Japan has long attracted residents of other countries with its mysterious philosophy and culture, which are very clearly manifested in the field of Japanese landscape design style. The Japanese garden is the embodiment of the Land of the Rising Sun on a separate territory. The purpose of its creation is to have a positive impact on the life of the owner, support his vitality, help in gaining inner harmony, relief from stress. It attracts with its practicality and simplicity; it reveals a philosophy unique to it. It is very difficult to create, but it is quite simple to maintain, although at first glance it does not seem so.

Features and spiritual basis of Japanese style in landscape design

Japanese style is one of the most symbolic and mysterious, and at the same time one of the easiest to maintain. Created on the basic principles of Eastern culture (spiritualization of nature), it is very different from the logical and pragmatic culture of Western peoples with its special spirituality, wisdom and sensuality.

A Japanese-style garden is a special phenomenon. Through symbols it embodies the entire nature of the islands - its plains, mountains, meadows, rivers, like parts of one puzzle, are combined into a common multifaceted and perfect composition. This is a great place to restore vitality. A feeling of peace arises in it, here a person knows himself, becomes one with and finds peace of mind.

A refined philosophy, built on the principles of spirituality and harmony, dominates here. They took shape over the centuries under the influence of various eras, each of which dictated its own laws.

In our country, the design of a Japanese-style site should not exactly copy the landscapes characteristic of Japan, otherwise it will not look natural. It is enough to use symbolic elements balanced with each other.

Four basic principles of Japanese style garden design:

• Harmony. All elements, without exception, including those created by human hands, must be in harmony with nature and not stand out against its background.
• Naturalness. No variegation - the landscape design of a Japanese garden is characterized by the emphasized simplicity of all decorative elements and a moderate palette.
• Asymmetry. Each of the elements used must be unique in its geometry and size. And these elements can only be located asymmetrically relative to each other.
• Symbolism. Any of the elements symbolizes something, that is, it carries a special meaning.

Basic elements of Japanese landscape design

The characteristic elements of this style are stones, water and plants; they are complemented harmoniously and as naturally as possible by small architectural forms.

Stones in a Japanese garden

These motionless guardians symbolize stability, strength and eternity, radiating peace and harmony. They set the structure of the garden, therefore they are a mandatory element. There are a lot of options for placement and application, this is a whole art that embodies the key point of this style. With their help, they create accents in the water, use them to build bridges, pave paths, or simply fit them into a natural composition (for this purpose, they are placed only asymmetrically).

Water in a Japanese garden

Water in Japan has a special meaning. It is a symbol of prosperity and an inexhaustible source of vital energy. It is considered the fastest of natural elements, therefore it sets the mood and rhythm for the garden and the entire house. According to Eastern beliefs, the more water, the better. Therefore, there simply cannot be too many bodies of water! When designing an area in the Japanese style, a wide variety of bodies of water are used - ponds, waterfalls, streams. The only thing that must be observed is no imitations!

Plants in a Japanese garden

They, like other elements, help create a miniature model of the universe (which, in its essence and concept, is what any Japanese garden is). Since the universe is very small, the plants used in it are also small - shrubs and low trees (chaenomeles, azaleas, quince, sakura, pine). Japanese quince in the landscape design of such a garden, like sakura, it occupies special place. They serve as both decoration and symbols. Quince represents longevity and fertility. Sakura reminds that everything comes, but life is fleeting. Only beauty is eternal.

According to Japanese tradition, all bushes and trees are given a round shape, this symbolizes the sky. Although the plants themselves emphasize the change of seasons (from cherry blossoms blooming in spring to chrysanthemums blooming in late autumn), symbolizing the transience of life and the unstoppable passage of time. To enhance the impression, contrasts are often used that clearly demonstrate these postulates: dry trees or ancient stumps are placed next to lush flowering bushes.

Almost any of the plants has very multifaceted uses. For example, in landscape design today, Japanese spirea is used to create beautiful openwork hedges, magnificent group compositions, or used as an independent decorative unit.

Small architectural forms in a Japanese garden

It is with their help that the garden turns into a small universe. All of them are made from natural materials - wood, bamboo (reed), stone, harmoniously intertwined with nature.

Even lanterns, a symbol of virtue and kindness, are made of stone in a Japanese garden. The use of many other small architectural forms is also envisaged - garden screens, light gazebos and pagodas, simple benches and, of course, bridges. They can be very different: made of bamboo and wood, light and refined, floating above the water mirror, or deliberately rough, made of stones laid on the bottom of a stream.

