Japanese Garden represents the immense beauty of nature where every piece added to the garden represents
or symbolizes something such as the water, gravel, rocks, fishes, stone, bamboo, flowers, water basins
among others. A garden that is an ideal place for meditation and spiritual experience.
Table of Contents
History of Japanese Garden
- The earliest recorded style of Japanese gardens was called the Paradise Garden Style where it was
mostly made to beautify properties of the wealthy and the noble and includes shrines during those
times. It was likewise believed that these gardens were made to honor the spirits of nature. Designs
used were ponds that have plenty of lotus flowers which symbolizes enlightenment, the cycle of life
such as death and rebirth. There were also additions of arched bridges, lots of trees, and pavilions. - Japanese gardens were said to be imported from China when Japanese merchants themselves brought
the Chinese gardening techniques to Japan. Japanese gardens were first seen on the island of Honshu
where the influence of narrow valleys, mountain streams, rugged volcanoes as well as lakes, beaches,
and stones were used. - The Japanese gardens were believed to have taken their roots in the Japanese religion of Shinto, more
of honoring the spirits of nature. Moreover, Japanese gardens were strongly influenced by Daoism and
Buddhism from China where Yin and Yang’s concept of designing gardens’ influence came from as
well as the Feng-shui principles. - Not long after, a Chinese Buddist teacher arrived in Japan together with his gardeners and craftsmen to
build the Toshodai-Ji Temple. - Although, many designs were made and changes were adapted in Japanese gardens these were
destroyed during the civil wars that came about between the years 1156 to 1159 where Japanese
monks went to China and Chinese monks came to Japan which started the Zen garden in Japan which
was built in Kamakura in 1251. The most notable garden style was made during this period and this
includes the Japanese rock garden. Main designs composed of white sand, rocks which were
altogether considered an abstract composition of natural objects in space and made to inspire
meditation. - Then came the Momoyama period where the notable designs used small stones, arranged boulders
together with natural stone bridges. Gardens were a combination of Zen and promenade garden. Here
in this period, the development of other gardens started such as the tea ceremony (chanoyu), teahouse
(chashitsu), and tea garden (roji) also introduced by China Buddhist monks. - In another period called the Edo period which was between 1615 to 1867 where a new kind of
Japanese architecture emerged and generous subsidies were given to building gardens. Buildings were
built and with rarely any decoration, but designed to open up onto the garden making the garden
appear as part of the building which makes anyone seeing it that he was in the center of nature. The
garden-style adapted were more of the promenade or dry rock zen gardens.
In another period, Japan’s modernization was given a priority. Meiji period mostly transformed many
of the earlier Edo period gardens into public parks to preserve them. Also, most of the gardens made
during this period adopted the more naturalistic style with some influence from the West. - Then in the Showa period between 1926 to present modern Japanese gardens emerges. Where
politicians and businessmen built traditional gardens incorporating the Japanese garden to the
landscape architecture of the building. Landscape architects took over and used modern building
materials as well to incorporate them into the modern landscape.
Types of Japanese Garden
Zen Garden
aka dry landscape garden where rocks, water features, pruned trees, moss, and bushes were arranged with
the use of gravel or sand that is carefully raked to represent ripples in water. This type of Japanese garden
emphasizes the principles of naturalness, austerity as well as simplicity. The Zen Gardens are distinguished
by the rocks and stones used that sometimes gives its name Zen Rock Garden.
Japanese Pond Garden
One type of pond garden is huge and the other is a small, simple garden with pond. Visitors can tour the lake
in small boats and there are many elements that are surrounding this type of Japanese garden. Water is the
main element of this garden because of its symbolism such as renewal, tranquility, and continuity of life.
There are also land and stones where the stones are placed in water’s edges and in along the hill. Bridges
signify that at this point inhabitants will stop to enjoy the beauty of the garden, see the wonders, feel the soft
breeze, then do the silent contemplation while atop the bridge. Plants mostly consist of aquatic botany that
includes water lilies and irises. This type of Japanese Garden is considered to be costly because of the
creation and its high maintenance. This was first introduced in China then introduced in Japan during the
Heian Period.
Tea Gardens
A garden is in front of the teahouse where tea ceremonies are being held. The tea ceremony originated in
China in the 6th century by a Buddhist monk where tea was served to monks who used it as medicine while
they are meditating.
