The Asian design style is characterized by a concept that has been thought through down to the smallest details and a tasteful combination of a wide variety of garden elements. The end result is a harmonious garden image where minimalism meets traditional. We have already given you numerous ideas for a Zen or Feng Shui garden, this time we are taking a closer look at imaginative garden design in the Japanese style. And since a Japanese garden needs to be planned well, we also provide you with several free planting plans and explain which plants are suitable. Bring an exotic flair to your outdoor area and create an artistic landscape with a great sense of aesthetics!
An effective garden in a small format: This is how Japanese design can be described. Anyone who has ever entered an Asian-style oasis has discovered a cozy outdoor area full of colors, shapes and decorations. The garden is divided into several areas that flow seamlessly into one another. Japanese gardeners manage to tastefully combine garden elements, even on small plots of land. Water features, garden ponds, rock gardens, lawns and voluminous flower beds have become trademarks of Japanese garden art.
AJapanese gardenPlanting plan should therefore incorporate all elements. Our first suggestion is for anyone who has a city villa with a small garden. We will show you an idea of how you can design a rectangular property measuring 10 meters x 15 meters. Directat the houseattached, ideally connected to the living area by large sliding glass doors, there is a long and narrow terrace in a shape that imitates waves. A space-saving set of teak furniture offers enough seating for the whole family. A vertical minimalist garden fountain provides cooling on hot summer days and a Buddha statue serves as decoration. On the side, the seating area is shielded from the view of the neighbors by several potted plants.
There is a lawn in the middle of the garden. The edge of the lawn is artfully decorated with river stones. Tall perennials and trees shield the garden from all sides. There is also a small garden pond on one side. A jetty extending into the water provides space for a garden bench for two and an Asian-style wooden pergola. Stepping stones meander through the water and lead to the romantic seating area.
Planting plan for the large garden
If you have at least 600 square meters available, then one canGarden dream come truego. Here you have the opportunity to also create a rock garden and build a tea pavilion. The rock garden laid with gravel automatically attracts everyone's attention: the larger stones are skillfully arranged in groups. Boxwoods are traditionally planted at the edge of the rock garden.
In a large garden, the element of water should definitely not be missing. A garden pond with curved shorelines that start with a stream and meander through half of the property will undoubtedly be a highlight in the outdoor area. Several arched wooden bridges connect the two banks. Additionally, a bird bath can attract birds and insects to the garden. Perennials, flowers and ornamental grasses are skilfully combined so that the garden looks as natural as possible.
On the other side of the property, a Japanese maple tree, together with a stone lantern and a Buddha statue, form an attractive ensemble.
Planting plan for a backyard oasis
Large plots of land are hard to find, especially in densely populated urban areas. The old buildings also usually have a narrow front garden and a small backyard. In this case, you have no choice but to try to make the best of the situation. A Japanese garden is the best choice because it can be laid out compactly and is extremely easy to care for.
These trees and perennials are common in coastal areas
The perennials, flowers and trees clearly play the main role in every Japanese garden. We will therefore give you several ideas on how you can create an effective garden bed. The first ensemble consists of plants from the coastal areas of Japan. The following plants are marked on the planting plan above:
A. Facherahorn
B. Japanese Mahonia
C. Japanese aukube
D. Climbing spindle bush
E. Indian calamus
F. Purpurglöckchen “Coral Bells”
G. Lenzrose “Ruse Black”
H. Brocade farn
All these plantsthrive best in partially shaded locations, love moderately moist, well-drained and humus-rich soil and need to be watered regularly in the summer months. The perennials have a sprawling habit and reach a height of up to 2 meters. The Japanese maple with its broad umbrella-like crown can even reach 7 meters high if well cared for. All plants take up a lot of space in the garden and are therefore better suited for larger green areas.
The perennial bed is colorful: yellow, red, pink and purple form an attractive ensemble and look very exotic. Perfect for corners in the garden or as additional privacy protection in front of the garden fence.
Plot with north orientation and shade garden
If the property faces north, then the plants must be selected with great care. Many flowers and ground cover plants for shady locations have difficulty withstanding waterlogging, which is why it is worth creating a drainage layer first. The following plants are suitable for a Japanese garden with a north orientation:
A. Facherahorn
B. Rotschleierfern
C. Japanese Ysander, also known as fat man
D. Taglilie
E. Edellieschen
F. Japanese rosemary willow of the “Oliver” variety
Slightly acidic, fresh soil proves to be optimal for all of the plants mentioned above. A location in the shade or partial shade promotes rapid growth of the plants. The majority of ground covers are evergreen. So you can look forward to a green garden even in the winter months. They are hardy and do not require any special care in the cold season. When it comes to watering, it depends heavily on the weather conditions. Normally, most plants can survive a dry period without any problems. However, they are sensitive to waterlogging. Wet soil could lead to rot and makes ground cover plants particularly susceptible to fungi and pests. So it's better to water too little than too much. From the beginning of May to the end of July you can apply liquid green plant fertilizer once or twice a month. In the winter months, the perennials are watered less often and no longer fertilized. Pruning is basically not necessary either. Since the Japanese are known worldwide for their art of pruning, you can shape some plants if you wish.