Features of the layout of a Japanese garden

The elements are few in number, balanced and together make up a single harmonious composition, where any of them is in its place. When decorating the entire site in this style, it is divided into irregularly shaped zones, which may or may not coincide with the functional zones. For each such zone, a separate composition is built, after which smooth transitions are made between them.

Japanese garden color scheme

Only a soft and restrained color scheme, based on smooth halftones and transitions. The use of various shades of the same color in Japanese design site indicates a special level of skill. The basic colors are muted tones of white, brown, green and gray colors. Today, a couple of bright color accents are allowed.

IMPORTANT. Creating a landscape design for a Japanese garden is a painstaking and time-consuming process, requiring special knowledge, vision and patience. This is a unique kind of art, although it is subject to certain rules.

Where to order landscape design in Japanese style in St. Petersburg?

AG GARDEN DESIGN offers professional services on the organization of Japanese landscape design in St. Petersburg and the region.

• Our specialists know all the intricacies of creating Japanese landscape design and are able to take into account the characteristics of the site.
• At your service is a team of specialists with special skills, knowledge and extensive experience in creating Japanese design in a variety of areas.
• We approach each site individually, avoiding template solutions, but taking into account the interests of the owners.
• Regardless of the scope of work, we offer the lowest possible prices for landscape design of a site, regardless of the chosen style.
• We always do our work efficiently and quickly.
• We will be happy to transform your site into a harmonious corner of Japanese nature!

There is something innate, deep, and calming about Asian style with oriental overtones, Japanese design, and architecture in particular. Perhaps it is the influence of a pro-life philosophical outlook that has shaped design principles for several centuries; or it may be a combination with a way of life that is closely related to nature and the terrain that offers them unique opportunity look into every aspect of existence.

(from MARPA Design Studio)

One way or another, the confluence of all these factors shaped Japanese culture, aesthetic and natural, pleasant forms, which the West generously borrowed in the last century. The best gardens in the world It is this people who have another wonderful gift, especially considering that many modern houses have a calm and serene atmosphere.

Here you can get some inspiration that will (hopefully) help you add a compact yet vibrant garden to your property. Each design has a unique combination of elements, which in turn demonstrate a unique difference. Enjoy!

(by Richard Kramer)

(from Gaile Guevara)

Miniature landscapes with centuries-old traditions

(from New Eco: Urban Landscape Design)

Initially, Japanese parkas adopted Chinese models, and this continued for several centuries. They developed their unique flavor and characteristics only after a long time, and now all this is an integral and important part. Basically they are all small, but have a grandiose garden landscape design .

(from Grace Design Associates)

No one will understand a Japanese garden until they walk through it and hear the crunch under their feet, smell it, and you will only gain the experience years later. Now there is no perfect photo or video that can give you complete knowledge as it is more than just visual brilliance.

(by Debra Prizing)

(from Angelina Landscape)

(from SRM Architecture and Interiors)

(from Charles McClure)

Aesthetic mastery in naturalness

Balance, balance and a sense of natural beauty, which is not forced, not contrived - this is the essence of the design of the land of the rising sun. By creating a lively and invigorating hub at the center of your home, an open interior will take on a whole new meaning, and walking there will allow you to get lost in your thoughts, and maybe even make an important decision.

One of the main things is symmetry, which should not be forgotten. This is a carefully planned feature that will make the place more attractive and inviting.

(from Kikuchi & Associates)

Japanese gardens derive their beauty from mixing and blending different elements in a symbolic and natural manner, creating a welcoming environment. Stones, sand, water, bamboo, trees, flowers and even bridges are placed with precision to achieve an exceptional sense of organic asymmetry.

(from Garden Mentors)

(from Garden Architecture)

Balance of symbolic elements

(from Eco Minded Solutions)

The most seductive aspects of them are those elements that have a specific meaning. Water is one of the main components, these can still be small ponds, decorative pool, running streams and even cascades; You can also include any functions you need in them.

Water and stone are Yin-Yang, therefore, they balance each other and their location should be appropriate. For those who are not thrilled with its consumption, sand can be a substitute since they have similarities, and in the Japanese context it represents clouds.

(by HartmanBaldwin Design)

Rocks are just as important. But their meaning depends on how they are placed and what they are made of. They can even be tall, washed by water. Ponds with water lilies, stone lanterns, garden bridges and wash basins - all these components will create the perfect landscape.

Inventing and creating a Japanese garden is a task for a creative home owner, or for a specialist who knows this craft. With the right imagination and technique, you can truly recreate a piece of paradise draped in greenery.

