From ancient times the Japanese had a tradition for creating gardens that capture the natural landscape. They combine the basic elements of plants, water and rocks with simple, clean lines to create a spiritual haven, which in times of war and strife was the only place they found peace.
When making a Japanese style garden the aim should therefore be to create a mood of mystery, calm and tranquility and capture something of the essence of nature where you can restore your inner harmony.
Where to start
For authenticity it should be designed in such a way to be viewed in its entirety from the house or timber teahouse, which is raised slightly above the ground. The idea is that you can look directly onto the garden and take in the sight, scents and sounds.
Winding stone paths, which represent the journey through life and the anticipation of what’s to come, should take you through the garden.
In a small garden, you could wind paths so they disappear into a shrub border to create the illusion that it takes you into a woodland glade.
What to plant
Japanese gardens rely on subtle differences in colour and texture.
Bamboo and Conifers in soothing shades of green are planted for year-round interest and trees are pruned into shapes that reveal their architectural form.
A typical feature is to have arching branches reaching over cushions of moss and groundcover, which is reflected in a pool of still water.
For the Japanese, bonsai also represents a fusion of strong ancient beliefs with Eastern philosophies of the harmony between man, the soul and nature.
These miniature trees are grown in ceramic containers then pruned and trained to mimic aged, mature, tall trees in nature.
Azaleas, camellias and maples are used with restraint with the sole purpose of marking the changing seasons.
Where space is limited use single cherry tree to announce spring, a blaze of potted azaleas for early summer and the fiery foliage of a maple to mark the onset of autumn.
Water is a key feature and pools are crossed by a zigzag bridge, which legend says will protect you from evil spirits as they can only travel in a straight line, so the bridge traps them and allows you to escape to safety.
Japanese garden ornaments
Stone lanterns, shaped as pagodas, and rain chains are staples of Japanese gardens but use them sparingly throughout the garden.
To add a pleasant musical note to a tranquil space add a deer scarer – a bamboo pipe on a pivot, which clacks as it drops down when filled with water – the tone of the note depends on the size of the pipe.
How to plant a Japanese inspired garden [Goodhousekeeping]