Sunny plot with south orientation
Sunny gardens that face south offer the best conditions for blooming flowers. The beautiful daylily and the colorful noble lily add additional splashes of color to the perennial bed. But the filigree leaves of the coleus are also real eye-catchers. We give you an overview of the planting plan:
A. Facherahorn
B. Japanese Mahonia
C. Taglilie
D. Edellieschen
E. Buntnessel
F. Velvet Hydrangea
G. Boxwood “Golden Dream”
All plants in this perennial bed can tolerate sun without any problems, but also thrive in partial shade. The loose, moderately moist and permeable soil with sand content proves to be optimal for this ensemble. They cannot tolerate dry periods well. You need regular water, especially in the summer months and during the flowering period. The Edellieschen needs to be watered once or twice a day between June and August so that it can produce many beautiful flowers. Fertilization, on the other hand, is completely eliminated in summer. It is enough if you supply the plants with slow-release fertilizer in spring. With the exception of the annual Edellieschen, the plants are winter-hardy and can remain on the balcony or in the garden even in the cold months.
The boxwood, which surrounds the plants and gives structure to the bed, loves partially shaded locations and cannot thrive in the strong rays of the sun. It has similar soil requirements, but requires regular fertilization. The Japanese give it a topiary cut several times in the spring and summer.
Perennials and succulents for the rock garden
The Japanese rock garden is considered extremely easy to care for. But if you think that only stones, gravel and sand are possible when designing, then you are wrong. Flowering and evergreen ground cover ensure that the rocky landscape appears as natural as possible. Here is a list of three types of plants that can successfully break up the strict minimalist garden image of the rock garden.
A. Broad-leaved laurel rose
B. Japanese climbing fern
C. Japanese azalea
The plants have different requirements. They are therefore more suitable as soloists in the rock garden than for arrangements. The broad-leaved laurel rose, for example, loves sunny locations and loose, permeable and acidic soil.
The Japanese climbing fern is ideal for shaded areas in the rock garden. It is extremely durable, can easily withstand frost and thrives with a normal plant substrate.
The Japanese azalea feels particularly comfortable in the sun, but can also thrive in partial shade without any problems. A loose, humus-rich, slightly acidic and permeable soil provides the plant with nutrients and promotes flower formation. She needs a lot of water, especially in summer. You need to water the plant at least once a week. The plant needs protection from frost and wind in the winter months. In November you can protect the plant from frost and cold with a layer of mulch.
Plants as accents on streams and water features
The stone plays a big role in Asian-style garden design. The Japanese love to display stones in a group by a stream or garden pond. The arrangement should appear as natural as possible and fit harmoniously into the garden. Various evergreen and flowering perennials can be used as planting:
A. Boxwood
B. Japanese holly
C. Buttercup family
D. Japanese splendor, also called astilbe
E. Taglialie
F. Purpurglöckchen “Coral Bells”
G. Japanese Iris
Creativity is particularly important when designing beds. Don't forget that the Japanese attach great importance to easy-care design. So you should always have access to all plants and the pond. It is also important that the arrangement appears natural. The rule of thumb applies here: It is better to plant sparingly and leave enough space between the different types of plants. In this way they will be able to grow in height and width undisturbed. Also consider what flowers might attract birds and beneficial insects to the garden.
Asian Garden Planting Plan: Outdoor Meditation
If you want to create an outdoor oasis where you can escape from the stress of everyday life, then our next suggestion is for you. You just need to visually separate a circular part of the garden from the rest of the outside area with a protective fence or hedge plants. Place a Buddha statue and a garden fountain in the center of the garden. The sound of the water has a particularly calming effect and can dampen street noise and other noises.
Then build a garden bench from recycled wood. There you can sit down and relax after a long day at work. Also, don't forget to plant cozy evergreen perennials and trees along the edge of the garden. They fulfill two functions: On the one hand, they shield you from prying eyes, and on the other hand, they give the meditation area additional charm. Avoid flowering shrubs and brightly colored flowers. They could draw your attention to themselves and are seen as a nuisance, particularly in allotment gardens.
You can also display stones in the meditation garden, provided they do not get in the way and do not interfere with free movement.
A Japanese garden planting plan needs to be carefully considered. On the one hand, it is very important that the garden elements create a harmonious overall picture. On the other hand, the plants in the perennial bed should come from Asia or Japan. It is also very important to group plants with similar soil and location requirements. Be inspired by our suggestions and create your own Asian-style oasis.