(by Huettl Landscape Architecture)

The East has always attracted Europeans with its mysterious wisdom. Religion and philosophy permeate all spheres of cultural life. That’s why we are so interested in everything Japanese, from the tea ceremony to karate. And the Japanese style in landscape design immediately enchants with its unique originality and evokes the desire to create such a mysterious corner of nature on your site. But not everything is as simple as it seems. After all, the principles of creating a Japanese garden are radically different from European ones. We invite you to understand the peculiarities of Japanese garden art with us.

To understand the purpose and principles of creating a Japanese garden, it is necessary to look into the past.

Japanese garden art originated in the Middle Ages and, of course, was closely related to the religious beliefs of the time. The cult of nature was the basis of Shintoism. In those days, all nature surrounding man was deified. After all, she bestows harmony and beauty, although sometimes she is harsh and merciless.

It was the creation of the first stone altars that was the initial step towards the formation of Japanese garden art.

Buddhism, which spread later, adapted to local traditions and absorbed the beliefs of the ancient Japanese. This is how Zen Buddhism was formed. One of its principles: knowing the truth and achieving enlightenment by contemplating the beauty of nature.

Looking at natural harmony, a person feels himself a part of it, finds peace of mind and balance, receives some kind of higher knowledge, and comprehends the meaning of existence.

Art was also highly valued in Zen Buddhism. Its symbolism artistic images gave a person the opportunity to find his own individual path to understanding the truth. Yes, in the merger religious philosophy and art, the basic principles of the Japanese garden were born.

The first gardens were laid out by monks and pilgrims on the grounds of temples, and since then, this art has developed and improved.

Similarities with Chinese style

Buddhism, which came from the mainland, brought with it to Japanese islands examples of Chinese garden art. But their own traditions, peculiarities of beliefs and natural conditions made fundamental changes to these patterns. Therefore, the Japanese style in landscape design has more differences than similarities with the Chinese.

Let's note the main differences.

• In each of the gardens, the natural landscapes of their own country are copied. There are also national differences architectural styles garden buildings.
• Chinese garden has a clear axial symmetry. There must be a main composition in the center, around which all other elements are formed. Japanese is asymmetrical, there is no main composition in it, each of them is separate and equally important.

• Each of these gardens must have water. However, if Chinese is impossible without some kind of natural reservoir, then in Japanese symbolic dry reservoirs of pebbles or sand are often created; you can learn about streams of this type.
• These gardens also vary in size. Chinese always takes enough large territory. And Japanese gardens can be very small in area. There are even miniature tabletop Japanese gardens.

• Chinese garden unlimited in color scheme, here you can use the brightest colors. Japanese is characterized by calm, soft tones that smoothly replace each other.
• The attributes of a Chinese garden are a semicircular bridge, many figurines of various animals, large stones of original shape or stone structures. There are also unusually shaped window openings. The bridge in the Japanese garden is flat or has a zigzag shape. There are also small lanterns made of stone or metal, and a bowl for washing hands. The stone compositions are small, most often symbolizing islands.
• But perhaps the most important difference is in their purpose. In ancient times, the Chinese garden was supposed to activate and direct the emperor’s thoughts to solve important state affairs. And Japanese was created for meditation, man’s knowledge of himself and all things.

Components of a Japanese garden

In the landscape design of Japanese gardens, there are two types: flat (hira-niwa) and hilly (tsukiyama). They also have three forms of filling. The more abbreviated the form, the more complex and symbolic the garden composition.

There are also a number important points. For example, it is desirable for a Japanese garden to have the shape of a square or rectangle and face east or southeast. And in the formation of compositions there should be a proportionate triangle (one main element and several subordinates). An interesting compositional feature of the Japanese garden is the opportunity to admire its beauty from any vantage point. Completely new natural scenes await you on each side.

What is important is the absence of repetitions in the compositions and the obligatory odd number of elements in them. Each of them must be a complete and independent element.

The components of a Japanese garden are stone, water, plants, auxiliary architectural forms and, of course, a spiritual idea. During its creation, there was always a harmony of two philosophical principles: yin - water and yang - stone.

The banks of reservoirs are decorated with exotic mossy stones or ornamental plants, imitating a wild natural coast. The reflection in the water should be as beautiful as the shore itself.

The contemplation of real water or an area that resembles water ripples always has a calming effect. She undoubtedly contributes to the formation of the idea of ​​the garden.

Plants

The third most important element in a Japanese garden is various plants. There shouldn't be too many of them. The selection of plants is subject to important rules: natural combination with the rest of the garden elements, discreet color scheme and beauty of the garden all year round.

