| Most Japanese gardens require little | | | | only plants might be mounds of green moss |
| maintenance because the components that are | | | | providing a softening contrast with the |
| used are things like gravel, pebbles, stones, | | | | stones and rocks, but other types of |
| wood, water and occasional, carefully-chosen | | | | Japanese-inspired garden include a few more |
| and well-positioned shrubs or small trees. | | | | plants, chosen for their interesting form or |
| | | | grace. These can be planted in between the |
| The Garden Design | | | | pebbles or in large containers. Mosses thrive |
| | | | in moist conditions out of direct sun, but if |
| It is important to create a sense of | | | | they cannot be encouraged to grow, try moss |
| tranquillity and if possible provide areas | | | | like plants as an alternative, such as Sagina |
| for contemplation in the garden. The design | | | | Subulata, S. Procumbens, or, in mild areas, |
| should be kept quite simple and uncluttered, | | | | the ground-hugging carpeter Soleirolia |
| focusing on outline, shape and contrasting | | | | Soleirii. |
| textures, the use of plants is restrained, | | | | |
| resulting in a garden that satisfies the | | | | Water Feature |
| senses but requires minimum aftercare or | | | | |
| maintenance. | | | | Water, the essence of life, should always be |
| | | | present in a real Japanese garden, normally |
| Creating Focal Points | | | | it would be fresh running water, but for the |
| | | | low maintenance approach even a simple bowl |
| Features like rocks and stones have an | | | | filled with water would be calming in a |
| important role in many Japanese gardens. They | | | | garden and offers birds the opportunity to |
| can be set in an area covered with fine | | | | drink. A bubble fountain washing over pebbles |
| pebbles, which are an ideal labour-saving | | | | or a running stream effect would be an ideal |
| ground cover. When wet, they change colour | | | | feature. |
| and catch the light beautifully. | | | | |
| | | | Traditional Japanese Ornaments |
| Pick some special stones of varying size, | | | | |
| colour and character, and arrange | | | | In far eastern philosophy, the traditional |
| asymmetrically in one or two areas in uneven | | | | garden features have their own significance |
| numbers. Traditionally, the pebbles are raked | | | | within the strict rules and special meanings |
| into variations of parallel lines and snaking | | | | of the garden design. Bamboo wind chimes |
| spirals centralised on the main rock | | | | create soothing sounds, while a rounded |
| features. Gravel can be substituted for | | | | lantern and a linear bridge are pretty, and |
| pebbles as a cheaper option. You can inset a | | | | useful for introducing contrasting shapes. |
| walkway of large paving slabs or sawn | | | | You could introduce different ornaments to |
| tree-trunk pieces in the gravel. | | | | suit your own taste and garden size. |
| | | | |
| Minimalist Planting Methods | | | | Try some of the low maintenance tips above |
| | | | and see if you can create your own slice of |
| In an authentic Japanese stone garden, the | | | | Japan, but without giving up your free time! |