The Tea Garden has three sections called the Sotoroji which is the outer section, Machi Ai or the waiting
place, and the Uchiro Ji which is the inner section of the tea house. Waiting rooms hold people while they
remove their shoes but during the old era, swords were removed by guests. The entrance to the tea room has
low doors that obliges guest to bend while entering the tea room, this also shows respect to the host and the
ceremony.
The inner garden consists of stones, rocks, water basins, lanterns, and has the look of antiquities.
Guests will follow certain rules where they are asked to wash their hands and rinse their mouths to purify
their body and spirit before entering the teahouse.
Stroll Garden
aka promenade gardens. Guests can easily take a look around and enjoy their time strolling through the
garden. There are different elements incorporated in this garden so that it will be impressive for visitors. The
stroll garden takes after the tea house garden. There are different types of Japanese stroll gardens such as
Kaiyu-Shiki Teien referring to large gardens that lack a pond in the center and you can stroll in a prescribed
area, Chisen Kaiyu-Shiki Teien meaning a Japanese stroll garden with a big pond in its center, Tsukiyama
Chisen-Teien Japanese stroll garden that focuses on man-made hills built together with the large pond.
Samples are:
Koraku-en started in 1700 and covers 33 acres of land and pond, Kenroku-en began in 1620 and developed
in the year 1840, and Kairaku-en meaning A garden enjoyed by everyone.
Flat Garden
The design used for small spaces and there are no streams or ponds used but there are water basin and well.
Garden ornaments such as stones, trees create scenic beauty. There are also raked sand to give the effect of
water ripples. Stones and boulders that are arranged are present as well.
Samples of famous Japanese gardens
Kairaku-en, Mito, Japan – The sakura that bloom in spring covers the whole garden. Considered as one of
the Three Great Gardens of Japan Group was established in 1841.
Kenroku-en, Kanazawa, Japan – Considered as the most beautiful private gardens. With the oldest
fountain in the country was founded in the 18th century.
Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, Illinois, USA – The design is superb and there are a variety of
fish as well as minks and ducks. This Japanese garden opened in 1978.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, West Fairmont Park, Philadelphia, USA – One of the top three
Japanese gardens in America. There are tranquil ponds, a Japanese house, park boats, and many events
happen here all year round.
Koraku-en, Okayama, Japan – Founded in 1700 and one of the three great gardens of Japan. It has
beautiful scenery with teahouse, ponds, streams, and hills.
Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon, USA – Considered such a beautiful garden with its designs,
paths, details, and variety of plants. This opened in 1967, and the gorgeous maple trees conquered the
interest of many around the world.
Rikugien Garden, Tokyo, Japan – Several maple trees are surrounding the garden and create a colorful
daydream of colors every autumn. Built-in the 1700 and one of the best and most beautiful in the capital.
There is a pond, trails, and hills surrounding the park.
Adachi Museum of Art, Yasugi, Japan – The museum houses the vast Japanese modern art collection.
Ryoan-Ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan – founded in 1450 and considered a famous Zen garden made of 15 stones
placed on the pebbles.
Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa, Kyoto, Japan – From the top, there are amazing panoramic views seen
below. There are ponds, amazing gardens, and walkways surrounding the villa.
Elements and Symbols of Japanese Garden design.
Water – symbolizes the continuity of life and symbolizes renewal. Water reduces stress and has a calming
effect. Also meant for purification and cleansing. Water also attracts good fortune and is the prime element
in the Japanese garden.
Stones – are set to attract good energy where the wrong placing of the stones means bad luck, hence, stone
placement is also important. Stones in the Japanese garden also symbolizes longevity. There are also
different stones used when styling a Japanese garden and these stones also have different symbols such as a
spiritual, idea, melodic symbols, and mood.
Stones are used in a zig-zag pattern to create a path to a hidden area in your Japanese garden and paving
stones are used for this effect.
Pavillions – Pagoda or oriental style pavilion is always found in any Japanese garden. You can go for a
simple one that is of smaller scale pavilion that doesn’t stick up or stand out like a sore thumb in any area of
your garden. Pagoda represents religion and spirituality
Sands – symbolizes purity and used around shrines, palaces, and temples during the Shinto religion. In zen
gardens sands represent water. Rake is used in making a ripple of water appearance in the sand.