Unlike gardens of other styles, the Japanese style of landscape design implies a special attitude towards color. The Japanese do not allow variegation and multicolor. The main color is green, but it comes in a wide variety of shades. It is this play with halftones that creates amazingly beautiful color paintings. And dim flowers, like a single stroke of an artist’s brush, add additional accents.

It is necessary for a Japanese garden to be beautiful in any season of the year. This is where conifers and evergreens come to the rescue. Also pay attention to the original shape of the crown and branches, the decorative coloring of the foliage in different seasons.

It is possible to create a Japanese garden in our climatic conditions only using, for the most part, local plants. They should be the least variable, so flowers are used minimally. And of course, do not forget about the size of the garden; the smaller the area, the more compact the plants should be.

There are many coniferous plants growing in Japan. The most revered is the pine tree, a symbol of courage, courage, perseverance and longevity. Our types of conifers are perfect for placement in a Japanese garden. For example, Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) grows slowly and lends itself well to shaping. Elfin cedar (Pinus pumila) is a creeping coniferous plant, decorative varieties: Glauca, Globe, Draijers Dwarf, Jeddeloh, Dwarf Blue. The relict plant microbiota cross-pair (Microbiota decussata) will fit perfectly into the Japanese style. This is a very beautiful and unpretentious creeping conifer, the shoots of which are arranged in even tiers. You can use various dwarf species of other conifers, thuja (Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup, T. o. Hoseria, T. o. Тeddy, T. o. Globosa), spruce (Picea abies Nidiformis, Picea abies Little Gem, Picea pungens Glauca Globosa, Pinus mugo Mors, Pinus mugo Gnom), junipers (Juniperus horizontalis Glauca, J. h. Hughes, J. h. Blue Pygmea, J. h. Wiltonii).

Cross-paired microbiota
Spruce "Glauca Globosa"

Sakura is considered to be the symbol of Japan; it is the personification of perseverance and purity. Its flowers do not wither, but fall, preserving their beauty even on the ground. In Japanese gardens, varieties of cherries and plums with double flowers are often used instead of sakura. In our climatic conditions, felt cherry (Cerasus tomentosa) is a perfect replacement for classic sakura. It looks decorative most of the year, as it has fluffy leaves that become bright color. Delicious fruits also decorate the tree. The crown is well formed when pruned.

Some types of spirea can also decorate a Japanese garden. For example, gray spirea (Spiraea cinerea) Graciosa or Grefsheim, as well as Japanese spirea Crispa (Spiraea japonica Crispa). Perfectly suitable shrubs include Japanese quince (Chaenomelis), weigela (Weigela), deutzia (Deutzia), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa), leather mackerel (Cotinus coggygria), euonymus (Euonymus), boxwood ( Búxus), lovely kolkwitzia amabilis, barberries (Bérberis), forsythia (Forsythia), rhododendrons (Rhododendron).

Japonica
Kolviktsia is lovely

Lianas will help in the design of various vertical elements. For example, various types maiden grape (Parthenocissus), honeysuckle honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium), Chinese lemongrass (Schisandra), actinidia kolomikta, hops (Humulus Lupulus).

Iwa matsudana

Among the trees, the willow (Salix) best supports the Japanese style in landscape design. Matsudana willow (Salix matsudana) with its twisted branches and leaves is ideal for this. Maples are also good; among them you can choose suitable species and varieties. For example, sycamore (Acer platanoides) Drummondii, false sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) Leopoldii and Simon Louis Freres, ash leaf (Acer negundo) Flamingo. For a large garden, linden, oak, chestnut, and ash are also suitable.

The Japanese garden is bright in the spring, when sakura and azaleas bloom, and also when the leaves of the trees put on autumn outfits. The rest of the time he is modest, so flowers only complement some compositions.

If the garden area allows, you can use large flowers, such as tree peonies(Paeonia suffruticosa), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum), irises (Iris). Asters, anemones, primroses, forest violets, saxifrage, and sedums are also suitable.

Japanese landscape design is also emphasized by perennials such as Rodgersia, Bergenia, Ligularia, and Hosta.

Among the ground cover plants, these are lambswort (Lamiastrum), periwinkle (Vinca), hoofed grass (Asarum), loosestrife (Lysimachia nummularia), ivy bud (Glechoma hederaceae), apical pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis).

Khosta
Budra ivy-shaped

Decorative mosses are a must in a Japanese garden. There is even a moss garden. The most common in our country are cuckoo flax (Polýtrichum commúne), viviparous polya (Pohlia cruda), and wavy atrichum (Atrichum undulatum).

Ferns and ornamental cereals are appropriate in the Japanese garden - miscanthus (Miscánthus), molinia (Molinia), fescue (Festuca), imperata (Imperata).

