Its fascination is based on an artistic combination of plants, stones, water and design elements. You can create an authentic Japanese garden even in the smallest of spaces. This guide explains what components an Asian garden is made up of.
How to create a Japanese garden?
To create a Japanese garden, use evergreens, flowering plants, boulders, gravel and water. Design elements such as stone lanterns and seating complement the garden scene. Smaller gardens can be designed as a Zen garden with a seat.
Plants in harmony with Japanese garden design – a selection
An Asian garden is dominated by green in many variations. The focus is on small, evergreen trees that demonstrate durability. As a floral contrast, Far Eastern garden design includes selective flowering plants to express the dualism of eternity and the moment. The following overview presents recommended species and varieties:
- Conifers, such as blue dwarf juniper, thuja smaragd, columnar pine or dwarf yew
- Deciduous trees with colorful autumn colors, such as Japanese red or Japanese maple
- Flowering shrubs, such as rhododendrons, ornamental cherries, azaleas or flowering dogwoods
- Isolated flowers, such as peonies or irises and pond lilies in the water
You are in line with the guiding principles of Asian garden design if you cultivate the trees primarily as bonsai. In principle, bamboo also belongs in the Japanese garden. However, many gardeners shy away from the invasive plants' vehement urge to spread. As an alternative, we therefore recommend privacy screens made of bamboo.
Gravel and stones – basic elements in the Japanese garden
If you design a small garden according to the principles of Asian garden philosophy, there is usually not enough space for a pond or stream. Raked with white or gray pebbles in a wave shape, they represent flowing water. Ideally, use gravel with a grain size of 5 to 8 mm, spread in a layer at least 5 cm high.
Boulders represent powerful dragons in the Japanese garden and at the same time loosen up the appearance. Small moss-covered stones complete the lifelike appearance and symbolize the presence of fish or turtles.
Water gives Japanese gardens authentic charm
An Asian garden according to all the rules of the Far Eastern worldview captivates the viewer with small water worlds. If space allows, plan a stream in the hillside garden or integrate a pond into the design plan. On the bank, coarse gravel lies decoratively at the feet of isolated plants.
Design elements for a Japanese idyll
The interplay between controlled and uncontrolled nature is reflected in stone design elements. Lanterns, benches, pagodas or stone steles are popular accessories in Japanese gardens. An economical arrangement is desirable here, because an Asian garden should never appear overloaded.
Filigree metal constructions also conform to the philosophy. So there's nothing wrong with setting up a lantern (€25.00 on Amazon) or a metal seat in the Japanese garden. Far away from flammable plants, you have the option of positioning a fire basket or fire bowl so that you can enjoy the successful garden design by the flickering fire on warm summer nights.
Tip
A garden corner is perfect for creating a Zen garden with an integrated seating area. Since Asian garden art is not dependent on spacious areas, it gives previously neglected niches creative expressiveness.