Lanterns – represent brightness and protection from negative energy as well as love. There are popular
lanterns used in Japanese gardens such as the Nuresagi (Wet Heron) depicts a wet heron and is a symbol of
long life, then there is Kasuga about being a messenger of the God of Mount Kasuga and Yukimi or meaning
floating light. Lanterns were also intended to guide visitors during a nighttime ceremony and at the same
time clears away the ignorance to give way to the light of consciousness.
Trees and flowers – different types of plants and trees are found in a Japanese garden for a different
purpose. Some hide ugly sights, add aesthetic appeal, to pair with another feature, to add color, while some
have religious symbolism and longevity. They are well maintained to control growth and to keep their
shapes. Some trees are also trimmed to prevent it from overshadowing other beautiful views in the garden.
Bridges – represents linking two worlds such as the world of the man and gods. It is also a representation of
man passing out of the world and going to the larger world of nature, meaning the man goes to his higher
form of consciousness. Some bridges are of stone, wood or logs and covered in moss. Bridges are also used
in gardens to have sightseers linger and take in the beauty of the whole garden, see all the wonderful sights
and feel the breeze while doing so. While in the bridge, one can also see the beautiful colored carps
swimming in their elements.
Fish – such as goldfish and koi symbolizes luck, good fortune, and prosperity. Fish are also associated with
perseverance in adversity. Fish also represents abundance, happiness, strength, and endurance. Koi carp can
grow quite large is a good symbol in Japanese.
Bonsai – aka tree in a tray. Considered a masterpiece because of the cultivation needed for a bonsai to grow.
It requires patience because of the cutting and trimming as well as shaping it to keep its shape and size.
Bonsai capture the beauty of nature on a smaller scale.
Water basins – used for visitors to wash their hands and mouth before the tea ceremony. There is a
suspended bamboo pipe that supplies the water and a wooden ladle used to drink water. It is placed low to
the ground that people had to bend over to drink it.
What are the trees and plants used in the Japanese Garden?
Plants used in a Japanese Garden are the following.
Rhododendrons. These flowering plants have different colors such as bright pink, purple and white, and
red. Rhododendrons are also fragile and do not last long.
Styrax. Japanese native flowers usually appearing during the summer months.
Japanese Black Pines. Often shaped like cloud-like forms and symbolizes masculinity, red pine on the
other hand is femininity. The Japanese Black Pines represents stability as well.
Wisteria. (Wisteria floribunda). Its flowers have a pleasant smell but this plant needs to be pruned twice a
year.
Japanese maples. There are different types of colors for the Japanese maples and here are some of the
types; the Coral Bark Maple, Full Moon Maple, Green Cascade Maple, Bloodgood Maple, Arakawa Maple,
Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple, Butterfly Maple, Atropurpureum Maple, Beni-Kawa Maple, Chitose Yama so
forth and so on.
Peonies. Symbolizes good fortune, honor as well as bravery. Peonies are used in Zen gardens and full bloom
from January to February, April to May, and also from September to November. Peonies also teach that
there is nothing permanent in this world and each moment should be enjoyed.
Cherries. Most and well-known species among the many trees of genus Prunus is the Japanese cherry and
symbolizes clouds and symbolizes the time of renewal as well as the fleeting nature of life. Cherry blossom
is the national flower of Japan.
Lotus. You will see lotus on the placid surface of the pond. Also called the flower of Buddha and is a divine
and sacred plant. Lotus blooms in summer and has a delicate coloring of pink and white. Lotus flower is also
enjoyed for a fleeting time.
Quince. This plant has a red flower that blossoms early in the springtime. It is a plant that doesn’t grow tall
and this plant is also edible. The red flower is in bloom for a few weeks every spring.
Iris. There are flowers of pink color, white, and blue and are seen every late May to mid of July. This
flowering plant looks remarkable. There are many species of this plant where some blooms huge flowers.
Japanese forest grass aka Hakonechloa macra. Used to soften the edges of paths and steps in every
Japanese garden. It brightens up obscure areas of the garden because of its green and yellow blades, sunny
golden and white striped color. The grass is very attractive and can grow from 18 to 24 inches. Considered
easy to care for and moist soil is all it needs but should not be soggy or the grass will not have beautifully
colored blades.
