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Traditional Japanese gardens are designed to bring a sense of happiness, peace and also provide a spiritual feeling for neighbors and visitors. Naturality is reflected in the elements used for the design of the gardens. The four essential elements used in a Japanese garden are rocks, water, plants, and ornaments. All these elements are kept in mind while designing a garden in Japanese style.

Japanese Garden Design

Many people are drawn to the cultural beauty of Japanese gardens and are trying to implement them in their properties. It is difficult to design the same as Japanese cultural garden, but get inspiration from the design elements present in the Japanese gardens.

Softscape Designs

Japanese gardens are very near to nature and all the colors, plants and shapes come from the natural forests, mountains and water stream flow. Most of the colors used are related to tones of the earth and greenery of the plants.

Hardscape Designs

All the garden designs are made of natural substances like bamboos, stones, sand, and gravel. Modern designers are combining this old tradition with the new ideas like concrete blocks. Most of the garden’s symmetry is achieved through asymmetry.

Japanese Garden Design Elements

The following elements are included in any garden designed in Japanese style.

1. Tea House

A traditional japan garden has a place allocated for the teahouse. The teahouse is a very sacred space meant for conducting the tea ceremonies. Maybe we don’t bound to that traditions, but you can designate it as a place for peace, calm and image.

2. Water Basins

Before entering the teahouses, water basins are traditionally used by guests to cleanse themselves. The water basin can be surrounded by a series of stones, which represent separate elements. Adding a simple water fountain or basin can bring a sense of calm to the persons relaxing in the garden.

3. Representation of Water

Water is the essential element and is believed to have a soothing effect in the entire landscape design of the garden. To get the look in the garden, dig a shallow depression and fill with dark gravel. Surround the banks with round stones and fill in with water.

4. Representation of a Mountain

Japanese gardens often have large stones representing the mountains. Instead of using stones, you can use boulders. Boulders look like natural mountains in the garden and also add a new look to the garden. After partially burying the stones or boulders you can have small plants or herbs planted around the base.

5. Walkways

To mimic the meditative walk effect in your property, incorporate a walkway made up of stepping stones. This will reduce the path through the garden.

6. Rock or Zen Gardens

Japan gardens are the combination of rocks, moss and small trees. If the garden is made up of dry landscapes, then the pale sand is used to cover the ground to represent the water and often ripples are made to get the feeling of water.

Plant Types used for Japanese Gardens

1. Japanese Maples

These trees are relatively small and grow up to a height of 25 feet. Timely pruning will keep these trees make them a beautiful addition to your backyard or front yard. There is a wide range of species to choose from and also having different leaf colors.

2. Moss Gardens

Japan gardens are filled up with moss studded with ferns and stones. Stones covered with moss is another traditional element of the gardens. Moss grows mostly in consistently moist, temperate conditions with not too much sun and also not too much shade.

3. Spring Gardens

In Spring gardens plants like flowering cherries, as well as plants with bright, vivid green leaves that feel fresh and spring-like for much of their growing season.

4. Fall Colors

Japanese gardens also have a special place for the plants of the fall season. Plants that show off a change in the fall are included in the garden to embrace the seasonal change.

Conclusion

Designing a Japanese garden on your own may seem simple at first, but in reality, it takes some professional experience and work to blend your own style. Take the help of an expert to achieve your dream. Green Gold landscaping Inc is a professional Japanese garden landscape designer and lawn expert serving White Plains, Ardsley, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Hartsdale and other Westchester areas including Greenwich CT for more than a decade. Contact or Call us now at 914-882-5459 for more design ideas suiting your property and for a Free Estimate.