Rather than relying on color for interest, Japanese gardeners like to use different heights, textures and shapes of green. Such a color scheme is soothing to the eye, whereas a lot of color and contrast is eye-catching and energizing. Generally, plants in the Zen garden are of varying shades of green for a monochromatic effect. Growing low evergreens on or near rocks is a classic choice for rock gardens. Microbiota descussate (Siberian carpet cypress) is another Japanese garden favorite that’s underrated in the west. Low-growing evergreens like dwarf Japanese juniper ( Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’) are a good groundcover choice in areas that are too sunny for moss. Shrubs, especially dwarf evergreens, are a great choice for Zen gardens. Moss is popular because it can grow over rocks and give an ancient feeling to the garden. Like rock placement, plants should be arranged in a way that looks spontaneous and asymmetrical and growing them between rocks enhances their natural effect. Another common configuration is creating a border of plants around a central stretch of gravel. The planted areas in a Zen garden evoke islands, riverbanks or the forests that grow around mountains. Juniper and rock form a simple grouping, source: Marika Li Water features can increase the peacefulness of the garden through multiple senses and if you build it using natural techniques it will require little maintenance.Īnother benefit to a water feature is the possibility of growing aquatic plants like Nymphea (water lilies) and Nelumbo (lotus), which are a staple in different types of Japanese gardens, including Paradise Gardens, Stroll Gardens and Pond Gardens. The presence of water provides a healing and life-giving force, so it wouldn’t hurt to include one if you want a water feature in your garden. Remember, Zen gardens are about relieving stress, not adding to it! An Optional Splash of WaterĪctual water features are present in many Japanese rock gardens, though they are not found in dry Zen gardens. For the purpose of your garden, however, you should do what feels and looks right intuitively. Traditional Japanese gardening texts emphasized that improper rock arrangement could lead to bad luck and misfortune. The pursuit of the “correct” way to choose and place rocks and other elements could take years to fully understand and master. If you’re looking to create a mini meditation garden on your desk, a small zen garden (like this one) with sand, rocks, and pebbles is a great choice Seating Most meditation gardens have areas where you can sit and meditate. They’re a great way to add texture and color to your garden. Odd-numbered groupings of varying heights and sizes in random configurations is key to this Japanese style. Rocks are a common element of Japanese zen gardens. Rocks (and other garden elements) are usually arranged asymmetrically to create a spontaneous look that could be found in nature. Daisen-In garden, dry stream with small stone bridge, source: Ivanoff~commonswiki
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |