The Raw Ingredients Of Japanese Garden Design

 

Ever since my father developed an interest in growing bonsai I have been fascinated by these wonders of nature. My father read little but as a child I remember seeing the book shogun continually appearing on a small table near to where he sat. I remember working to create our first landscape garden and the thrill of making a small pond with a long stream leading to a larger pond and watching the carp grow to huge proportions. While this garden was very English in it's design it incorporated a great many elements which are commonly seen in Japanese garden design and I have often wondered if my father would have had more funds would he have progressed the design further and added more Japanese aspects.

The basic elements of Japanese garden design can be summed up in few words, plants, rocks, water, fish and, maybe, ornaments. With these four elements you can create something wonderful in even the smallest space and with little effort.

Although I mentioned plants first they are, really, one of the least important aspects of Japanese garden design as it is quite possible to create such a garden devoid of plant life. However the effect is greatly enhanced by the addition of such plants as the incredibly diverse ornamental grasses which are available in a massive range of colors. For larger plants nothing beats bamboo which is available in the usual green but also with black or yellow stems.

Rocks are an incredibly important aspect of Japanese gardens and these form the basic foundations upon which you base your design. Placement of stone is most important (see zen gardening articles) and the simple addition of a few round stone stepping stones across of small pond or stream can have a profound effect. If you do not use stepping stone across the obligatory water feature maybe consider a small ornate wooden or bamboo bridge. Still water is fine in Japanese garden design but waterfalls are also acceptable.

If anyone is in doubt of the theme of your garden the addition of just a few Koi carp should make it clear. If you buy the fish young, as well as saving a fortune (as Koi can be incredibly expensive), you can, over time, train them to take their food from your hands. If you want to make your garden look even more Japanese you can always add more ornamentation such as a few lanterns.

Above all your Japanese garden should be a peaceful place suitable for quiet contemplation.

 

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