| Japanese style gardens are very popular due to the | | | | than to rake the gravel. A Japanese tea garden is |
| beauty and serenity they offer. The concept of | | | | good choice for a garden that is either incorporated |
| these gardens is to provide a place where one can | | | | within a larger Japanese garden style or in average |
| be relaxed and calm. When designing a Japanese | | | | sized yards and it is a popular one to create. It |
| style garden, it is important that the plants and rocks | | | | consists of two gardens; one being an outer garden |
| meld together in the landscape; and the design of the | | | | and another being an inner garden. The outer garden |
| garden itself must be well thought out. Did you know | | | | consists of the entry gate and is less formal in |
| that there are several different Japanese garden | | | | planting with a stone path leading to the inner garden. |
| styles to choose from? Even though there are | | | | Visitors to the tea garden go through a second gate |
| different types, you have the freedom to meld two | | | | where a water basin, called a tsukubai, is located and |
| or more different types together to make your own | | | | used in the tea ceremony itself. The inner garden |
| unique combination. However, you should have | | | | consists of a stone path that flows through it and |
| enough room in your yard to be able to do so. Here | | | | formally placed non flowering plants. A small building |
| are the different styles for you to choose from if | | | | where tea ceremonies take place sits at the end of |
| you are going to plan a Japanese style garden. Island | | | | the inner path. A stroll garden is made of various |
| and pond style gardens are gardens with a | | | | paths that lead the visitor through interesting turns |
| centralized pond that is large enough to either have a | | | | and new sights. Landscapes that are found in nature |
| boat go across or one in which you can stroll around | | | | are usually the focus of these gardens and are often |
| the edge of the pond. This type of garden is | | | | recreated in miniature form within the garden itself. |
| designed to where all plant life, as well as rocks and | | | | Large yards of at least an acre are required to |
| other features, can be seen from the pond area. The | | | | create these gardens with interesting views. Do you |
| elements as well as the plants are blended into the | | | | want a Japanese garden but have a small yard? A |
| landscape beyond the garden itself. Small islands are | | | | Courtyard garden just might be the perfect solution |
| also created within the pond with a small bush or | | | | for you. These gardens work especially well in yards |
| tree to serve as a focal point and small bridges can | | | | that are very limited in space and are enclosed by a |
| also be built from the shore, to the island and back | | | | brick or stone wall or wooden fence. It is simple in |
| again. Primarily used by Buddhist monks within their | | | | design and can be observed from inside your house |
| temples, the Zen garden is comprised of various size | | | | or enjoyed outside if it. Courtyard gardens consists |
| boulders, small and big rocks, gravel, and/or sand. | | | | of few plants, perhaps a tree, small water feature, |
| Occasionally, they can also have one or two plants | | | | often times a dry stream, or other simple elements. |
| consisting of a shrub or tree. The rocks of a dry | | | | The most important thing to consider when planning |
| landscape Zen garden are very carefully positioned | | | | a Japanese style garden is to determine what you |
| and consists of unique shapes and sizes; often | | | | wish to achieve with it. Be sure to do some research |
| representing islands. The sand and the gravel | | | | on the subject and decide what you want to do with |
| represent water and raked into various patterns. The | | | | it before you start. |
| Zen garden's goal is to help clear the mind of the | | | | Visit Garden Style Decor for more tips and resources |
| viewer as well as aid in contemplation and meditation | | | | for adding that special element to your backyard |
| without distractions. The garden is to be viewed | | | | garden. |
| from a single focal point and is not entered into other | | | | |