Creating Japanese Gardens

What is a Japanese Garden?

Japanese Gardens date back to the 6th century. There original use was for philosophical purposes. Often used in ceremonies. The theme was to focus on natural elements rocks, water, life (fish) and sand.

The main defining features that describe a Japanese garden are:

• Japanese Architecture: A key feature of the garden is Japanese buildings and statues. Although this is not a requirement it does add a certainty to the design. A Japanese style bridge even if small can add a defining architecture to your garden.
• Minimalistic design: minimal design is important to a Japanese Garden. Western gardens are usally busy looking and has lots of color and distractions. The opposite is true in Japanese gardens the goal is to calm the on looker. Think gentle waterfalls or koi ponds. Simple is better.
• Natural light: You don’t want to use artificial light in a Japanese garden. Instead aim to bring in or create tunnels of light. Focus on where the light strikes and take advantage of that by adding features there. Even a rock placed in the right natural light will bring a level of calm to your garden.
• Evergreens: You will not see a lot of flowers in a tradition Japanese garden. It is preferred to use evergreens which offer a calming flow of various greens and browns. If a bright colored plant is placed in the garden you want it to be a center piece surrounded by a back drop of evergreen interest. However be careful not to add to many of these features remember the idea is to relax the eyes and bring calm to much bright color defeats these idea.

How much does a Japanese Garden cost?

A Japanese garden cost anywhere from $1 to $50,000. People asking how much a Japanese garden cost are often overlooking the best part about them. Japanese gardens are design to be simplistic and naturalistic. You can simple use some evergreens with a few large stones to create a small Japanese style space in your garden. If you have a larger budget you can build a Japanese style pergola with bridges and waterfalls. To help you determine cost of a Japanese garden we have created a list of some design features you may want to add to your garden design.

What are the tools used in Japanese Gardens?

We have been asked this question and the simple answer is the same tools used in a average garden are used in Japanese garden. You will use these 5 tools in your Japanese garden.

1. Rake: If you added a stone garden you will want to keep the stone nicely raked. People often add a cheap but very esthetic raked bed. A large stone surrounded by small raked stone is a typical design feature of Japanese gardens.
2. Pruners: Used to keep trees and plants clean and healthy.
3. Sickle: Great for weed removal or for more experienced gardeners a quick way to deadhead plants.
4. Hori-Hori Knife (paid link): Cuts roots while digging good for transplants or weed removal.
5. Claw Rake: A handheld small rake for cleaning much or combining compost into soil surface.

Bonsai Tree Care In Japanese Gardens

Another common sight in Japanese gardens are bonsai trees. People often have three questions about bonsai.

What is a bonsai?

A bonsai is a tree or shrub prevented from growing into its full size. Bonsai also are manipulated by trimming and branch forming to be a living art more than a tree. Because bonsai are a form of art further definition of the tree is difficult as it is subjective to the on looker.

How long do bonsai trees last?

The oldest bonsai on record is over a 1,000 years old. There are many examples of bonsai in the 400 to 600 year old range. Three varieties are know for there long life Ficus, Pine, and Cypress. It is important to note that the care of the tree will determine how long it lives. Bonsai need to be up potted and cleaned among other maintenance.

Can you turn any tree into a bonsai?

Any tree or shrub that can withstand the process of remaining in a dwarfed state can be a bonsai. There are some tree and shrub varieties that are better for this they include:

• Ficus
• Pine (paid link)
• Cypress
• Olive
• Elm
• Juniper (paid link)
• Maple
• Cherry (paid link)
• Cedar
• Jade

If you are a beginner you will want to focus are some of the more sturdy options Juniper, Pine and Ficus are great starter choices.

How do you maintain a bonsai tree?

Maintaining your bonsai comes down to 4 key bonsai care tips:

1. Water: Bonsai have shallow soil depths this means they dry out quickly. Depending upon location and conditions you may need to water daily. A good indicator for water is to look at top layer of soil if it dry water.
2. Prune: Pruning is important to keep the desired structure. You also want to ensure good airflow and light exposure.
3. Repotting: Even though bonsai are a form of restrictive growing you will still need to up pot your bonsai as it grows. You need to trim roots to ensure they can continue to get the need nutrients.
4. Fertilize: Since your bonsai is potted you will need to refresh the soil and minerals for your plant.

Japanese gardens are meant to be calming for both the viewer and the creator. As long as you find your creation brings you peace and relaxation than you have achieved the philosophy behind the original Japanese garden. Take your time and start simple enjoy your gardening.

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