- Step 1: Determine the style of the garden
- The four elements
- Which plants fit into this garden?
- Garden elements that should not be missing in any Asian garden
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The secret of Asian horticulture, which exerts a magical attraction on us Europeans, lies in the perfect symbiosis of tranquillity, nature and the plant language that expresses Asian philosophy. Composed down to the last detail, these oases of peace are enchanting and, with a little gardening knowledge and the fun of planning a very special green area, you can bring them into your own garden.
Bonsai trees, elements of stone and water should not be missing in any Asian garden
Step 1: Determine the style of the garden
Asian horticulture follows different styles.
- The Zen garden is the Asian version of the gravel bed and relatively easy to care for.
- The tea gardens are lushly planted and centered around a pavilion shaded by greenery.
- Landscaped gardens are very spacious and invite you to take a meditative stroll thanks to their aesthetic design.
What all Asian plants have in common is that you can relax in your garden and leave everyday life behind. These gardens act like balm for the soul and, if you let yourself in, ensure absolute relaxation.
The four elements
These are:
- stone for the mountains,
- Water for the sea and the rivers.
- Moss symbolic of old age as well
- Plants and trees for life in and of itself.
All 4 elements should be real or symbolic in an Asian garden. For example, in many Zen gardens you will find raked gravel beds that are supposed to represent water.
Which plants fit into this garden?
You do not necessarily have to choose Asian plants for the planting. Decide on plants that suit the soil, the location and the climate that prevails there. Many ornamental plants from northern Japan, where the weather conditions are very similar to ours, have long since made themselves at home in our gardens. These include, for example:
- Japanese maple
- jaw
- Korean fir
- larch
- medlar
- stone yew
- garden bonsai
- bamboo
- Chinese reed
- bearskin grass
- spice bush
- Japan sedge
Probably the most well-known symbol of Japan, the cherry tree, also fits very well in an Asian-inspired garden. It is available in different cultivated forms. Slim columnar cherries also fit well in a small garden and enchant the green area in spring with their wonderful blossoms. A lush cherry tree can shade a gazebo where you can enjoy the restful tranquility of nature with a cup of tea or coffee in the summer.
Garden elements that should not be missing in any Asian garden
Artificial garden elements are used sparingly, structuring the green very harmoniously.
- A bamboo privacy screen limits the reading or meditation corner.
- Stone benches invite you to rest and enjoy.
- Small bridges span a gently babbling brook.
- Sculptures underline the Asian charisma.
When space is limited, a Japanese water basin, the tsukubai, is a common feature in Asian gardens. A simple fountain or large water bowls also go wonderfully with the special atmosphere of this facility.
tips
Asian gardens may appear carefully planned, but never kitschy. When planning, be careful to create a well-rounded, authentic ambience. You can find inspiration for this in many botanical gardens, but also in the show gardens of garden retailers.