Japanese style garden plan. DIY Japanese-style garden

Japanese gardens are mesmerizing at first sight. Filled with harmony, using silhouettes and textures along with zoning, they exude peace and serenity, but they are never boring. It is not surprising that the idyllic Japanese landscapes inspire many to create, if not the entire garden, then at least a separate zone and corner in the Japanese landscape design style. But if it is quite simple to repeat the motives, then it is not always possible to recreate the same atmosphere and the same illusion of perfection.

The difference in climatic conditions and a limited set of "authentic" plants inevitably affect the design. But in the Japanese style, the main thing is not accuracy, but mood, harmony and serenity. And it is on them that you need to be guided in creating your own corner for thought and meditation or relaxation in the Japanese style. And professional tricks will help you get things done without much effort.

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As in any narrowly focused style of landscape design, the Japanese garden has its own strict criteria for arrangement and design, which is undesirable to deviate from. A special, unique atmosphere of such a garden is created, first of all, by a limited, narrowly outlined toolkit: materials, plants, permissible combinations and silhouettes in the Japanese style are strictly specified. And typical motives, or "plots" for a garden, from simple samples are transformed into design rules.

It is not easy to create even a small meditation corner while maintaining the authentic atmosphere of the Japanese style. After all, this is not a landscape design trend in which one can only imitate: “fakes”, imitations and superficial attitude are immediately recognized. Even the slightest deviations from the philosophical foundations of the Japanese garden can lead to a loss of special mood and harmony.

The task of creating a Japanese garden seems especially difficult where winters are harsh and plants typical of Japan itself simply do not grow. But if magnolias or tropical exotic plants do not live in your garden, this does not mean that you cannot recreate a corner of Japan on your site. The main thing is to correctly approach the selection of plants according to their picturesqueness, watercolors, beauty of silhouettes and palette of colors. With materials, everything is much simpler: you can also create beautiful objects from local rocks.

This style has its own canons and its own secrets. Let's take a closer look at the 12 main "secrets" of the Japanese garden, which will help you avoid mistakes in decorating a corner in the Japanese style on your own plot.

Secret 1. Get inspired by nature

The Japanese Garden celebrates the harmony of nature and its beauty. And in the design of the garden there are always natural landscapes. In search of inspiration for setting up a Japanese-style corner for your garden, look specifically at the natural landscapes of this distant and such a beautiful country. Hilly relief, natural combinations of domed, picturesque silhouettes of shrubs and trees with water bodies, stones and moss - these are the "foundations" from which it is worth starting from in search of ideas.

The characteristic features of the Japanese style are determined by the relationship of plants, stones, water and moss. And you must use each of these elements so that the illusion of natural beauty and authenticity is created. The stones should "grow" into the ground ", the bushes should sparkle against the background of large boulders. And if you remember about their symbiosis and try to repeat the motives inherent in the nature of Japan, you can never go wrong. Create miniature landscapes, inspired by the beauty of ponds and mountain landscapes, and notice the ratio of silhouettes, shapes and sizes.

Secret 2. No continuous flowering

If you want to achieve authenticity in the design of Japanese corners, then first of all forget about the most fashionable and almost obligatory principle of gardening - the flowering relay, thanks to which there is not even a day in the gardens when at least one plant has not bloomed, each of the seasons is the same beautiful and lush. In a Japanese garden, the opposite is true: you must emphasize the beauty of each season and its character, clearly dividing the stages of flowering and the change in the appearance of the landscape according to the season.

The main flowering season should be in the spring. Magnolias, azaleas, peonies are the main stars of a colorful garden filled with color spots. In summer, only water lilies and rare piece accents should bloom in a Japanese garden: peace, tranquility of the green color, presented in all its diversity, affects this hot season more strongly than any abundantly flowering accents. The second "explosion" of color, and perhaps the most unforgettable one, should be planned for the fall: when the leaves of plants with unmatched silhouettes of shrubs turn into bright colors, the garden will flare up with fire and crimson, and the picturesqueness inherent in it will open up. But do not think that even in winter the Japanese garden can be "empty". It is with an eye on the coldest season that plants with beautiful silhouettes and bizarre shapes are so strictly selected, stones are used so carefully. When the first snow sprinkles the branches, the Japanese garden will reveal its structural harmony.

Erika colombo

Secret 3. Become a tree worshiper

The importance of woody in Japanese-style landscape design cannot be overemphasized. And it's not just that the veneration of trees is part of the local religion. There is a really special attitude towards them: the usual structuring role of large accents is complemented by the function of the semantic center of even a small corner and the status of the main pride of the compositions. In such a garden, trees should look natural, just like in nature (even if this sometimes requires tireless work). Curved and bent by time and winds, picturesque and unique in silhouette, "layered" and tiered, landscape types of trees are more appropriate here than shorn and austere ones.

When using woody in your design, do not forget about the plants typical of Japanese gardens, the variety of species and varieties of which will allow you to find a variety and species suitable for any climate. In a corner decorated in Japanese style, the following are appropriate:

• the most famous inhabitant of the Japanese garden is the pine tree, a symbol of growth and life, beautiful both in dwarf forms and in majestic giant species;
• sakura, unique in its picturesqueness - Japanese decorative cherry, the flowering of which has become a symbol of Japan;
• gorgeous and variable kings of autumn maples.

Secret 4. Colored spots of flowering shrubs

Japanese style does not require planting dozens of different flowering plants. It is better to choose 1-2, but very catchy shrubs, the beauty and abundance of flowering of which everyone will speak for themselves. Of all the flowering plants that can be used in the decoration of corners and zones in the Japanese style, it is the shrubs that should always be preferred. And when choosing a specific plant, it is better to focus on spring flowering and bright color: at the peak of flowering, the shrub should turn into a solid color spot or surprise with large, unusually beautiful flowers of a huge size.

The absolute favorites of Japanese style:

• rhododendrons of all sizes and types, the beauty of which cannot be eclipsed, and are the standard of showiness among garden shrubs;
• treelike peonies with gigantic and strikingly watercolor flowers, in which even the stamens are especially picturesque;
• forsythia in a trimmed shape, giving the landscapes grace and naturalness, captivating with an early spring scattering of dazzling yellow star-shaped flowers;
• blooming magnolias, which, even in tub form, are a spectacle of extraordinary beauty;
• picturesque, with elongated silhouettes and elegant contours of an irga, which not only blooms beautifully, but also gives a shadow, without visually overloading even the smallest corner for rest;
• picturesque Japanese pieris, in which the beauty of flowering can compete with the spectacularity of the leaves;
• evergreen cherry laurel with its spectacular green crown, beautiful and without formation;
• hydrangeas with their very large inflorescences-caps.

If there is not enough space, full-fledged shrubs can always be replaced with dexterous vines that can easily fill a bamboo fence - for example, honeysuckle or wisteria, the flowering of which will turn into another unforgettable "touch" of the Japanese spring.

Secret 5. Don't be afraid of water

Water is as fundamental to Japanese style as plants with stones. It is simply impossible to imagine a Japanese garden without a picturesque pond, which gives the garden a special expressiveness and charm, fills the landscapes with life and emphasizes the atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Ponds, waterfalls, streams literally breathe harmony and peace, and the beauty of the water surface with water lily leaves floating on it, stone banks, densely overgrown with plants and shrubs framing the pond is impossible not to admire for hours.