The pond will be decorated with water lilies (Nymphaea) and water lilies (Nuphar).

A Japanese garden cannot be complete without bamboo (Fargesia genus); it will add the desired color and serve as an excellent material for creating various arches and hedges. Although it is an eastern guest, it is quite winter-hardy.

It should be noted that the shaping of trees and shrubs in a Japanese garden is radically different from that in Europe. Instead of European geometric ones, the Japanese in their garden give the trees a natural shape, but the plant looks as if it had grown in difficult natural conditions (exotically twisted branches, irregular crown shape).

We have given many different plants as examples, but when choosing, you should not forget about the simplicity and laconicism of the Japanese garden, which does not tolerate excesses.

Auxiliary (small) architectural forms

An important element in Japanese landscape design are paths and bridges. Paths symbolize movement along the path of life and connect garden paintings into a single whole. They are our guides through the garden and should be comfortable, so using step-by-step paving, you can set the desired rhythm of movement. Paths are made of flat stones, should fit perfectly into the composition of the garden and have smooth curves.

Bridges in a Japanese garden symbolize the transition between life stages. They are made from flat stone blocks or wood (can be zigzag). They should be small and be in harmony with the main composition.

Stone lanterns are a must in a Japanese garden to “illuminate the path through life.” Although they are different in appearance, their design necessarily contains three geometric shapes: square, triangle and circle. They add warm charm and mystery to the garden.

In Japanese gardens, stone bowls of spring water are always placed for hand washing or tea ceremonies. They should also be as natural as possible.

Another additional element of the Japanese garden is stone pagodas, their tiers range from large at the bottom to smaller at the top. These are places of worship, symbolizing the temple.

Pay attention to the tranquil beauty that fills the landscape paintings of Japanese gardens in the photo.

We looked at the main features of a Japanese garden. Its creation has a deep spiritual meaning. If you want to recreate the Japanese style of landscape design on your property, then it’s worth a try. The main thing is to put a piece of your own soul into it, and, despite all the difficulties, you will definitely succeed!

The article will discuss how you can create a Japanese-style garden on your own personal plot, what thematic concept is best to use for this, and what principles to rely on when implementing the chosen stylistic direction. The photo selection will clearly illustrate the main points, the video will reveal the secrets of creating individual elements of oriental landscape design.

A little history

The goal of any direction of landscape design is to combine as skillfully and naturally as possible human influence and the riot of natural elements. This harmony is most fully reflected by a garden designed in the traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun. The principles of its creation have been honed over centuries, therefore, today there is a whole doctrine that modern designers take as a basis and create magnificent man-made parks.

The word "garden" first appeared in Japanese manuscripts in the eighth century AD. Initially, it was used to designate a separate space that did not have any artificial fences. Objects began to appear inside it that allowed a person to move around the area and admire the beauty of nature. These were stone paths, small architectural forms made of them - resting places.

Servants were introduced to them to ensure cleanliness. Gradually they began to improve the objects entrusted to them. During the Heian period, science and painting flourished. It was so popular that even gardeners tried to paint pictures using plants. They created such stunning masterpieces that they were admired by everyone without exception. This concept of landscape design of the Japanese garden dominated during the heyday of the Yamato-e school. When the samurai came to rule, pomp and excessive decorativeness gave way to monochrome and laconicism. The era of the “dry” landscape has arrived. Her idea determined the basic principles of the modern movement.

Rules for creating a style

Japanese park complexes are based on three main postulates:

Indispensable combination of stone and water- symbols of masculine and feminine principles.

Asymmetry main zoning with an emphasis on one part of the design.

Usage plants natural to the area and traditional decorative design.

If you want to create country garden in the Japanese style, it is necessary to use additional structures: open areas, restrained, but very harmoniously combined colors and their shades.

Different types of concepts

Today there are four themes that can be taken as the basis for the design of a personal plot:

Tsubo.

Rock garden.

Tree garden.

Tea garden.

Tsubo

Tsubo is a direction that was formed as part of the urban structure of the early Middle Ages. Translated from Japanese, the word "tsubo" means area small size, whose area is 3.3 square meters. Such a garden was laid out in tiny courtyards under open air and even inside individual rooms. When creating it, the gardener was given one task - to let light and nature into a small corner of the city.

