| Japanese landscaping is soothing and beautiful. Many | | | | incorporated through the installation of a small |
| people are considering adding elements of Japanese | | | | bamboo fountain as well. |
| design to their garden to add a peaceful serenity. | | | | If you study Japanese landscaping, you will notice a |
| Most do not know where to begin, however. | | | | great variety of plants that can be used. It will take |
| You need to understand the basics of Japanese | | | | some research on your part to find those that grow |
| design in their landscaping. Balance is key, with a | | | | in your area and that are available. You also want to |
| blending of stone, water and plants in a way that | | | | keep in mind what they look like in each season. Leaf |
| looks like it was made by nature, not you. There | | | | variety and texture is important. |
| should be no straight lines or angles in your garden. | | | | Even more important than the plants are the stones. |
| Curves are the lines found in nature. | | | | Rocks are the backbone of the Japanese garden. |
| One of the most challenging parts of creating a | | | | Each stone is carefully chosen for its shape and |
| Japanese garden is the balance. There should not be | | | | significance. They can be used as stepping stones, in |
| too many plants, yet at the same time you want to | | | | streams or waterfalls, or to represent mountains or |
| capture the changing of the seasons with plants that | | | | islands. |
| will accent each season with blossoms, color or form. | | | | There are many types of Japanese gardens to |
| The entire garden needs to be in the proper scale. | | | | choose from. All of them incorporate the |
| For example, if you have ten acres to work with, | | | | aforementioned elements. You'll have to decide if you |
| you can use large trees, boulders and water features. | | | | want a tea garden, a flat open space garden or a hill |
| If your garden is only ten feet by twenty feet, | | | | and pond garden. Sometimes the decision is made for |
| everything should be scaled down. You want to | | | | you by the limitations of your space. |
| envision your garden like a view from a window, so it | | | | Decorations may also be strategically placed in a |
| is enjoyable as a whole as well as when you are | | | | Japanese garden. A stone pagoda or a metal lantern |
| wandering through it. | | | | may add a little personalization. Other items that may |
| Everything in Japanese landscaping is symbolic. A | | | | suit your design may be a chime, a gong or a rain |
| stone may be a mountain. A tiny brook may be a | | | | chain. Rain chains help direct the water from your |
| rushing river. Nature is reproduced in captivity. Water | | | | roof down to the ground, creating a wonderful |
| brings movement, though it can be represented by a | | | | watery melody not unlike a babbling brook. |
| flow of small stones as well. If you have the space, | | | | As you can see, there is a lot to be understood |
| take a look at Japanese water gardens. If you can fit | | | | when making a Japanese garden. Take a little time |
| one of those elements in without crowding, it will add | | | | and learn as you go. Before you know it, your |
| to the beauty of your garden. Water can also be | | | | garden will reflect peace and inner serenity. |