How to Build a Japanese Garden

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The Japanese garden is relaxing, beautiful, silent. Want to make one? Here's how!

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Steps

1. Investigate Japanese gardens online, in books, or go and see them; there are many world class Japanese Gardens outside of Japan.
2. Pick your theme, it might be Zen temple style, which tends to be very different than the Shinto, or the imperial style. Some are for contemplation & meditation, some are for strolling through so there are other aspects to consider.
3. There are elemental characteristics that are important to Japanese Gardens - stone (known as Suseiki), water (ponds, streams etc) as well as planting alignments are quite important.
4. There are also sculptural aspects such as lanterns, pavilions, pagoda, stepping stones & gravel, water bowls, deer scarers, fencing or screens etc
5. Pick a nice large area. Slopes and small hills add to the charm if you have them, however they can also add to the workload. There are Japanese gardens for both flat and hilly terrain.
6. Decide on your plants. These vary from bamboo, maples, cherry blossom trees, azalea, camellia, iris, moss etc.
7. Map out the area. Think about how large the plants will grow, as well as looking forward to how they will look - will they look better as a clump or a singular specimen, does your space allow for a large pond or is a small water feature more allowable? etc.
8. Expect change - this is a central part of the Buddhist philosophy, but it's also part of the garden as it will change with the seasons such so there will be flowering periods, no leaf periods etc. By expecting it you can use it for maximum impact by putting plants where they will stand out as the leaves change colour etc.
9. Decide where the plants are going to go. Work with the landscape as that will make the garden more natural, but also more beautiful than heavy terrascaping.
10. If you want a pond select a medium area. (Ask a landscaper for details on the pond)
11. Decide where your bench is going to be - you want to have it were you can sit and take in the future garden.
12. Buy the plants that you want, and put them in the marked spots.
13. Examine them in-situ while still in the pots to decide on appearances before putting them in the ground. You may need to redesign your plan.
14. Build the pond according to directions from the supplier. Fill the pond with water and allow it to settle for a few days before testing and adjusting the PH of the water (if needed) before adding plants and fish.
15. Install your added sculptures such as large tall stones, stone lanterns or pagoda etc.
16. Put a bench in a place where you can see the pond and a clear view of all the flowers.

Video

this should inspire you to see what a real Japanese garden looks like

Tips

• lanterns are good for a impressive look (stone looks best)
• light candles around to make it look more impressive at night
• the bench should be a long stone with two stones under it for best results
• fish can be a great addition to any pond
• have a contractor come out and help you plan out your garden.

Things You'll Need

• large area
• a contractor

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