To achieve this goal, plants were selected that could perform well in constrained, Spartan conditions. Since grass and flowers that love the sun do not grow well in such a garden, their absence was compensated for by fluffy moss. The entire perimeter of the land was covered with stone boulders; a small patch was left in the center of the stone composition for plantings. Shrubs were planted on it to match the style of the building. The lack of light is compensated by artificial lighting, stylized lamps and a gallery of mirrors. They will be the finishing touch that will visually increase the volume of space. Creating such a Japanese-style garden at your dacha is as easy as shelling pears: you need to make paths of stones, hang a large tsukubai lantern and harmoniously distribute the greenery between them.

Rock garden

This is a pure product of Japanese philosophy. He is an interpretation of an ancient motif that symbolizes the eternal search for immortality. Although few people preach such teachings today, the concept itself is very popular among lovers of strict minimalism.

On our website you can get acquainted with the most . In the filters you can set the desired direction, the presence of gas, water, electricity and other communications.

The Japanese themselves never used stones as a building material. For them, they were intermediaries between man and God. They were worshiped, the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun still talk to them, convey their experiences to them and ask for help. Therefore, in Japanese style landscape design, stones are objects of worship and admiration.

Echoes of a cultic attitude can be felt in the method of arranging the boulders. It only seems at first glance that the stones are arranged chaotically; in fact, there is a strict principle that must be adhered to when creating a replica.

The largest boulder should be placed in the center of the site. He is a symbol of the distant peak of Mount Horai. On a small hill or near a pond, you need to form a composition consisting of three boulders. They symbolize Mount Xumi. Crane and turtle islands - using stones, figures are laid out that are shaped like these representatives of the fauna. Choice suitable stones- the task is paramount. Since each boulder should help form a turtle's shell or a crane's wings, you'll have to spend time finding the right material. Therefore, experts recommend not buying it in large quantities from one source. It is better to look for them in ruins or near river bodies.

Creation technique

To achieve your goals, you need not only stones of the desired shape, but also other required material: gravel, large river pebbles, geotextiles. Experts recommend purchasing low-growing plants (thyme, sambaga, heather), as well as evergreen shrubs (boxwood, pieris, camellia) in advance for planting. If such plants are not available in the region represented, they can be replaced with evergreen rhododendrons or cinquefoil. For work you will need a shovel, rake, crowbar and knife.

First you need to find a suitable place for a rock garden. It should be clearly visible from the entrance point of the house. The selected site is first leveled, and the top layer of earth is removed from it to the depth of the gravel backfill. The bottom of the prepared pit is lined with geotextiles. It will not allow weeds to grow through the stone bed.

This might be interesting! In the article at the following link, read about .

A layer of gravel is poured onto the geotextile. It is leveled with a rake. To create a special aesthetic effect, it is better to purchase fine-grained crumbly material. We place the tallest boulder in the center of the site. To the left of it a composition of stone is formed, reminiscent of a crane, and to the right a turtle gathers. The connecting element should be the plants planted in the background of the garden.

For the turtle shell, you should choose and lay one large flat stone. He must have almost square shape. For best effect, place it on a small hill. It can be formed by increasing the gravel layer. Then you need to install the head. An oblong stone with a slight slope is suitable for it. In shape it should resemble the face of a reptile, slightly raised up. Stones with lateral inclined surfaces are suitable for feet. When installing them, you need to move the stones slightly away from the shell. For the tail, a smaller boulder is selected.

The Crane Islands are formed a little differently. You need to start by installing the wings. They should be large triangular stones. They are placed on the same horizontal line at a distance of thirty centimeters from each other. A neck stone is placed between the wings - a long, low, flat boulder. Between the wings, just below their possible point of contact, a body stone will lie. It should be one third higher in height than the wings. Adjacent to it is a small tail stone. Finally, the head stone is laid. It should be small in size and triangular in shape. If the head and tail are slightly moved to the side from the main composition, the islands of the “Crane” will acquire the correct outline.

There is no need to show a desire to achieve perfection of the composition and its realism. A Japanese-style garden is a product of symbolism. Contemplation of the overall picture should evoke a flight of fancy and force a person to think.

The Crane Island does not need to be planted with plants; the stones should be left completely alone. But Turtle Island can be further decorated. To do this, experts use low-growing, drought-resistant plants. The end result should be something similar to what is shown in the photo.

The rock garden will look even more impressive against the backdrop of a green lawn. Or bushes one and a half meters high. According to Japanese legends, this combination brings harmony and peace to the home. Of course, you can deviate from traditional canons and create miniature compositions according to your own imagination. But at the same time, you should not arrange the blocks strictly along ascending or descending lines: the Japanese do not tolerate artificial symmetry. Mountain and sea stones are never combined in one composition. This is another fundamental principle.

