Japanese Gardening

As people start to get involved with gardening, it is discovered that there are many forms or styles of gardening. People’s interests are Increasingly drawn to the age-old form of Japanese gardening. Just like any other form of gardening, Japanese gardening requires the proper knowledge and materials.

For many centuries garden design has been considered an important part of Japanese art. From granite to bamboo, Japanese gardening encompasses a wide selection of materials. There is a vast number of stores and books available providing an abundance of tools and knowledge necessary for you to build and cultivate your own style of Japanese gardening.

The typical basic Japanese garden contains water, an island, a bridge to the island, a lantern, and a teahouse or pavilion. Japanese gardens can be found anywhere from Buddhist temples to your private home. An integral part of these gardens is the use of stones. An enduring quality is conveyed through rocks placed in strategic locations. Water, whether it is flowing in a stream or still and quiet in a basin, symbolizes purity. The plantings around these elements focus on the tranquil sanctuary designed to allow you to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life.

A prominent material used in Japanese gardens is granite. Granite shows up in lantern structures, bridges, stepping stones, paths, and statues. Japanese lanterns can be classified into four separate categories. Pedestal lanterns are called tachi-gata; buried lanterns are ikekomi-gata; small set lanterns are called oki-gata; and yukimi-gata are snow-viewing lanterns.

Another consistent element in Japanese gardening is that of the bamboo, most of the time used in a fence structure. It is known for its elegance, beauty and flexibility, and there is absolutely no other material that comes even close to matching bamboo for the Japanese garden. Items such as copper chains, copper rings, hoppers, and bamboo screens are also considered as more minor essentials, and add a certain needed dimension to the garden itself.

The garden design will evoke feeling, movement, and reflection. This form of gardening is perhaps the style that needs more thoughtful conception than any other style. Each plant and rock has a meaning or purpose. The different elements and how and where they are placed will enhance the overall experience of being in the garden. For instance, the appropriate placement of chimes where there is an occasional gentle breeze is important in making an interpretation effective.

Among the noteworthy Japanese gardens In the United States are Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, California, Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, California, Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens in San Antonio, Texas, and the Seattle Japanese Garden in Seattle, Washington.

Dayelle Swensson is an avid writer for the web on a number of topics. Having gardened herself for many years, she is able to advise others about a variety of things including gardening tips, lawn and tree care, watering, hose reel and keeping your home garden looking attractive and healthy.