Hare’s foot ferns. This plant has hairy rhizomes that somehow resembles a rabbit’s feet or a hare’s. This fern
can live long and is also considered a slow-growing plant.
Bamboo. Additions of bamboos in the Japanese garden brings about peace and relaxation and is easy to fit
in anywhere in the garden. There are almost a thousand species of bamboo and you can take a pick from its
91 varieties. Bamboos can also add color, help in architecture, and are used as ornamental plants.
Bamboos are fast-growing and can grow rampantly thus, it needs maintenance and needs regular pruning.
Since all bamboos are in the ground some concrete underground is needed to control the more rampant
variety of bamboos.
Samples of bamboo found in Japanese gardens are walking stick bamboo, dwarf white-striped variety,
golden bamboo, black bamboo, Medake, and Nana.
Crabapple. It symbolizes youth and rebirth. It’s white and pink flower also beautifies like cherry blossoms
but crabapple is stronger than Japanese cherry.
Horsetail. Used as a substitute for bamboo as it doesn’t grow as rampant as bamboo. Horsetail is also a sign
of spring.
The philosophy behind the Japanese Garden
1. Japanese Garden brings serenity and nature to our busy lives. The natural landscape is all natureinspired
but they are man-made and not grown naturally.
2. The idea is to integrate environments where the garden, house, or building can all function together.
Where the architecture and the garden should function as a whole.
3. Elements are brought together to inspire anyone who sees it, that the beauty of nature can be
accomplished with the integration of these elements where each of the elements symbolizes something
and is important as the next element.
4. The design of the Japanese garden took centuries to cultivate. It requires continuous care and
cultivation and should be guided to the next centuries.
5. Japanese Gardens exist just like people. The garden isn’t just there to be looked at but to make it a part
of us and to keep it alive. It should be treated with the utmost respect and absolute care.
6. Japanese Gardens enhance the quality of human life. It brings nature into our homes, our lives, and to
the environment that we live in. Thus, it needs human affection and high quality of supervision.
What role do water, ponds, and bridges have in Japanese Garden?
Role of water – one of the prime elements of the Japanese Garden and is the life of the garden. It can be in
the form of lakes or water basins. Some are in a form or natural stream or river. In flat gardens and tea
gardens, you can see water in the form of basins or wells. There are many shapes of basins used and always
proportionate to the surrounding architecture or buildings. Some samples of shapes are square, round,
bubble, four God shape, Genkai, Mt. Fuji, and stone battle shape. If it is in the shape of a well there is the
inclusion of rope, bucket, lever, and pulley as well.
Role of bridges. Bridges used are made up of wood or stone but recently there are iron bridges. Bridges
connect different islands and can vary in size, shape, and width. Some samples of bridges are Wooden
Trestle Bridge, Peeping Bridge, Curved Bracket, Chinese Full Moon, Granite Slate Bridge among others.
Ponds. Used for peaceful contemplation that when you are alone and sitting in a beautiful environment there
is a body of water that is the symbol of tranquility, continuity of life, renewal, or rebirth. Ponds and streams
and even waterfalls must appear in natural occurrence together, hence, they are placed carefully and with
much emphasis in a Japanese Garden.
Modern Japanese Garden
Since Japan entered a rapid modernization period the western influence was now incorporated in the modern
Japanese garden where traditional designs and incorporate them with new ideas to create contemporary
elements. The process takes time because of the picking of the elements for the modern Japanese garden like
water basins are kept to a minimum and should not be overpowered with any cultural artifacts. Pagodas,
statues, and stone lanterns must come together to complete the simplicity of the garden. Plants should not be
overpowering and limited palette is used such as the green leaf, Japanese maples, pines, azaleas boxwoods,
ferns, and some moss. Colors and too much of it causes distraction to those who want to contemplate and
wanting calmness thus colors are also kept to a minimum.
How to create your own Japanese Garden
Having your own Japanese Garden is like a resting place amid chaos and stressful life. It can be a place to
meditate, reflect, and ponder about life. Japanese garden brings about inspiration, peace, and calm.
Many have created their Japanese garden, and some are of its truest form while other gardens vary because
of the choices made in elements. Where some clashes in colors, size, and shape making the garden chaotic
and negates the purpose of it being a place of calmness.
