Creating Your Japanese Garden Design

The depth of meaning in Japanese garden design combined with the history can make it intimidating to create. With a little background, though, you can create a Japanese garden design that speaks to you.

To create a Japanese style garden, restraint should be the order of the day. Japanese gardens quietly aim towards balance and a reverence for nature. If you have a hectic lifestyle, this style of garden may be just the place for you to rest after a busy day.

Ma, space, is essential. This is something that you find in the raked gravel areas -- very little is happening in this space. It's a restful place. Don't give into the temptation to fill this area with plants. Instead, use the natural elements to frame the space.

In Japanese garden design, all four seasons are considered. Often, the passage of time is symbolically experienced in the garden. So, also, the actual passage of time is fully realized as the garden is created and treasured. You can emulate this by using evergreens and natural boulders in the design of your garden. Think of how it will look in the winter.

The garden should be a place of retreat. As such, views to a busy street should be completely avoided. They may be blocked with garden walls, or fences. On the other hand, a nearby tree or hill may be strategically used as a backdrop in the same garden.

Japanese gardens create mystery. Partially disguising an area with a small fence is typical of the intriguing beauty in the Tea Garden or Hill & Pond Garden.

Stones & Boulders

Stone setting is important in Japan. Although you could dedicate large amounts of time to study this art, a few tips will get you going in the right direction.

Boulders must be natural, never quarried or cut. They also should be set naturally -- never dropped on top of gravel, but dug into the ground as though exposed over time.

Many times boulders are set in odd numbers -- groups of 1, 3, or 5. All boulders in one garden should be similar. What I mean is that they should look like they came from the same area or should relate to each other.

Pathways

Pathways and stepping stones in Japanese garden design should be constructed of natural materials. You can find many patterns and styles to inspire you.

A path that is narrow and has turns or is otherwise difficult to traverse will encourage you to look at the path. This may be helpful if the surrounding view is not desirable or if you have a very artful pathway.

A large, flat stone to step on gives you a place to stop and appreciate the view. Place these stones where you have something nice to look at.

Water

Water, or gravel that symbolizes water, is an essential element in every Japanese garden design. In the Tea Garden, the water is in the basin to purify yourself. Water also symbolizes the passage of time. The compliment to this is the bridge which represents a journey.

Plants

Plants in the Japanese garden are not as much of a central feature as they are in the Western gardens. Instead, they are a way to mark the passage of time as they grow through the seasons. In no case should the plantings be showy or exotic. Popular plants found in Japanese gardens would be pine trees, Azalea bushes, Maples, Bamboo or moss.

Strict observance of Japanese style could mean a select list of plants that may be used but I think it would not be true to the style of Japan. Use some plants that are traditionally a Japanese garden plant and mix those with indigenous plants of your area. Also remember that evergreens are always favored in this style.

Art & Statuary

The Japanese lantern is probably the first thing that we think about when considering Japanese garden design, but is not found in every true Japanese garden. Nevertheless, choosing a lantern can be a beautiful focal point, accent, or rustic element that quietly announces your intentions.

Japanese garden design seeks to symbolize or emulate nature. It has a reverence for the divine that cannot be separated from its character. The simplicity of form and material, the sense of balance and space, all harmonize so as to affect each one of us in a spiritual way. It is this feeling, this relating to our own spirituality, this naturalness that is the Japanese style garden.

Learn more about Japanese Garden Design History.

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