If huge boulders are used, the technique for creating a garden changes slightly. First, the stones are installed and dug into the ground, then geotextiles are laid between them, and only after that a gravel backfill is created. Plants are used to hide defects and chips. Japanese grass is best suited for these purposes in landscape design; it is used very carefully, in fragments. It has soft, long leaves, their linear shape reminiscent of bamboo stems. Growing up, she becomes like a fluffy ball.

Its height does not exceed 50 cm. The grass grows slowly, periodically throwing out shoots that take root on their own. Hakonechloa bushes grow in one direction. The result is a green cascade. It looks good in other types of Japanese gardens. When planting such a plant in a stone garden, you need to ensure that the grass does not grow.

Video description

The video shows how Japanese grass grows in the garden:

Tree garden

Such an object is more familiar to Europeans. It's created around open area, along which a stream flows. A lot of green plants are planted along the banks. Evergreens and deciduous trees. They are successfully complemented by evenly trimmed boxwood or cotoneaster bushes. They perfectly camouflage garbage containers, fences, and unsightly walls of outbuildings on the site.

Video description

In the video you can see a Japanese garden on a summer cottage:

In a tree garden, much attention is paid to decorative elements. There are many of them here. These include fences, gates, bridges, and lanterns. If the fencing is used inside a park, it is made light, airy, made primarily of bamboo or picket fence. External fences are made monumental and built from stones. Additionally decorated with tiles.

Experts recommend taking the Yang-Yin theory as the basis for the general construction of such a garden. It allows you to create harmonious compositions. An artificially created reservoir may appear in their center.

Video description

The following video will show you how to make a pond on a hilly area:

Starting from it, it is easy to alternate planes and plant masses, combine smooth coastlines and steep cliffs of hills and mountains, plant small ones next to large plants, and create a balance of contrasts in everything. Then everything will work out quite naturally.

Tea garden

When creating it, designers pursue one goal: they create an atmosphere of complete peace in which you can admire nature and enjoy its tranquility. On small area a corner of mountainous terrain is formed. It was there that sages and philosophers usually settled in Japan. In the depths of such a garden there should be a gazebo for the tea ceremony. It is called “Chashitsu” in the Land of the Rising Sun. Its appearance should resemble the dwelling of the sages. They preferred to exist in an atmosphere of strict asceticism. It is believed that it is she who can open up a person’s ability to tune in to contemplating the beauty of nature.

The tea garden is decorated in a very discreet style. Everything should resemble untouched mountainous landscapes. To illuminate the area, lanterns emitting dim light are used. Until recently, they were used precisely to recreate the concept described, but today Japanese lanterns are the hallmark of the entire style as a whole. Therefore, today you can see how similar decorative elements decorate laconic stone gardens.

As a rule, only one light source is installed. But he is certainly placed on a large stone pedestal - tatigata. The light flux is directed downwards. Another indispensable attribute of the tea garden is the bridge. If there is a stream or river on the site, it must connect the two banks. If there is no water, a bridge can connect two slopes of a crevice or simply indicate an imaginary obstacle that it can help overcome.

Sometimes such an object is not intended for walking at all; it acts as an expensive decoration. The Yatsuhashi bridge, made of stones or wide boards. The parts of such structures are often laid in a zigzag pattern, making it impossible to walk along them. But they fit organically into the overall style of the garden, and are highly valued for their high decorative value.

Video description

As possible on own plot to create a corner of miniature Japan, the following video will demonstrate:

Flowers for the Japanese garden

It is difficult to imagine the described objects without blooming rhododendrons. But there is no need to get carried away with such bright accents. A Japanese-style flower bed is very different from a traditional European flower garden. It simply does not exist as a separate element. But often modern designers use a decorative technique and create flower compositions that carry the image of a swamp, wasteland, mountain slope or dry stream. In this case, a group of plants of the same species and variety are planted chaotically, which, after growing, will form one colorful carpet.

Generalization on the topic

A properly laid out Japanese-style garden can tell the residents of the Land of the Rising Sun a lot about its owner. For Europeans, such objects are just magnificent corners that can demonstrate a skillful combination of light, greenery, water and stone. By studying the principles of constructing such landscape design, many open the door to the world of knowledge of Eastern culture and philosophy.

The special mentality of the inhabitants of Japan, which shaped the cultural life of this country, could not but be reflected in landscape art. A careful approach to nature and the desire to preserve its pristine beauty, painstakingness in the selection of plants and meticulous space planning, symbolism in every detail and a unique talent for finding and contemplating beauty in the small - these features allowed us to form a special landscape design, which we call Japanese garden.