Of course, if you decorate the entire site in the spirit of a Japanese garden, then you can afford to experiment with bodies of water of any type and size. But if you are equipping only one Japanese corner, especially if you are just recreating a rock garden or a terrace, then water bodies seem impossible. But water is not only possible but also necessary to be used even in such exceptional circumstances. Mobile ponds, mini-ponds, indoor and interior fountains will bring the water element anywhere. Moreover, it is more than easy to arrange a mobile pond, it does not require as much care and effort as a full-fledged pond. And in it you can always grow even exotic plants inaccessible in your area - for example, the lotus, the star of authentic Japanese gardens. And if you don't want to mess with plants, just install stone wells or bowls and fill them with water (the original tsukubai - stone tanks for ritual washing of hands are especially good). Water can also be imitated by clearings covered with gravel or sand: raking, leaving waves on the surface, imitates a wavy water surface in a rock garden.

Tony shertila

Secret 6. Moss and ground cover in the company of selected perennials

In the Japanese garden, green lawns play a very important role. But traditional lawn grasses have no place here. They need to be replaced either with moss, or with more suitable ground covers for our conditions - Waldsteinia, Acena, which look no less impressive. In Japanese gardens, they also like to use periwinkle with its winter-green foliage. And the leaf fern and pachisandra form a truly fabulous carpet, which connects the stones with soft transitions.

With perennials for a Japanese garden, everything is not so simple. Water types of irises and cereals can be used at your discretion in the design of water bodies, as long as they do not violate the integrity of the image and balance. But as an addition to stones, boulders, shrubs and woody perennials are used literally "piece", relying on either natural beauty, "wild" effect, or catchy foliage. Forget-me-nots, badan, hosta, fescue, primroses, Japanese irises will fit well into a corner in the Japanese style.

doyouknowjapan

Secret 7. Stone magic

Imitating nature, starting from ponds and streams in the structure of the landscape, the Japanese garden suggests making stones an indispensable part of the design and landscaping. The main thing for the Japanese style is simplicity, naturalness of shapes and lines. For a corner in the spirit of the Land of the Rising Sun, only natural and unprocessed stone is used. Fancy, unusual stones with different colors and textures should be used along with fine decorative stone ground, coarse sand and gravel. Flat stones for step-by-step trails, river pebbles, huge boulders and a scattering of smaller stones should form the structural basis of the compositions and fill all the empty space left by the plants. There should be at least twice as many stones in any object decorated in Japanese style as there are plants.

And remember about the symbolic content of the compositions, which transforms all stone elements into something more. Large boulders are a symbol of rocks, medium stones dug into the ground are islands washed by water. And the surface, covered with gravel or stone chips, imitates water.

Secret 8. Symbols and contrasts

To recreate the peace that reigns in Japanese gardens, the balance of the amazing play of the richness of colors and forms with the restrained coldness and detachment of the principles of arrangement, it is always necessary to be guided in everything by two main principles of design - the obligatory contrasts and symbolic content. In a corner decorated in Japanese style, it is appropriate to use only those decorative elements and accessories that are symbolic. And plants and stones should contrast with each other: literally every object should have its own "counterweight".

Secret 9. Floors and mats

For paving sites, decorating a terrace, creating places for tea drinking or meditation in a Japanese garden, stone or other coverings are not used. Stones and stone chips are full-fledged "participants" of landscape combinations. And for paving, they must be replaced with a practical, but contrasting in nature, wooden platform. Wooden platforms are comfortable, warm, and they complement both plants and rock surprisingly well. And for a touch of authenticity, stock up on straw mats and reed mats that you can place on wooden platforms.

Secret 10. Using small architecture

No matter how carefully you select plants, you cannot do without accents and decorative elements. The use of at least one architectural element is of the utmost importance in recreating the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese garden - and whether it will be a full-fledged functional object or its imitation, sculpture or decor, it does not matter. It is impossible to imagine typical landscapes of Japan without stone lanterns, pagodas or teahouses, red wooden bridges thrown across the reservoir. And if in a small corner the construction of full-fledged functional objects is inappropriate, then small sculptures repeating their silhouettes, decorative bridges and pagodas will always fit into the image. The most versatile option is a stone lantern, which is appropriate for the terrace, rock garden, and pond.

Secret 11. Bamboo is good in any form

It is almost impossible to imagine a Japanese-style decoration without bamboo in the same way as without stones. Aggressive, but such a beautiful bamboo growing in the garden is still a dream for the inhabitants of regions with harsh winters, although winter-hardy low species are beginning to gain great popularity today. But on the other hand, bamboos growing in tubs can be used more actively, placing them not only on the terrace or recreation area, but also adding to the plants planted in the soil as accents.

But bamboo will be appropriate in your corner in the Japanese style not only in a "living" form: a variety of accessories, decor and household items made of bamboo play no less a style-forming role. A bamboo ladle, a mat, a wattle or a fence, posts, wind chimes, bamboo stalks or gutters used as a support - there are many options. Be sure to include at least one bamboo element in the design of your corner - and you will immediately feel how much more expressive the stylistic content has become.

Mary Warren

Secret 12. Constant attention

In order to create a harmonious corner in the Japanese style, in which harmony and atmosphere will reign, every minute in which will seem to transport you in time and space, you need to provide the plants and decoration as a whole with tireless care. Japanese style requires unremitting attention. Tying and pruning, maintaining an impeccable shape, clean lines and impeccable condition of stone dumps and ponds, removing wilting flowers and dry leaves requires a lot of work. Without which, all efforts will easily spoil neglect.

Japan has always attracted the minds of people, primarily for its mystery, enigma and unusualness. A Japanese garden is incompatible with a riot of colors, its main purpose is not to admire beautiful flowers. The main thing is to make a person think about the sublime, at least for a short time to forget about the imperfection of the world around him.

Types of Japanese gardens

At first glance, it is extremely difficult to achieve such an effect on your own. Especially if you start learning the basics of creating Japanese gardens from complex compositions, but do not give up. Before you start thinking over the layout and choosing elements for decoration, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the types of Japanese-style gardens.

There are 4 types of gardens:

• park gardens - we can say that the gardening art of Japan began with them, the first representatives of this type appeared around the 6th-7th centuries, migrating from China;

• palace - appeared in the IX-XII centuries, the name makes it clear that ordinary mortals cannot have such gardens;
• temple ones - they are arranged at monasteries and should set a person up for thinking about lofty matters;
• the home type is the most common, not only in Japan, but also abroad.

Park garden

Its distinctive feature is a large area, most often such gardens were located on a flat territory where a river flowed or there was a lake. In some cases, neighboring rice fields were used as part of the decoration.

This is not the property of one person, but rather a national treasure, especially since such gardens have practically not survived in their original form. This is a great place for creativity and relaxation. In the past, such places were preferred by the imperial families for recreation.

This type became the basis and the garden art of Japan of later times borrowed much from the design of the first gardens. For example, strict colors and minimalism in design.

Palace gardens

Like parks, they occupied a significant area, and were used mainly for a pleasant pastime for the imperial family and the nobility. The main element is an island and a lake (or even several), connected to the shore by graceful wooden bridges.

