting of the fading inflorescences of peonies hanging over the water , and the leaves that have fallen into the water are collected before they sink to the bottom. We carry out work on cleaning the bottom in the spring. We use the pumped water for irrigation, and again fill the reservoir with clean water from the canal, unlike well water, it does not bloom and does not become cloudy.