History of appearance

The Japanese style in landscape design appeared a long time ago: almost one and a half thousand years ago. It is tightly intertwined with the cultural history of the land of the rising sun. For a noble Japanese man or woman, having a heightened sense of perception of the aesthetic side of the world was one of the main advantages. Formed under the influence of this principle “the charm of things” - monono available- played an important role in the lives of people of that time.

A typical example of early Japanese gardening art is the imperial palace (7th century) in Heian. The character of the landscape park was formed under the influence of China, but it was endowed with its own special idea and strived to preserve naturalness. The assortment of plants included flowering ornamental trees and shrubs such as cherry, plum, azalea, sakura, kerria, irises and chrysanthemums. Even then, when selecting plants, the Japanese were guided by their symbolic meaning: pine - longevity, bamboo - durability, etc. The garden includes landscape elements such as mountains and rivers, present in their smaller copies - hills and streams, lakes and islands. Due to population growth and building density, internal gardens are appearing - tsubo that fit into the architecture of the house. It was not customary to invade them, or walk on them; they could only be admired.

With the founding of the new capital - Kyoto - the so-called tea ceremony gardens who set up shop right in front of the tea house.

In the XIV-XVI centuries. the garden became an obligatory element of the temple complex. Gradually, decorativeness faded into the background, giving way to symbolism. The bright colors of flowering are replaced by a monochrome and strict color scheme. Water in lakes and streams is sometimes replaced with pebbles and sand, this technique is called kare san-sui- “dry landscape”.

"Dry Landscape"

The borrowed Chinese style of gardening is eventually developed into its own, Japanese landscape design. A large landscape park for free time is transformed into a miniature conceptual garden, the purpose of which is calm contemplation and improvement of the spirit.

Features

All Japanese gardens have common features. Landscape designer always works within these canons, showing his imagination only within the limits of traditional rules. A Japanese-style garden involves a combination of minimalist forms and plants with restraint in colors. The laconic approach is also reflected in the location of objects in the landscape. The quantitative proportions between evergreen and deciduous plants should be equal respectively three to seven. The subtle philosophy of the Japanese garden is symbolism in every detail. Countless signs and beliefs are associated with trees and interior items, which have evolved over centuries and are a reflection of Japanese culture.

The main rule when creating a Japanese style is strict adherence to natural naturalness, for example, a tree living in mountainous areas cannot be planted next to water. In order for the landscape design to be natural, it is necessary to draw up asymmetrical compositions according to the rules:

1. the shape, color and position of the plant cannot be repeated;
2. The imaginary lines that connect objects in the garden cannot be the same length, nor can they be parallel.

Japanese gardens contain in abundance a variety of small architectural forms that can be used to create additional surroundings: wooden or metal gates and wickets to separate one part of the garden from another, clay and bamboo walls and fences that can serve as decorative, and functional load, tsukubai– stone bowl for washing hands, bamboo rotating tube shikaodoshi, through which a thin stream of water flows, lanterns, pagodas, bridges and gazebos.

A classic Japanese-style garden can be presented in several forms:

1. coniferous species - blue and common spruce, cross-pair microbiota, Cossack, Virginia and horizontal, Scots and mountain pine, western;
2. deciduous trees - black chokeberry, felt cherry, types and varieties of willow, American maple, Norway maple and Tatarian maple, three-lobed almond, black alder, common plum, ornamental varieties of apple trees (for a large-scale garden, English oak, cordifolia linden, and horse chestnut are suitable) ;
3. deciduous shrubs - common barberry, common privet, European euonymus, weigela, deutzia graceica, white dogwood, male cotoneaster, rhododendrons, leather mackerel, spirea Vangutta, gray, Japanese and Nippon, forsythia average, Japanese chaenomeles;
4. herbaceous plants - Japanese anemones, astilbes, thick-leaved, irises, Anders' saxifrage, onions, sedums, ferns, tree peonies, primroses, hosts, chrysanthemums;
5. ground cover plants - atrichum wavy, small periwinkle, ivy-shaped budra, hoofweed, cuckoo flax, polya viviparous;
6. vines – actinidia kolomikta, virgin grape, honeysuckle honeysuckle, mountain clematis, Chinese lemongrass.

Typical attributes of a Japanese garden can be applied to a landscape project. For example, to visually enlarge a small space, you can create a hilly terrain. In order, on the contrary, to visually reduce the area, it is left or paved, the number of tall trees is reduced and shrubs and herbaceous plants are added.

Conclusion

The peculiarities of life and culture of Japanese society over the centuries have formed a special, unique landscape design. The Japanese style of life is so self-sufficient and private that a European person is unlikely to be able to fully understand it, but we can always lift the veil and look into the eastern secret.