Designing a Japanese garden in your own yard is a way to bring a sense of tranquility for you and your guests. It features timeless elements that can make any yard look beautiful and feel relaxing. But how do you begin planning your own Japanese garden? Here are 4 basic steps to follow no matter how big or small your space is.
Create Privacy
A Japanese garden is designed to promote contemplation and relaxation. So first start by enclosing the garden as a whole so that it's a haven of peace in a modern setting. This may call for fencing along the back and sides of the garden. Where fencing is not easily accessible on the far sides of your garden, you may want to use a low-maintenance solid fence such as vinyl fencing. Available in wood tones, vinyl fencing is generally easier to maintain and needs less repair than many real wood fences. In closer areas where the fence is more visible or is part of the landscaping, use rail or bamboo fences. Trees and shrubs placed around the outside of the garden -- and throughout its interior -- will also help enclose your Japanese garden in a private world.
Use the Elements
Japanese garden design should include all the various elements of nature, including water, stone, wind and greenery. A pond is almost essential for a Japanese garden and can be small or large depending on your budget and location. Flowing water should also be a design element -- you could accomplish it with a small waterfall, bubbling fountains or even a Zen garden with "waves" designed into sand. Stones -- the "bones" of the Japanese garden -- can be used in any number of ways in a garden: small round stones provide soothing walkways, sharp jagged boulders make dramatic impressions and stone walls can separate different areas of plantings.
Include Art
Your garden is not all about the greenery. Artistic elements should be woven throughout the space, providing focal points and spaces for quiet contemplation. Some common Japanese garden elements include arched bridges, topiary, lanterns, water basins and miniature elements. You can use famous Japanese garden icons like pagodas and Buddha statues, but do so extremely sparingly. Focus on more subtle artistic pieces that reflect the feelings or theme you want to convey in a more quiet manner.
Feature Native and Asian Plants
While any Asian garden should include iconic Asian plants, it should also include native species. Japanese gardens are rooted in an understanding of their place, which includes local plants and trees. Interweave famously Asian plants like Japanese iris, water lilies, camellias, bamboo and maples alongside local species to provide variety and interesting visuals. Ground covers fill in empty spaces without having to over-plant the area, and they provide year-round greenery.
Building a Japanese garden is something that you can work on for as long as you own the space. There are always new and interesting elements you can add or things you can replace with new ideas. It will be a rewarding new hobby and add something special to your yard for many years to come.
Share30 November 2015
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