Good Luck Pond

Japanese gardens are not formulaic in design, instead, seeking to reflect the unique surroundings of its environment. These gardens seem easily identifiable with their frequent use of water, rocks and distinctively crafted miniature buildings, but there is no one-way to employ any of these features. Originally, these gardens were representative of popular, Asian-thought systems. Buddhism recognizes interdependence and oneness of all things, while Shintoism seeks to link the living with all-pervading natural spirits and power; gardens gave forum to such philosophies. Today, it is the Japanese garden aesthetic that appeals, evoking tranquility and remaining in accordance with the existing landscape.

The most basic principle to remember when creating a Japanese garden is that less is more. The few elements and features that do appear should be employed with extreme intention. The garden’s purpose is not to be a display in the face of the natural setting, but to be one with it. Materials in the garden should be natural, so opt for elements that are raw and distinct in their usage of rock, wood, greens, and water. Colors should be limited, with earth tones primary, and perhaps one or two striking points, such as a red-leafed maple or a leaf-heavy, sparsely flowered azalea bush. Visitors to the garden should look at the elements with particular emphasis on form and shape. Japanese gardens go for the true awe-factor in their meticulous purposefulness, not the cheap win from the overly exotic that border on bizarre. If you keep this in mind when creating your garden, you are sure to produce a peacefulness for which these gardens are famous.

Rock choice is of extreme importance, employed for visual and functional purposes throughout the garden. Often, one large rock with unique form and shape becomes the focal point of the garden, with other features drawing attention to it. Flat pieces may be used to create a walkway from your deck to the garden, or create a path for visitors by gently guiding them to view your garden from particular angles.

Water is a large consideration for Japanese gardens. Keep in mind that actual water is not necessary. It is better to employ sand, gravel and rock to give the impression of water than to insert definitively human influence, such as fountains to provide water circulation. The pond is an excellent place to display small stone lanterns or shrines. Also, another opportunity for color exists here. Fill the pond with white and orange fish, offering onlookers a surprise as they observe the reflected garden at water’s edge.

Japanese maples are a perfect choice for your new garden. These trees are already popular in the United States, as they adapt well to the climate. In their younger years, Japanese maples can thrive in a container, offering lovely flexibility to move it between garden and deck during your next weekend party.

Bamboo is another plant that can be utilized, but use caution! Currently regarded as one of the best renewable resources on the planet because of its quick growth, it can overtake a garden if not actively maintained.

Because these gardens are to reflect the natural world, yet each feature is to be placed with purpose, you may find it a difficult to avoid that artificial look. Here are some tips:

1) Never use artificial materials in a Japanese garden. Miniature buildings and lanterns may be employed, but concentrate on having a raw look with design elements.

2) Shrubbery and plants must mimic natural seed transfer, so be sure not to place these in rows or even numbers to create a windswept look.

3) When using rocks, do not use ones with a uniform shape.

4) Avoid symmetry of element placement.

5) Use rocks, shrubs and sand from the surrounding area.

In Japan today, experts are hired to develop every feature of gardens, so don’t worry if you want to utilize a landscape architect in the creation of yours. Just be sure to be involved in the process to bring together a space that brings out your own inner peace.

– Elizabeth Geras