 | Talk about Japanese gardens, and visions of meandering paths, azalea blossoms, and glassy ponds emerge in the minds of amateur and master gardeners alike. However, ask gardeners exactly what elements are necessary to construct a Japanese garden, and most will fall more silent than a Buddhist monk. If you are one of the many people who desire the aesthetics and tranquility of Japanese gardens, but find yourself daunted at the task of recreating a centuries-old tradition in your backyard, don’t fear. While you may never be able to fully and accurately reproduce a true Japanese garden, understanding the basic principles of Japanese gardening can (and will) make it possible to create your own unique Japanese garden.
Three Laws of Japanese Gardening
No matter what plants you choose, no matter where you put your garden, if you don’t follow the three laws of Japanese gardening, then all of your efforts will be wasted. Japanese gardens, in existence since approximately 592 AD, have maintained their unique identity because of these laws. Therefore, to ignore them would only prove detrimental to the overall feel and authenticity of your garden. They are:
- The design must suit the site, not vice versa.
This law is often forgotten, but easily followed. When planning your garden, take into account the size and layout of the area in which you are working. Do you have limited space? Placing a large boulder in a small back yard would not only look awkward, it would break the first law of Japanese gardening.
In addition to being mindful of the garden’s surroundings, gardeners must be mindful of nature. While creating a square-shaped pond may appeal to you aesthetically, it cannot coincide with the philosophy of a Japanese garden because it is not natural. Waterfalls are appropriate for Japanese gardens—fountains are not. Put simply, if you can’t find something in the nature, then don’t place it in your garden.
- Correctly place the stones, then the trees, then the shrubs.
Stones, which represent mountains and stability, are the anchors of Japanese gardens. Just as trees and shrubs spring up around mountains in nature, so must yours. Master Japanese gardeners train for over 15 years to learn how to accurately place stones. You, however, are not bound by centuries of tradition. Find natural looking stones of varying colors and sizes to place throughout your garden in manner which pleases you and respects the unique shape and form of each individual stone.
- Follow the rules of “shin,” “gyo,” and “so.”
Unlike the first two laws, this one doesn’t dictate physical elements or their placement. Following the rules of shin, gyo, and so, involves abstract thinking, and often leaves western gardeners feeling confused and frustrated. Keep in mind, however, that you are creating a Japanese-style garden. Unless you are in Japan—with direct access to Japanese vegetation, soil, and culture—the most you can ever hope for is a garden that “feels” Japanese. Don’t worry if you can never fully understand the full meaning of “shin,” “gyo,” and “sho.” Do, however, utilize their basic meanings in your garden to remain as faithful to the Japanese tradition as possible.
- Shin: In Japanese, shin refers to following truth. Did you make sure to place only objects that are “truthful” to nature in your garden? Then you are following truth.
- Gyo: Gyo refers to the carrying out of truth. Put simply, take care of your garden. Weed it, water it, and keep it in a natural form.
- So: In many ways, the concept of so can be most difficult for western gardeners to understand and translate into gardening. Definitions vary, but so basically means “form as truth.” Try not to analyze this term too much, and just realize that, in many ways, “so” symbolizes your completed garden in its truest Japanese form. By creating your garden in true Japanese style and maintaining it, you have achieved so.
Elements of Time and Space
One of the first things westerners notice about Japanese gardens is the “emptiness” of certain areas. Whereas westerners often aim to fill every area of their gardens with lush foliage and flowering plants, Japanese gardeners believe that alternating empty spaces with full areas only serves to bring more attention to different focal points of the garden. Cram your garden with too many plants, and it’s difficult to appreciate them for their individual beauty. Balancing emptiness with fullness creates harmony and allows viewers to fully appreciate every element included in the garden.
Like space, time is an integral notion in Japanese gardens. It is important that you incorporate plants that bloom and grow during different seasons into your garden to show the progression of time. Azalea blossoms, for example, serve as a definite signal of spring. You might plant mums to herald the onset of fall. Whatever plants you choose, be mindful of the passing seasons and pay homage to each one—including winter.
Basic Garden Components
Now that you have a basic understanding of the philosophy that molds a Japanese garden, it’s time to learn the main physical elements that contribute to its overall appearance. While each element makes gardens more aesthetically appealing, each element also serves as a symbol.
- Stones: Stones symbolize mountains and islands. As such, they serve to give Japanese gardens their strength and endurance. Rocks can also symbolize other things. For example, a large stone placed among smaller ones may symbolize a Buddha or a samurai. In western culture, this could be adapted to represent a parent or another type of leader.