Otherwise, the design strongly resembled park gardens, the only thing that was focused on was that the reservoir had to be visible not only from the ground, but also from the building. The size of the reservoir had to be sufficient for boat trips, this pastime was loved by the Japanese emperors.

Temple gardens

In Zen Buddhism, the beauty of nature is not the last place. It is believed that by contemplating the beauty and perfection of wild nature, a person can become a little closer to knowing the truth. That is why the Japanese garden is an integral part of every self-respecting temple in the land of the rising sun.

It is worth noting a new trend in the design of the territory. It was here that for the first time habitual plants began to be replaced by boulders and small stones (depending on the area of ​​the garden). We are talking about the famous "stone gardens" and.

Boulders, pebbles, small stones, pieces of moss were used as the main design elements. Particular attention is paid to the mutual arrangement of individual elements, the subtleties of creating a garden of stones are discussed below.

Note!
When using boulders and stones among vegetation, moss on them will be appropriate.
Such a technique will only enhance the overall impression of hoary antiquity, and this will benefit the overall impression of the garden.

Home gardens

In Japan, the problem of free territory has been acute for many years, but even in such conditions, many houses have their own small garden. It comes to the point that its area can be calculated literally in a few square meters.

Visually, such a Japanese garden should create a sense of the continuation of the space of the house. The use of water is desirable, its murmur will contribute to pacification. The ideal option is to combine a series of small reservoirs with cascades of low waterfalls.

Tea gardens can be distinguished as a subspecies in this category - tea drinking is a serious ceremony and requires a separate approach. The tea garden was supposed to lead a person along a winding path to the source of water, and after the traditional washing of hands, it was time for tea drinking.

Features of Japanese gardens

Each Japanese-style garden is unique, but there are a few general guidelines that apply to any garden design. You can also bring a number of elements, skillfully combining which, and an unusual atmosphere is achieved.

When registering a site, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• the use of stones can only be encouraged;
• water is also one of the recommended garden elements... Of course, not everyone can afford to arrange a small lake on the site, but the effect of the water surface is worth the financial costs;

• if nothing works with the reservoir, then you can try to arrange a dry stream... The main task of the designer is to create the feeling that a small trickle has just dried up;
• paths in a Japanese garden should not bend at sharp and right angles... In nature, only soft bends and smooth contours can be found; paths should be made in the same style;

• lighting - everything is simple with this, you can simply purchase ready-made in the Japanese style and install them in suitable places;
• properly selected vegetation also plays a big role;

Note!
Lighting should be soft, there is absolutely no need to flood the entire area with bright light.

• if the size of the site allows, then on the shore of the lake you can install a small pagoda or at least a couple of benches for rest and reflection;
• in some cases, the Japanese garden will look unfinished without the "shishi-odoshi" (scarecrow for deer) or "tsuku-bai", the same scarecrow, only of a more complex design.

Rock garden

To create it, you will need several large stones, gravel to decorate the space between them and, possibly, a little moss.

The main difficulty in arranging stones is not to violate the basic rules of a stone garden:

• large boulders can be in splendid isolation in the garden;
• smaller stones are allowed to be grouped by 3.5 or even 7 stones. In this case, it is recommended to combine elongated and regular shapes;

Note!
It is strictly forbidden to place oblong stones in a horizontal position.
So they will resemble a lying human body, that is, evoke associations with death - not the best effect for a garden.

• no need to try to achieve symmetry. When designing a garden with your own hands, it is better to choose the right point of contemplation and start from it;

• the space between individual groups of stones is filled with gravel, it is leveled and wavy lines can be drawn on its surface with an ordinary rake - this will symbolize the sea.

Note!
There are not always boulders of the desired shape at hand, and not everyone can work with a lot of weight.
A way out of this situation can be home-made stones with filler made of plastic bags and a frame made of reinforcing mesh, their surface is coated with a layer of cement mortar and after drying, such a stone does not differ from natural.

Water in a Japanese garden

When constructing a pond, it is important to feel a balance between the size of, for example, a pond and the size of the garden itself. A stormy waterfall will look out of place in a small garden and will become a source of anxiety rather than set you in a calm mood.

Not a single Japanese landscape garden is complete without reservoirs (as an option, "dry reservoirs" can be used). A cascade of small waterfalls or a simple stream will look good, but static bodies of water are also widespread.

Particular attention should be paid to the following features:

• coastline - correct rounded outlines are contraindicated for Japanese gardens. It is best if the shore is broken;
• reflection of the water mirror - a good solution would be to plant plants on the shore, which will hang over the water;
• large boulders will be appropriate at the bottom of the lake;
• if the dimensions allow, then a small island is required in the center of the lake, to which an elegant wooden bridge from the shore should lead.

Dry bodies of water

Japanese parks and gardens often do without water in their usual form, in which case the so-called "dry streams" or ponds are often used. The main task of the designer is to give the viewer the impression that the water disappeared just a few hours ago and that the next rain will fill the reservoir.

For the simplest version of a dry stream, the instruction looks like this:

• a channel is being formed. For this, the sod is removed and a deepening is made in the ground;
• the channel is laid out with pebbles (you can use other materials, for example, granite);
• plants are planted on the banks, which usually grow near water bodies;

Note!
A couple of plants can be planted in the very bed of the stream.

• small bridges are allowed.

Paths and vegetation in the garden

When organizing paths in the garden, long straight sections should be avoided, but frequent sharp fractures will be superfluous. The path should bend smoothly and, passing along it, a person should see all the hidden corners.

As for the appearance, you should not adhere to the correct shapes, that is, the paving slab will not work. The best option is large stones with a flat surface, if traces of weathering are noticeable on them, this will only benefit. Along the edges, such large stones can be decorated with moss, there are many options, and the price of such a path will be even less than from ordinary tiles.

Stones can be called the basis (skeleton) of a garden, but without plants (without flesh), any garden will look empty. But not every type of vegetation is suitable, if in an ordinary garden bright spots are only beneficial, then when decorating in a Japanese style, the color scheme should be calmer.

Most often, evergreen species are used, which are important primarily because they allow you to create interesting forms that persist all year round. And the eternal green prompts one to think about the eternal.

As for specific species, such plants can be used for a Japanese garden in Russia:

• Japanese maples (you will have to carefully insulate for the winter), the use of other types of maples is allowed;

• conifers - we are talking about different types of pines;
• bamboo is rarely used; in Russia, one can only mention sazu - a small bamboo that grows to a maximum of 1.5 m in warm weather;
• from shrubs, azaleas, rhododendrons, euonymus can be noted;
• from perennials, irises and chrysanthemums are suitable;

• ferns and moss are also often used in decoration.

Note!
When choosing a plant for a Japanese garden, you need to take into account the climate of Russia.
Some of them do not tolerate severe frosts.

Summarizing

The Japanese Garden is a great place not only for simple relaxation, but also for thinking about the eternal. This place sets you in a calm mood and makes thoughts flow smoothly and measuredly like the waters of a deep river.

Despite the outward simplicity of the design, you need to take into account a lot of nuances, the information in this article will help you understand this issue. The video in this article discusses the main nuances of decorating a Japanese-style garden.

A harmonious combination of human influence and natural elements is the goal of every park complex. This harmony is most fully reflected in the traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun, therefore the Japanese-style garden has gone through centuries of changes and is popular even today.

