The Japanese Garden
Looking at a Japanese garden is like viewing a picture; structure, clear lines and simplicity, with lush foliage framing water gently splashing over smooth rocks. The principle of the Japanese garden is to promote peace and tranquillity and provoke contemplation. This is done through the careful planning and make-up of the garden.
The Japanese garden is either flat, and is known as hiraniwa, or representative of a mountain or hilly landscape, known as tsukiyama. Both have their own sense of beauty and complement the theme of serenity and order.
A Japanese garden is almost perfection - always tidy with no clutter, garden rubbish or unsightly items. And definitely no plastic garden furniture!
Ornaments and Structures
The three best known Japanese garden ornaments are versions of the stone lantern: one on short legs, one on a pedestal and the upright formal lantern based on stone. Each has its own beauty and creates an oriental feel to any garden.
Themed statues and pots are also used to decorate a Japanese garden. They are made of sleek and simple materials, with no fancy decoration or enhancements, adding to the clean and ordered theme of the garden.
Bamboo is often used both for decorative effect and practical use. A bamboo fence can hide a multitude of gardening sins!
A stunning focal point of a Japanese garden is the traditional tea house, which is usually made of bamboo. Historically used for the ancient Japanese tea ceremony, the tea house is the perfect location to drink a cup of earl grey in quiet contemplation!
Features
Water is one of the highlights of a Japanese garden. Even in the smallest area a water basin edged with exotic plants can be found.
Gardens large enough to contain a pond are likely to have a carefully architectured bridge over the pond that leads to another themed section of the garden. This adds to the element of surprise and constant wonder of a stroll around a Japanese garden.
Koi (meaning carp in Japanese) are often found in ponds in a Japanese garden. They symbolise friendship and affection - two important values in Japanese culture.
A true Japanese garden recreates the landscape in miniature, with the use of pebbles, rocks and moss to replicate mountain scenery. This brings a sense of peace and harmony to the garden. Bonsai (miniature trees) are also used to enhance this theme.
Splashes of colour from camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas break up the greenery that often dominates the garden. When planning a Japanese garden care should be taken in selecting the right plants for the conditions as some of the more exotic varieties may be difficult to grow. It’s best to visit a specialist supplier who will have the correct knowledge to advise on what will grow and how the plants should be cared for.
A visit to a Japanese garden brings a true sense of calm - a perfect tonic in today’s busy world.