- Before you can make your Japanese garden you have to know first what type of Japanese garden you
can consider for your space. - Another thing to consider is the color of the garden you would go for since the Japanese garden does
not contain any bright colors and are more green such as cedar, pine, decorative grasses, wood ferns,
as well as bamboo and mosses. The Japanese maple is another great addition to the setup. If you are
considering flowers it would be best to choose irises, primrose, and lilies. The technique is in making
all the elements and colors come together that if you decided to get a colorful flower make sure it is
not dominating all the other plants but rather harmonizing with it. - If you are also bringing in a water feature in your Japanese garden you can go for lotus plants as well
as water lilies. - Your design should also not be loud but of simplicity and purpose hence creating the biggest garden is
also not the key to having one fine Japanese garden. You can also incorporate materials such as
bamboo to put a demarcation line in the space. The bamboo is simple and natural wherever you put it. - A pathway of stones can also help in your goal to a great Japanese garden, a stone pathway should not
be colored and need to have a natural color that blends in and is unnoticeable. Some Japanese gardens
consist of different rocks and stones of different shapes and sizes. Some examples of the masterpiece
of this type are The Zen masterpieces at Ryonaji, Tofukuji, and Ginkakuji. - You can place the rocks and gravel in your Japanese garden as well and can choose between desert
sandstone or lava rock and granite river rocks. - Moss can also be your option to have an authentic Japanese feel, moss needs shade though so you
should cover it with plants or shrubs and it also needs moisture. There are over nine thousand species
of moss to choose from and just choose the one that best suits your climate. - Creating your pavilion. You can have a simple Pavillion in place and can be made of bamboo or
wood. You can use such entertaining guests while you wonder about the beauty and the serenity of the
garden.
Which trees and plants are used today?
Bracken Pteridium aquilinum is a species of fern, tolerant to any climates, can grow in shade or partially
shaded areas.
Sedum. It gives the effect of moss, versatile, and does not need much moisture to grow. Easily grow and is
alright under the sun.
Acorus Griminess or sweet flag. It needs highly moist soil. It can be used to hold the soil together.
Hakonechloa macra Aureola or Japanese forest grass. The plant is tipped with bright yellow-green that
turns slightly red in autumn. Grows slowly in moist soils and full sun as well as partial shading. It can grow
up to 40cm. Best to use as pathway lines or to decor rocks and placed in pebble garden and gravel.
Ophiopogon Japonicus or mondo grass, monkey grass, or fountain plant. A perennial plant that
provides excellent ground cover. It is low maintenance and is suitable for different types of soil. Can
withstand sun or semi-shade and the plant blooms white flowers during summer and blackberries follow
after.
Russian arbor-vitae. It can tolerate cold weather. This plant can grow in moist, full sun to part shade. Best
used as ground cover for rock gardens.
Pachysandra terminalis or Japanese spurge. This is a Japanese native plant that grows slowly. Leaves
change color in winter and summer. Soil needs some moisture for it to grow and can withstand sun to full
shade.
Ophiopogon planiscapus or Black mondo grass. Not a grass but a plant that has black foliage which
grows slowly and spreads gradually in the area. There are small purple flowers and then followed by
blackberries. It thrives in moist soils in full sun but is also able to tolerate some shade. Another color of this
plant is green mondo grass.
Dryopteris sieboldii or wood fern. Japanese fern that looks good especially when planted near stones and
rocks or tree canopy. It can withstand extremely cold weather brought about by the winter and can withstand
a bit of moisture as well. There should be some mulch and organic matter in the soil to help it thrive and
grow.
Helleborus or Christmas rose. Produces different colored flowers such as green, white, cream, pink, and
purple.
Heuchera. Considered low maintenance and is easy to grow. It has different colors such as orange, green,
purple, and pink.
Hydrangeas or hortensia. Flowers are white, blue, light purple, dark purple, red, and pink. Very popular
and can thrive in moist soil, needs a cool and semi-shady area in the garden.
Japanese Holly. An evergreen shrub that is dark or mid-green, yellow. It can be shaped to cones, balls, or
spirals.
Japanese maples or Acer palmatum. Trees that are relatively small and can grow between 15 to 25 feet
with frequent maintenance can be smaller. There are a variety of colors to choose from and will depend on
your preference.