Deep in history

The first written sources in which the hieroglyph "niva" (garden) is found date back to the eighth century AD. At first, this term meant a kind of space, without natural or artificial fences. Later, man-made elements appeared - fences, pebbled paths, small architectural structures.

The concept of a Japanese garden is associated with painting. The stunning color schemes of the Heian period gardens coincided with the origins of the Yamato-e school. The emergence of Buddhist monasteries and temples fell on the era of samurai - splendor and decorativeness gave way to laconicism and monochrome, the era of dry landscape came.

The so-called tea garden is also marked by the combination of the incongruous - another direction of Japanese park art, which arose already in the 16th century.

Japanese garden - principles of creating style

Three whales on which park complexes of temples and palaces are based:

• the indispensable combination of water and stone, symbolizing the masculine and feminine principles in Eastern philosophy;
• naturalness of plants, boulders, decorative design;
• asymmetry of the landscape with an emphasis on one or more individual details of the composition.

Additional conditions for the structure of the Japanese corner include the presence of an open area, the use of restrained, harmonious color shades.

Photo: landscape design of a summer cottage

Garden styles

In modern landscape design, there are four types of Japanese-style garden design. These variations have been used successfully to organize space.

1. - a small part of the yard or house with an open roof.
2. - an area with a minimum of plants. It is not difficult to create such a site, but the decorative effect of the design will be relatively small.
3. ... This landscape complex differs from the European park tradition familiar to us. A characteristic feature is the maximum use of natural plants and forms, as well as adherence to the seasons.
4. - characterized by the combination of two types of green spaces with a different landscape. In the shady corners, there is certainly a pavilion - wabi, in which the tea ceremony takes place - tyanoyu.

Let's take a closer look at each of these green corners and highlight the principles of their creation.

The garden appeared during the development of urban architecture in the early Middle Ages. The name itself speaks of the miniature landscape composition - the word "tsubo" means a small area, 3.3 square meters. m.

Such a garden is located both in tiny areas of the courtyard in the open air and indoors.

Photo of classic tsubo:

The main purpose of setting up a miniature garden is to let light and nature into the limited urban space.... Plantings for a green corner are selected depending on the cardinal points. For example, in the northern part, sun-loving plants are not planted, and the lack of flowers is compensated for with moss.

The territory of tsubo is laid out with stones, leaving a small piece of land for planting. In the center of the composition there are several plants corresponding to the style of the building. The easiest way to create such a Japanese garden at a summer cottage is to install a tsukubai lantern, make paths from "flying stones" - tobiishi, and arrange several plants harmoniously.

Thematic material:

The lack of light is compensated for by lamps, lanterns or an ingenious gallery of mirrors that saturate the boring walls of a city house with bright and warm sunlight. Decorative lighting will be a small finishing touch to the tsubo composition.

This is a poetic interpretation of an archaic motive - the search for islands of eternal youth and immortality. Ancient legends are reflected in the structure of the rock garden. Although landscape design does not pay enough attention to Japanese philosophy, it continues to use the age-old principles of building stone gardens.

For the Japanese, stone has never been a building material - only an object of worship and admiration. Echoes of the cult attitude towards boulders are presented in the classical methods of arrangement of compositions. When creating an oriental design, boulders are placed in the following ways:

• Mount Khorai - one stone in the middle of the pond as a symbol of this distant peak.
• Mount Shumi is a composition of three stones located in a reservoir or on a small hill.
• The Three Jewels is a placement method based on Buddhist traditions.
• The islands of the crane and turtles repeat folk tales and legends in the garden landscape.

The Japanese attach great importance to the choice of stones. Since boulders are often used in groups, it is not the shape of the individual object that is important, but the harmony of the composition. The design of the Japanese garden welcomes interspersed ancient stones covered with moss and lichens, with rounded outlines. According to the beliefs of the Japanese, such blocks bring peace and harmony to the house, without them it is impossible to decorate a garden in the style of the Land of the Rising Sun.

When creating a composition, they adhere to clear principles for the arrangement of stones. The difficulty lies in the correct placement of the main boulder that crowns the entire landscape design. The rest of the elements naturally frame the central stone block, create miniature compositions symbolizing islands or mountain ranges. A Japanese-style garden gives free rein to imagination, but at the same time dictates its own rules.

It is not customary to place stones in an ascending or descending line - the Japanese do not like artificial symmetry. River, mountain and sea stones are not combined in one composition.

To keep the boulders stable, they are buried in. To hide defects and chips, a stunted bush or grass is planted near the stone composition. Plants for the Japanese rock garden pick wild, modest colors.

The appearance of this area is most familiar to the European look: open space, water flow and a lot of green spaces. In shady corners, both evergreen and deciduous trees grow - this is how the alternation of flowering of each seedling, depending on the season, is achieved.

A good addition to the trees is trimmed shrubs of boxwood, rhododendron, cotoneaster, etc. Such plants, if necessary, hide the walls of houses, garbage containers or compost structures (if the garden is planned to be placed in the country). Conversely, the decorated shrub caps serve as a natural frame for the view of a river bank or endless field.

Decorative elements are of great importance in the tree garden - hedges, bridges, lanterns, gates ... As a rule, internal barriers are made light and airy using a wooden picket fence or bamboo. But the outer fences are made of stones and decorated with tiles.

Part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Its main purpose is to create the necessary atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Its area is not large and imitates a fragment of the mountainous area where the eastern sages settled.

At the far end of the garden is the chashitsu tea ceremony hut. This is a small ascetic house, reminiscent of the dwelling of sages. Both the exterior and interior decoration of this building are very laconic. It is believed that this is the only way to achieve true harmony and tune in to contemplation.

The garden itself seems to prepare a person for the ceremony, being the border between the vain world and the territory of spirituality.

It is decorated in a restrained style close to natural. Plants and stones are arranged in a natural, chaotic manner. The lighting should be dim, barely enough to see the path.

Lanterns are an indispensable attribute of the Japanese garden; they are used for decoration and illumination of the territory. At first, decorative lamps were present only in tea gardens, but later they became the hallmark of any Japanese-style landscape design. As a rule, only one lantern is installed, made of stone. Pedestal models - tatigata - brightly illuminate the surrounding area. The luminous flux of hidden lamps - ikekomigata - is directed downward.

Photo: the bridge serves as a decorative function

Bridges in a Japanese garden do not always serve as a ferry to the other side - rather, they are used as another design element. Unlike Chinese or European designs, the Japanese bridge is flat, sometimes not intended for walking at all. The yatsuhashi bridge is extremely decorative, composed of eight elements - stones or wide planks.

The details of the structure are laid in a zigzag pattern, so it can be difficult to walk along it. Such bridges fit well into a landscape park, they are installed over artificial ponds, depressions with damp ground, or directly above the lawn.

Japanese gardens can tell a lot about the character of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun. And for Europeans it is a magnificent combination of light, greenery, stone and water, a kind of door to understanding the culture and traditions of the East.

Video: miniature Japan on the site

Have you ever been to a Japanese garden, enjoyed its mystery and tranquility? Have you, having merged with nature, surrendered to thoughts about the life of simple, eternal things? If not, then be sure to visit this magical place - the Japanese garden will give you spiritual harmony and tranquility, and will leave the warmest memories in your memory. And once you get familiar with the concept of Japanese garden art, you can create a Japanese-style corner or garden on your property.

