From the 14th century to today, a Japanese garden represents a condensation of the universe into a small space and must be a place of contemplation. It gives its visitors the opportunity to leave everyday worries behind them and gain confidence and new strength through distraction and relaxation. Here the visual appeal is achieved through a decentralized arrangement of the basic elements – stone, moss, water and trees. This garden design is inspired by the philosophy of the two main religions - Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. The 10 ideas described below will give any garden designer a clear insight into the role of these individual elements and how you can create an Asian-inspired garden yourself.
The size of your property is irrelevant when designing a Zen garden. The Japanese garden can be created in the smallest of spaces, but in such a way that it can offer you or that visitor numerous opportunities for relaxation, meditation and discoveries for the senses and soul.
The stones are a main element in design as a symbol of character and strength. The ground is covered with grit, gravel and especially granite gravel, which does not blow away so quickly. The natural shapes and colors of these materials play an important role in the harmony and calming character of the place.
The gravel areas symbolize the water in the Zen garden. When the stones are piled up, you can rake the surface into the typical wave pattern to underline this symbolism. To prevent unwanted weeds between the stones, line the gravel bed with a weed fleece.
Many decoration ideas can serve as inspiration from the parks near Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines or old castles. As a gesture to Asian traditions, tie strips of paper with fortune tellings – Omikuji to the tree branches. Stone pagodas and lanterns create a feeling of calm and suggest meditation.
Green plants in particular are used together with the Japanese flowering cherry when designing the garden - pines, conifers, bamboo and boxwood. They embody the Far Eastern idyll and express elegance.
A Japanese garden often features cool water surrounded by hills and sometimes includes a waterfall as a symbol of enlightenment. If you don't have enough space for this, you can also plan a smaller water feature such as a garden pond, stream or installed water basin.
With their small evergreen leaves, many Japanese trees and bushes lend themselves to Niwaki topiary and can be used to create a cloud-shaped style typical of an Asian garden. The twisted trunks of the mountain pine reflect resilience, robustness and will to live.
If the bamboo as a living plant looks too invasive for you, you can use some elements made from bamboo poles - for example drain cover. As a building and decorative material, it is both flexible and stable.
The Japanese garden must receive decorative accents in the typical Asian style, which play an important role in its harmony and positive influence and underline its calming and contemplative character. Not just in Japan but at home.
