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 which components make up an Asian garden.

Bonsai and stones are typical of Japanese gardens

Plants in line 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 contrasting floral programme, the Far Eastern garden design incorporates flowering plants to express the dualism of eternity and the moment. The following overview provides you with recommended types and varieties:

  • Conifers such as dwarf juniper, thuja emerald, 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 flower dogwoods
  • Scattered flowers, such as peonies or irises and water lilies in the water

You conform to 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 vehement urge to spread the invasive plants. 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 wavy shape, represent flowing water. Ideally, use gravel with a grain size of 5 to 8 mm, which you distribute 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 stones overgrown with moss complete the lifelike appearance and symbolize the presence of fish or turtles.

Water gives Japanese garden authentic charm

An Asian garden based on all the rules of the Far Eastern world view casts a spell over the viewer with small water worlds. If space permits, plan a stream in the hillside garden or integrate a pond into the design plan. On the shore, coarse gravel lies decoratively at the feet of isolated plants.

Design elements for Japanese idyll

The interplay of controlled and uncontrolled nature is reflected in stone design elements. Lanterns, benches, pagodas or stone steles are popular accessories in the Japanese garden. A sparing arrangement is desirable here, because an Asian garden must never appear overloaded.

Filigree metal constructions also conform to the philosophy. So nothing speaks against setting up a lantern or a metal seat in the Japanese garden. Far away from combustible plants, there is the option of positioning a fire basket or a fire bowl to enjoy the flickering fire in the successful garden design on mild summer nights.

tips

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 creative expression to niches that have been neglected up to now.

Category:

Garden design