Art from antiquity. History of the development of Japanese gardening

VI-VIII centuries. Nara period

The first Japanese garden appeared in the 6th century; it was laid out on the territory of the imperial palace in the ancient capital of Japan, Nara, it was a reflection of the Chinese city of Chanchan. Then the idea of ​​gardening art was borrowed from China, as well as some of the foundations of Japanese traditions and culture.

Gardens of that time had two main elements - stones and water (the skeleton and the blood of the garden). At the same time, the Japanese began to give meaning to all objects, to use symbolism. A large, heavy stone symbolizes security, a waterfall - the beginning of life, etc. Further, the gardens developed in accordance with the spirit of the times.

IX-XII centuries. Heian period

It was a time of change and the construction of a new capital, Kyoto, which had authentic Japanese characteristics. During this period of time, a new direction in gardening art was formed - the tea ceremony garden; an island of wildlife with a tea pavilion was included in its concept.

XV century The reign of the shogun Ashikan

The beginning of the development of a completely new, simple and mysterious form of arrangement - the compositions exhibited in the niche of the tokonoma.

XIX – XX centuries. Moribana

Japanese garden art, which has existed for centuries, changes and adapts to the demand of the West (Western interior). The main feature of Moribana's trend is the appearance of low and flat floor vases in gardens.

Since the beginning of its formation, the gardens of the Land of the Rising Sun have changed in accordance with the culture of different times, the religious beliefs of Buddhism and Shinto have been the permanent support of the changes. The foundations of modern Japanese gardening art were formed and entrenched closer to the 19th century. The Japanese garden is a miniature image of the world and wildlife.

The philosophy of the Japanese garden

We are used to gardens filled with plants and decorations. In the modern sense, a garden is a site where there is no place for emptiness, and the key point of a Japanese garden, on the contrary, is an abundance of free space and emptiness, which can cause a feeling of anxiety in a modern person, however, it is worth feeling the atmosphere of a Japanese garden and anxiety passes, on it is replaced by a pleasant pacification.

"You can't get something without anything"

Unfilled spaces "ma" emphasize the surrounding objects, or elements of the garden emphasize the emptiness, define the space - this is the embodiment of the well-known transitional forces of the two principles "yin" and "yang". This principle, which is difficult to create a Japanese garden, is fundamental.

"Nothing is eternal, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect"

There are two more complex, but very important concepts in creating a garden - wabi and sabi, they are not easy to explain, they are part of the Japanese worldview, aesthetics and culture. "Wabi" is modesty and simplicity, which has inner strength, "sabi" is the personification of authenticity, antiquity and genuineness. The philosophical meaning of these concepts inherent in Japanese culture is the beauty of the imperfect, simple, natural, unfinished and devoid of excesses.

In the Zen understanding of the world, the concepts of "wabi" and "sabi" represent an exit outside the material world, closer to a simple, earthly life, where the outer shell of objects is not essential, much more important is what is inside, the deep essence. The Japanese garden is designed so that a person can feel the beauty of the ordinary, simple, without getting hung up on the external appearance of the surrounding objects.

"Nature is the ideal that a person should strive for"

The Japanese garden art system is based on the perfect and beautiful world of unspoiled earthly nature. Japanese gardeners do not change nature, they use what is at hand, emphasizing all the extraordinary beauty of primordiality.

Miniature model of the world

The Japanese garden is a natural, natural landscape presented in miniature. Entering this mysterious place, you will not see it completely. A distinctive feature of Japanese gardens is the competent division of the territory into plots (cameras), which are separate completely new secluded corners with an individual view and decorative elements.

All the beauty of the garden, its secrets and secrets can be seen only by entering it. Since the Japanese garden is hidden from prying eyes, there may be small holes in its fence, looking into which you will see only the smallest part of it.

Symbolism

The concept of "Japanese garden" is a philosophy where each element of the garden plays not only a decorative role, it is also endowed with an individual meaning (symbol) that must be felt and understood, any detail of a Japanese garden must certainly take its place.

It is easier to understand the symbolism of each element if you are familiar with the culture and philosophy of Japan, but you can try to understand the symbols differently. Entering a Japanese-style garden, you are left alone with nature, immersed in the contemplation of the landscape and letting go of your thoughts, you can give free rein to imagination, it will help you feel the atmosphere of the garden and understand the meaning of the compositions.

Key elements of a Japanese garden

Gates

Since ancient times, the gates in Japan spoke of the social status of the family living behind them. Initially, they consisted of two pillars with a top crossbar, later a gate with a roof appeared. At that time, aristocrats competed in the construction of exquisite gates, and in private houses it was possible to install them exclusively for officials, but over time, the ban partially disappeared, ordinary people were able to install gates only from the 19th century.

Several types of gates are known: in gardens, a U-shaped structure (a roof on two pillars) or a gate with one leaf without a roof is more common. Roof covering materials are shingles, copper, iron or boards. The doors are divided into sliding, double-leaf or single-leaf, and they are made of metal or wood. The width of the gate is varied depending on the size of the garden.

Walls and hedges

All types of fences in Japanese gardens can be divided into 4 types:

1. Walls that protect the garden from prying eyes.
2. Fences that hide any flaws in the garden or technical structures.
3. Fences dividing the garden into zones - their height is no more than two meters.
4. Decorative fences, wickets and gates that do not carry a symbolic load, which are part of the composition.

Tsukubai

A vessel for ablution, you can use it while squatting down. Visitors should wash their hands and rinse their mouths, and washing in a tsukubai purifies the heart and mind.

Types of tsukubai

• Natural - a depression is made in the stone about 12 or 30 cm in diameter, depending on the size of the stone. This type of tsukubai decor is not provided.
• Imitative - made in imitation of the vessels used in the garden. It can be in the form of a round coin with a hole in the center, a sake cup, etc.

Shikaodoshi (sozu, shishiodoshi)

Previously, shikaodoshi was used in rural areas as a scarecrow. The device was used to scare off large pests of fields and vegetable gardens. The device works like this - the water flowing from the kakehi fills the front knee of the bamboo tube with closed partitions, the pipe turns over, the water is poured out and it returns to its original position. When returning, the opposite end of the pipe hits a stone, the bamboo emits a deterrent signal - a knock. Now the element performs a decorative function and enlivens the garden with a pleasant murmur, and the tapping gives dynamics to the general atmosphere.

Lanterns

The idea of ​​stone lanterns was borrowed from China, in gardens they serve as lighting or serve an aesthetic purpose. Almost all lanterns are made of stone, but the use of wood or metal is also possible. More often, only one lantern is installed in gardens, with the exception of a tea garden, where there can be several of them.

The structure consists of a support stone, a support itself, a stand for a lamp chamber, a chamber, a roof and a top. Lanterns are of the pedestal type (tachigata) for large gardens, the hidden type (ikekomigata) for the small garden and the installation type (okigata), they are installed near water bodies. Another type - yukimi (lanterns for admiring the snow) is also installed near water bodies.

Pagodas

Multi-tiered towers that have an iconic character. The number of tiers varies from 3 to 13, odd numbers are observed. In shape, the pagodas are square, round, six and octagonal. They are made of wood or stone, the structure consists of separate, loose blocks, so the material for each tier must be carefully selected, and you should also take care of a reliable base, it can be sprinkled with gravel or concreted.