When placed, stones must look as if they have always been in the garden. Placing moss on rocks and stones helps lend the appearance of age. However, simply placing the stones in the garden first allows all other elements to follow—and appear younger.
As mentioned earlier, you are not a master gardener, so attempting to place your stones in the same manner as a person with 15 years of gardening education will prove fruitless and frustrating. Rather, let the shape of the rocks, your overall vision, and the size of the garden determine how and where you will place your stones.
- Sand: Sand can be used to represent the sea, or other vast areas. Typically, Japanese gardens utilize a very specific type of white sand found only in Japan and in Canada. Chances are you won’t be able to find it. Don’t let that stop you, though. Visit your local nursery and find a type of sand that pleases your eye, and use it. As the ultimate goal of Japanese gardens is harmony, using dry sand to offset water elements in necessary. In addition, beds of sand offer a way to highlight solitary stones. Sand offers a wonderful way to convey the elements of time and space in a dramatic fashion.
- Water: As the “soul” of Japanese gardens, water connotes purity and life. Want to symbolize a journey? A bridge over a babbling brook can symbolize the journey of life. Or you could choose a simple gazing pond filled with water lilies and koi. As long as the size, shape, and function of your water element fit the style and size of the garden, the choices are endless.
- Plants: While stones symbolize permanence, plants symbolize life and the changing seasons. Japanese gardens are green all year long, with plants providing subtle texture and color. Japanese gardeners believe in a minimalist approach with plants, and often look for ways to keep deleting less-important, superfluous plants.
There are many plants that instantly bring Japanese gardens to mind. Japanese maple trees, with their beautiful red foliage, are one of the most memorable institutions of Japanese gardens. However, don’t be overly concerned with only using native Japanese plants in your garden. Many plants native to Japan cannot be purchased at your local garden store, and wouldn’t be likely to survive, anyway. Do pick plants that keep with your Japanese feel and grow well in your region. Remember, unless you’re in Japan, you’ll never have a true Japanese garden.
Some typical Japanese plants that can be found at local nurseries are:
- Hinoki falsecypress (sold as “Gold Plume”): Originally from Japan, this broadly evergreen conifer which grows to 50-plus feet with a 10 to 20 foot spread. This is an excellent evergreen for a large landscape, and also comes in dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
- Dwarf Colorado Spruce: Widely grown in the U.S. this tree reaches heights of 30-50 feet, and is a dense, broad pyramid with horizontal, stiff branches. The color of the needles ranges from gray-green, to blue-green.
- Dappled Willow: This deciduous shrub produces foliage with green, pink, and creamy-white variegation. In winter the bare stems are a reddish color. This shrub works great planted alone or in a border.
- Japanese Spirea (sold as “Magic Carpet”): This shrub is marked by its light green foliage with red tips. It measure only about 18-24 inches in height with a similar spread. In spring, pink-purple flowers emerge for several weeks. In fall, the leaves turn various shades of deep-red. This shrub provides many seasons of interest, and works great as a ground cover in sunny locations.
- Japanese Maple: Dark red, lacy foliage is the hallmark of this tree. Branches cascade much like willow trees, and often spread just as wide as they are high. Japanese Maples typically grown to ten feet, but can be kept smaller in a container.
- Ornamentation
Stone lanterns are traditionally used to light pathways in Japanese gardens. In addition, nothing announces that your garden is Japanese better than a well-placed (and well-weathered) Japanese lantern. There are many different styles and materials to choose from. Stone varieties work best, but less-expensive concrete versions can work well if they are given an aged appearance.
- Garden Enclosures
In Japanese gardens, enclosures aid in creating a space that is both a microcosm of nature and a quiet retreat. As with every other element of the garden, enclosures have both symbolic meaning and function. First, they separate the garden from the everyday hustle and bustle of the outside world. Next, they provide another way to accentuate and hide other elements of the garden. Finally, they ensure that only those who enter the gate will be able to fully enjoy the many beauties of the garden. No matter what type of enclosure you choose, don’t forget remain faithful to the overall feel and look of your garden. Beyond that, how you enclose the garden is simply a matter of imagination.
No doubt about it, the creation and maintenance of Japanese gardens are mandated by a series of complex laws. However, even the Japanese accept that laws are meant to be broken. Remembering the basic elements that define a Japanese garden will ensure that your garden offers visitors the look and feel of a real Japanese garden. However, adding native plants and your own unique taste is the only way to ensure that your garden is truly a one-of-a-kind sanctuary. You may never be able to completely recreate a true Japanese garden, but you can echo its philosophy—harmony.
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