Basics of Japanese Gardening
More and more people are becoming interested in the unique appeal of Japanese gardens or gardens designed in 
traditional Japanese style. Most of these type of gardens are in Buddhist temples, shrines, old castles and other historical landmarks, but there are city parks and private homes that already feature them. Like all gardens, Japanese gardens are seen as tranquil sanctuaries which invite relaxation and escape from daily stresses. Actually, Japanese gardening can be done for various purposes. Some gardens are designed for recreation or to exhibit rare plant specimens or unusual rocks. Like many other art forms, has evolved in various ways in different parts of the world.
Historically, the tradition of Japanese gardening is exclusive to a chosen few. Today however, the Internet, magazines and other printed materials made designing these type of garden accessible to many people.
Always keep in mind that designing a Japanese garden is like making a miniaturized version of a bigger natural landscape. At its core, nature is always viewed as an ideal which should be aspired to, and designing a Japanese garden aims to symbolize that.
Here are its most basic components:
- Rocks or stone arrangements – Rocks or boulders can be used to represent whole mountains, hills or other land forms. The stones can be arranged to serve as a stepping stone or bridge.
- Water or pools – These can be used to represent lakes or a large river, or to simulate a water fall or rainfall.
- A hedge, fence, or any type enclosure usually with traditional ornamentation – The enclosures encourage people
to see the garden as a world separate from the outside world’s worries and concerns. - Structures which are clearly man-made like stone lanterns or bridges
- Plants – Although they really play a secondary role to other components of the garden, plants, shrubs and trees can help show the passing of time (as opposed to the permanence represented by the rocks and stones).
Anything which nature cannot create has no part in Japanese gardening, such as a water fountain or a square pond.
Flamboyant elements like pink flamingos, ornate designs and decorations with bold and flashy colors are also a no-no, as with potted plants and flower borders. Remember that subtlety and Japanese gardens go hand in hand.
Japanese gardens also make use of empty spaces to create the illusion of time and space. Many western gardeners find this tendency difficult to understand and may seem to them like a waste of space which could be used for flowers or vegetables.
In Japanese gardening, always remember the following:
- The site dictates the garden’s design, not vice versa.
- The stones or rocks are always placed first, then the trees, then the smaller plants.
- To help in designing the proper mood for the garden, know the rules of shin, gyo, and so.
Japanese gardens may not appeal to some people, especially those who prefer the symmetrical fashion of European style gardens. People who care more about the appearance of things may not appreciate the historical and spiritual aspects of designing Japanese gardens.