Pagodas are installed near water bodies, under an artificial mountain or not far from a thick tree, large stone or fence, at a fork in paths.

Bridges

Bridges in a Japanese garden are not always a ferry between banks. Often they play a more magical and symbolic role, some are decoration (for example, a sod bridge).

Stone bridges are made of elongated slabs or flat stones, the surface of the bridge rises 10 cm above the adjacent path.

Yatsuhashi, the name consists of two words (yatsu means "eight", hasi - "bridge"). An unusual view of the bridge, consisting of eight zigzag canvases. It is arranged so that the visitor walks along it at a leisurely pace - if the bridge is wooden, then it consists of non-fixed transverse boards laid on horizontal beams. Yatsuhashi carries deep meaning.

Symbolism lies in the sacred meaning of the number 8 (the eightfold path of comprehending the truth). Yatsuhashi can consist of a different number of canvases, the main thing is that their number is symbolic. The number 5, for example, can symbolize 5 Buddhist commandments or 5 basic elements (fire, water, metal, earth and wood). The number 3 is a symbol of the Buddhist triad or 3 sacred relics of Shintoism.

Gazebos

In Japanese architecture, there are certain requirements for wooden buildings, such as modularity and skeleton. The load-bearing parts of the entire structure are cross beams and pillars (building frame). A rectangular straw mat is used as a module of the building area. The gazebo serves as a canopy over the bench and can be installed in a place that offers a picturesque view. The gazebo may have round windows symbolizing the moon.

Japanese garden styles

The Japanese garden, an example of a simple and unspoiled nature, is a kind of geometric composition that consists of three main stylistic directions.

• Tsukiyama- the style most accurately reflects the natural world in miniature. There is a place for majestic hills, turbulent streams and steppe reservoirs.
• Style Karesansui(dry landscape) - an idea of ​​Zen spiritism. This style uses gravel and sand, the components represent rivers and seas, for example, the flow of water in such a garden is represented by white sand. Stones are also used - the waterfall is represented by a large boulder, and the boat or mountain is represented by smaller stones.
• Chaniwa. This style emphasizes simplicity, commonality and avoids showiness. The main elements of the Chaniwa style garden:
  • Stone lantern (ishidõrõ);
  • Pool and ladle made of stone (tsukubai), which visitors use to wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering the tea pavilion;
  • A bamboo stem pipe through which water flows (kakei);
  • An obligatory element of the style is a stone path (tobi ishi);
  • A small rounded stone tied in a criss-cross pattern with a straw rope indicates a no-walk area for visitors (sekimori ishi).

Types of Japanese gardens, nuances of arrangement

Rock garden

In China, they believed that the islands of the immortals were hidden in the vastness of the Eastern Sea, and they gave the name of the main island Horay. Then the idea of ​​creating a miniature copy of these islands appeared, initially these were ponds with small islets, later dry gardens appeared, where combed sand acted as water, and stones in a small halo of improvised land embodied the islands.

Over time, the idea arose to lay out stones in the image of sacred animals - a turtle and a crane, symbols of long life, the soaring of the human spirit and the depth of knowledge. You can find symbolic compositions in the form of a mythical character, the sacred mountain Sumeru and even Buddha. The true meaning of the idea of ​​dry gardens can only be understood by someone who speaks the ancient language of symbols, the rest can be content with the emotions of contemplating the unique aesthetics of a dry rock garden.

“Monks negotiating with stones” - this is how the masters who are looking for stones of beautiful shapes with an inner deity were nicknamed, priests who know how to show the beauty and mystery of stones by their correct arrangement. Later, the monks began to subject the stones to an insignificant processing, in order to obtain a more successful and beautiful shape. At the same time, they strove to keep the natural look of the stone.

Now the sacred aspect when creating a rock garden is not so relevant, but it has not been completely forgotten. The Japanese have retained a reverent attitude towards garden stones. For example, a plant, a true connoisseur of a garden, can water as needed, but a stone every day, while experiencing pleasure from its external changes under the influence of water.

The name of the garden is based on its main character - a stone, but this does not mean at all that it cannot have water, paths and plants. Over time, several basic principles for creating a rock garden were identified.

1. Object of worship. For the Japanese, stone at all times has been an object of worship, faith and an example of natural beauty. The Japanese never referred to the huge stone as an ordinary mineral, they still believe that a deity dwells in it. Nowadays in Japanese gardens there are such arrangements of stones as mountains "Shumi", "Horai", "Three Jewels" (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), as well as compositions based on folk beliefs - the island of the crane and the turtle.
2. The second principle concerns the selection of stones for various factors:
   • Form - the most important point in the selection. If the stones are used in a group, then it is quite acceptable to have a flaw in one of the stones, this will give harmony to the whole setting. But the landscape stone must have a suitable shape for the nature of the area in which it will be placed.
   • Natural look- a stone that has changed over time under the influence of natural factors is the best option for a garden, as it symbolizes antiquity and tranquility.
   • Colour - colorful, overly shiny stones are not the best option for a Japanese-style garden. You should select stones with a calm, discreet color and gloss.
   • Alien inclusions are very appreciated, inclusions are taken into account when choosing the direction of the sides of the stone when installing it.
   • Hardness- especially hard rocks are valuable, they are more susceptible to natural influences on their appearance.

Ikyoi is the strength, energy and power of a stone, it is born from shapes, inclusions and sizes. Ikyoi is an important factor when setting stones.

1. Balanced arrangement of stones. The way the stones are set depends on the purpose of the garden. However, you should not create frontal compositions, this will ruin the dynamics. Near bodies of water, stones should be placed only at key points, and when modeling mountains, it is important to avoid horizontal symmetry.
2. Number of stones. The Japanese love oddness, this also applies to the number of stones in the garden compositions.
3. Taboo in the arrangement of stones: the close arrangement of stones of the same height, shape and volume. Compositions of multi-colored stones. River, sea and mountain stones cannot be one composition. Stones cannot be placed parallel to the building line and vertically in line. The inclusions should not be ignored, and the spirit of the stones (Kisei) should work in one direction.

It is important that all compositions of stones form the image of a triangle. When installing stones, you need to create an image of stability; for this, the stone can be buried in half or a small part of it. A stone that stands upright in natural conditions can be exposed in the same way in the garden, but it should not appear to be falling. For the successful expression of force and movement, stepped settings are used.

A particular difficulty lies in the installation of the main stone, the rest, as it were, obey it. The main one, as a rule, the largest stone should be placed in the background, very rarely it is placed in the foreground.

Sand patterns

Since ancient times, the servants of Shinto temples created an image of cleanliness with the help of fine gravel or light gravel, sprinkled them on the grounds, gardeners use the same method when creating dry gardens, personifying the image of water, now they often use sand. On it, gardeners, using special weighted rakes, leave various patterns, for example, a pattern of wavy lines symbolizes running water, and straight lines represent standing water. Any pattern should be in harmony with the rest of the surrounding elements.

Paved paths

The material for the tracks is natural stone, any concrete products, etc., the material can be of different shapes and sizes, the main condition is the pattern formed. The stones are laid in such a way that no quadrangles are formed when drawing up the pattern. The size of the seams depends on the size of the material used, but it should not be too wide or narrow, it is important to stick to the golden mean.

Tobiishi (flying stones)

The paths are lined with separate stones, and the stones can rise up to 8 mm above the ground. Unlike paved paths, tobiishi play more of a decorative role, and are often deliberately made uncomfortable for fast walking.

Tea ceremony garden or roji

Back in the XV-XVI centuries. Tea ceremonies for the Japanese became a kind of philosophical ritual, in which they attached special importance to any object and its location, tea masters paid a lot of attention to organizing the territory around the tea pavilion, and a tea ceremony garden was formed.

The Japanese word roji (tea garden) contains the hieroglyph "road", the garden was originally given the meaning of the road leading to the tea house.

As a rule, tea houses were built on a small plot of land and there were rather narrow paths between them, and towards the end of the 16th century, tea gardens acquired an expanded form, the garden began to be separated by a small fence with a gate dividing the garden into two parts (outer roji and inner roji) with various landscapes.

Due to the fact that teahouses were often built near the main dwelling with an adjoining garden, the idea of ​​arranging a special garden, subject to all the conditions of the ritual of the tea ceremony, appeared. The arrangement of the tea house and the surrounding area is subordinated to the aesthetic concepts of wabi-sabi.

When creating a tea garden, you need to be aware of the key elements that should be positioned in such a way that the visitor can stroll leisurely even in a tight garden space.

• Hakamatsuke is where visitors are greeted. Guests can immediately tidy up their toilet. Sometimes there is no need to build a hakamatsuke, for example, if the tea pavilion is connected to the main house.
• Matiai is a three-wall construction with a bench and a canopy. Here guests are waiting for an invitation to a tea ceremony.
• Toilet. Usually the toilet is attached to the hakamatsuke or machiai, sometimes it is built separately. A small, modest building with a latrine pit, over which a stand is installed (something like a table with four legs). The toilet has an exclusively decorative function.
• Well. Previously, the tea house was built near the place where drinking water was found. The frame of the well was laid with flat stones. Stones were placed nearby for the bucket and as a support for scooping up water. The well was closed with a special lid.
• Tsukubai. When installing an element in a tea garden, first a vessel for water made of artificial stone or some other material is installed, then flat stones are placed in front of it and on the sides, the front one for convenience, the side ones for the container with water and for the candlestick.
• The inner gate separates the outer roji and the inner one. Here the owner meets the visitors. The gate can be with two leaves, lifting or in the form of a small obstacle with a hole in the middle (nakakuguri), through the opening can only be bent over.
• Flashlight. In the tea garden, you can find several lanterns of different shapes in different corners.
• Tobiisi, nobedan. Tobiishi in the tea ceremony garden is led to the stone in front of the nijiriguchi. Nobedan is laid out instead of tobiishi from stones of unequal size. The track should be comfortable.
• Garbage pit. In a wide area it is a hexagonal or rectangular pit, and in a narrow area it is round. The trash pit does not perform utilitarian functions, only decorative, the visitor must look for the beautiful in the ordinary.
• Stand for swords. A structure of high-set stones (in two tiers) is located under the canopy of a tea house.
• Fence. It is installed in order to separate the inner garden from the outside. The type and material are varied, and the height is 120 cm.
• Fumishi, nijiriguchi. Fumishi (a place for taking off your shoes) is a stone that acts as a step in front of nijiriguchi. The height and width of the last element is approximately 60–90 cm; the guest must crawl into it, kneeling down.
• Trees. The varieties of trees do not matter much, except for flowering varieties, with their flowering they can make the garden too bright. It is important to maintain a balance with nature; you cannot plant a tree near the water, which can only be found in the mountains. It is also forbidden to plant trees in a row, and care should be taken not to overshadow each other.

Tree garden

This type of garden is the closest to natural landscapes. Despite the Japanese striving for naturalness, when caring for the garden, it is not forbidden to form trees and cut shrubs (nivaki, karikomi), because in this way you can create the illusion of distant landscapes, give meaning to a composition of trees and shrubs. But it is worth remembering that you cannot create something that does not exist in nature, for example, bushes of animal forms.

There are a number of important rules for designing a tree garden, so that the garden creates the right mood, each of them should be strictly adhered to.

• Landscape. If there is a noisy road or ugly buildings next to the garden, they must be hidden, disguised. If a beautiful view opens up from the garden, it must be taken into account and emphasized. Thus, the territory of the garden itself is expanded.
• Illumination and height balance... The height of the trees is selected based on the size of the garden, so that the garden is not unnecessarily shaded. The height of the main trees should generally not exceed 5 meters.
• Nature as a model in the selection of trees. When choosing trees, you need to take a closer look at the surrounding nature: those types of trees that are found nearby are perfect for a garden.
• Unusual or rare trees. If you cannot do without a tree unusual for the area, you need to take care of fertilizing the soil in advance and studying all the nuances of growing.
• The uniqueness of the trees. Any tree in the garden plays a role, but in general they are all interconnected. Large varieties create the look of the garden, medium ones enliven the main trees, and small ones are a good accent, but shrubs create the composition of the lower part of the garden.
• Selection of trees. The selection criteria are foliage, fruits and color, and the shape of the foliage can be very diverse, it all depends on the composition being created.
• Accompanying plants, framing. Trees, no matter how beautiful they are, need framing. The best option would be to plant a plant that is completely opposite in shape and texture, for example, deciduous and evergreen trees. The layout of the lower level of the garden has a decorative and practical function. Practical includes hiding debris with shrubs and grass and strengthening the soil.
• Illumination. When choosing trees and thinking over their location, one should not forget that some of them are photophilous, while others are generally unpretentious in this regard.
• The number of trees in a mixed planting. In a large area of ​​the garden, the balance between deciduous and evergreen trees is seven to three, in a small area it is permissible to compensate for the lack of space due to flowering trees, with their help you can create the illusion of length and illumination.
• Signs associated with trees. It is a good idea to plant several trees in the garden associated with beliefs and omens, for example, pine in the southern part of Japan is famous as a tree that protects against adversity.
• Methods of visual enlargement of the garden. You can visually enlarge the garden by giving it a hilly relief due to artificial embankments, or by laying out a paved area, replacing the trees with shrubs and grasses. You can play with color: warm colors always seem closer to cold ones, so it is better to plant plants in warm colors in the foreground. Another interesting trick is the "to nowhere" path. For example, a walking path may branch off and the visitor thinks that the branch leads to another part of the garden, when in fact there is a dead end disguised by trees.
• The aging of the garden. No matter how beautiful the tree garden is, unfortunately, the plants age over time, there are two ways - restoration of the garden or complete redevelopment. When restoring a garden, it is advisable to replace old plants with young ones of the same or similar species.

Tsubo garden

This type of Japanese-style garden has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, during the period of massive development. Translated, the word "tsubo" means a pot, a small container. This is due to the small size of the garden, arranged among residential buildings. Tsubo Garden can be called a reflection of the character of the Japanese, the philosophy of their life. In an incredible way, the Japanese manage to live in harmony and unity with nature even in a tight space.

Such a garden can be located both outdoors and indoors. There are several rules for setting up a small universe called tsubo garden.

• Light, backlight and moisture. The small space and location of the garden can interfere with the normal flow of sunlight, so it is better to choose shade-tolerant plants. In such a garden, you need to constantly monitor the soil moisture, it is better to take care of drainage before planting plants. Additional lighting will decorate the garden and highlight important accents. However, lanterns and lamps must be positioned so that they are invisible.
• The path of the winds. The rooms leaving the garden are well ventilated, which is a definite plus for the entire home.
• Garden area and building layout. The Tsubo Garden is the smallest of all, but its specific size is difficult to name, since it all depends on the layout of the building in which it is located. Therefore, at the initial stage of planning a living space, you need to take into account the space allotted to the garden, you also need to think about the correspondence of the elements of the garden and the architecture of the house, for example, a stone lantern, tobiishi and tsukubai should be in harmony with the general atmosphere of the house.

The Tsubo garden requires special care, all because it is located directly in the dwelling. In order not to carry dirt around the house, you can sprinkle the ground with pebbles, but it becomes dirty over time. Moss will come to the rescue, which can also cover the surface of the earth.

The East has always attracted Europeans with its mysterious wisdom. Their religion and philosophy permeate all spheres of cultural life. Therefore, 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 makes you want 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 work with us to understand the peculiarities of Japanese garden art.

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

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

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

Later spreading Buddhism adapted to local traditions and absorbed the beliefs of the ancient Japanese. This is how Zen Buddhism took shape. One of its principles: knowledge of the truth and achievement of enlightenment by contemplating the beauty of nature.

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

Art was also highly regarded in Zen Buddhism. The symbolism of his artistic images made it possible for a person to find his own individual path to understanding the truth. Thus, in the fusion of religious philosophy and art, the basic principles of the Japanese garden were born.

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

Similarity to Chinese style

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

Let's point out the main differences.

• In each of the gardens, the natural landscapes of their own country are copied. The architectural styles of garden structures also have national differences.
• The Chinese garden has a clear axial symmetry. The main composition must be present 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 are also different in size. Chinese always occupies a fairly large territory. And Japanese gardens can be very small in size. There are even miniature tabletop Japanese gardens.

• The Chinese garden is unlimited in color, you can use the brightest colors here. Japanese is characterized by calm, soft tones that smoothly replace each other.
• The attributes of the Chinese garden are a semicircular bridge, many figurines of various animals, large stones of an original shape or stone structures. As well as unusual 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, a bowl for washing hands. Stone compositions are small, most often symbolizing islands.
• But perhaps the most important difference is in their purpose. The Chinese garden in ancient times was supposed to activate and direct the thoughts of the emperor to the solution of important state affairs. And Japanese was created for meditation, for a person to understand himself and all that exists.

Components of a Japanese garden

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

There are a number of other 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 must be a commensurate triangle (one main element and several subordinates). An interesting compositional feature of the Japanese garden is the ability to admire its beauty from any point of view. On each side, completely new natural pictures await you.

The important thing is the absence of repetitions in the compositions and the obligatory odd number of elements in them. Each of them should 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. When it was created, there was always a harmony of two philosophical principles: yin - water and yang - stone.

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

Contemplation of real water or a platform resembling a water ripple always has a calming effect. She undoubtedly contributes to the formation of the idea of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe garden.

Plants

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

Unlike other styles of gardens, Japanese landscaping has a special regard for color. The Japanese do not allow variegation and multicolor. The main color is green, but it is present in a wide variety of shades. It is this play of halftones that creates amazingly beautiful color pictures. And dull flowers, like a single brushstroke with an artist's brush, add additional accents.

A Japanese garden needs to be beautiful in any season of the year. Here 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 with the use, in most of the local plants. They should be the least volatile, so flowers are used as little as possible. 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 conifers in Japan. The most revered is the pine, a symbol of courage, courage, fortitude 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 molding. Dwarf cedar (Pinus pumila) is a creeping coniferous plant, ornamental varieties: Glauca, Globe, Draijers Dwarf, Jeddeloh, Dwarf Blue. The relict plant of the cross-pair microbiota (Microbiota decussata) will perfectly fit into the Japanese style. This is a very beautiful and unpretentious creeping ephedra, 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. Teddy, 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-pair microbiota
Spruce "Glauca Globosa"

Sakura is considered to be the symbol of Japan; it is the personification of stamina and purity. Its flowers do not fade, but fall off, retaining their beauty even on earth. In Japanese gardens, cherry varieties and plums with double flowers are often used instead of sakura. In our climatic conditions, the felt cherry (Cerasus tomentosa) is a perfect substitute for the classic sakura. It looks decorative most of the year, as it has fluffy leaves, which acquire a bright color in the fall. Delicious fruits also adorn the tree. The crown is well formed when pruning.

Some types of spirea can also decorate a Japanese garden. For example, gray spiraea (Spiraea cinerea) Graciosa or Grefsheim, as well as Japanese spiraea Crispa (Spiraea japonica Crispa). Shrubs such as Japanese quince (Chaenomelis), Weigela (Weigela), Deutzia (Deutzia), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa), Skumpia leather (Cotinus coggygria), Euonymus (Euonymus) Búxus), lovely colviction (Kolkwitzia amabilis), barberries (Bérberis), forsythia (Forsythia), rhododendrons (Rhododendron).

Japonica
Colviccia adorable

They will help in the design of various vertical elements of the vines. For example, various types of maiden grapes (Parthenocissus), honeysuckle honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium), Chinese magnolia vine (Schisandra), actinidia kolomikta (Actinidia kolomikta), hops (Humulus Lupulus).

Willow matsudana

Among the trees, willow (Salix) supports the Japanese style best in landscaping. Ideal for this is the matsudana willow (Salix matsudana) with its twisted branches and leaves. Maples are also good, among them you can choose suitable species and varieties. For example, Platan-leaved (Acer platanoides) Drummondii, Pseudoplatanus (Acer pseudoplatanus) Leopoldii and Simon Louis Freres, Ash-leaved (Acer negundo) Flamingo. Linden, oak, chestnut, ash are also suitable for a large garden.

A bright Japanese garden comes in the spring, when sakura and azaleas bloom, as well as when the leaves of the trees wear autumn outfits. The rest of the time it is modest, so flowers only complement some compositions.

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

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

Among the ground cover plants are Lamiastrum, Vinca, Asarum, Lysimachia nummularia, Ivy budra (Glechoma hederaceae), Pachysandra terminalis.

Hosta
Ivy budra

Decorative mosses are a must in the Japanese garden. There is even a moss garden. The most common in our country are cuckoo flax (Polýtrichum commúne), viviparous polia (Pohlia cruda), 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 a water lily (Nymphaea) and a water lily (Nuphar).

You cannot do without bamboo (Fargesia genus) in a Japanese garden, it will give the desired color and serve as an excellent material for creating various arches, hedges. Although he is an oriental guest, he is quite winter-hardy.

It should be noted that the molding of trees and shrubs in a Japanese garden is fundamentally different from the European one. 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 (exotic twisted branches, irregular crown shape).

We have cited many different plants as an example, but when choosing, you should not forget about the simplicity and brevity of the Japanese garden, which does not tolerate excesses.

Auxiliary (small) architectural forms

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

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

Stone lanterns that “illuminate the path through life” are a must in the Japanese garden. Although they are different in appearance, three geometric shapes are necessarily embedded in their design: a square, a triangle and a 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 a large one at the bottom to a smaller one at the top. These are places of worship that symbolize the temple.

Pay attention to the pacifying beauty that is filled with landscape paintings of Japanese gardens in the photo.

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