Lilies. The best for Japanese gardens include the Lilium leichtlinii which has a golden yellow flower that has
brown speckles, Lilium longiflorum a tall, highly fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers, Lilium speciosum
which blossoms pink flowers and the Lilium auratums that has a white flower with a yellow stripe with a
spicy scent.
Azaleas. Eye-popping colors of flowers are what we get from azaleas. Ice white, deep red, fiery orange are
examples.
There is also the traditional use of Bamboo, Cherry trees, and Rhododendrons.
What to consider when building a Japanese Garden
There are factors to consider in building a Japanese Garden such as:
Space. You should look into your space and assess what is the best way you can create a sense of balance in
that space. It is not about stuffing the space with too many items and elements but in creating balance in all
areas. There is also a belief that the less you put in your garden, the more beautiful it is.
Color. Be sure of what color you have to pick. The most color used in the Japanese garden is green such as
different shades and layers that create calmness. If ever you would like to add a pop of color it should not be
causing chaos in your garden but instead a sort of integration to create a look of uniformity and balance.
Some flowers bloom and are gone in a week and you may opt for those kinds of flowers since it will just
give you the needed pop of color now and then without making your garden to overstuff with flowers.
Maintenance. You should be able to maintain your Japanese Garden, yes, at first it would be so lovely to
look at and will create such calming effect every time you look out your window but it also requires
maintenance such as pruning the extra branch and picking up leaves, removing dead leaves, and wild grass.
Otherwise, it will just be another area in your house that is not giving you any positive energy if left uncared
for. Although pruning is one of the maintenance taken for your garden, you also do not overdo it like
shaping your shrubs into circles and shapes of animals that will not fit well with the Japanese garden that
you have in mind.
Another thing you have to consider is irrigation. Some plants that you will place in your Japanese garden
need watering from time to time unless you choose plants that can withstand drought.
View. Consider where you want to place your garden. It should be somewhere that sort of a stage that you
can see from inside your house or at any angle. That when you want to feel light and calm, you can just take
a look outside, and its there. Balance is important and just like a painting that is hanging on the wall it must
be at the correct area for it to be appreciated.
Preserve the antiquity. Every item you will place in your garden need not be new and if ever you already
have your Japanese garden for some time and moss covers your water basin or stone lantern, just let it
because it adds an aesthetic appeal to your garden. The seemingly antique design of elements enhances it
and adds beauty to your garden. This is the element in your garden that does need any maintenance such as
scrubbing and removing the moss that attaches to the stone or basin.
Use stone. Using stone correctly is a must. You cannot just get any stones you like such as different colors
and put it all in your garden. It is best if you placed the right colors, sizes, and quantity in your Japanese
garden. You should consider the price as well as the stones that you want to place in your garden. Some cost
more because of the color and some will not cost you much to purchase.
Water. Consider the use of water as one of the elements. It creates a sense of purity in your garden and thus
it is a great addition to consider. The sound of running or splash of water is good and is beneficial. You
should consider though when placing or using basins in Japanese gardens it is not a good idea to use plastic
for your water basin. Stone or clay is more appropriately used.
Boulders. It will add to the overall design of your garden especially if you pick the right texture, shape,
color, and size. It is also viewed highly when it is placed in the right direction where the face is pointing at
the most favorable position.
Gates. Considering an addition of the gate to act as a threshold from one space to another. It is more of an
opening to another section to be discovered and will benefit those who have bigger gardens. Gates can be
from different materials such as wood, metal, or bamboo. There is also no need to paint the gate in a
different color but staining it is more appropriate. If you have a bamboo gate, there is no need for staining or
painting.
Fences. It creates a feeling of separation from another area in your place. Bamboo or wood is used.
Although more people would prefer the bamboo which gives an essence of tranquility and adds to the purity
of the surroundings.
Furniture and accessories. Consider what you want to add in your garden. Low benches will look great and
practical. Hardwood furniture can blend in with the theme that you are looking for. Do not add too much of
accessories even though you wanted to have the four buddha figures and the five bridges you are planning
for your Japanese garden, remember that less is more. Your garden is not a showcase and should be as
simple as possible but should have a positive effect on you and those who will see it.
Painting over fences and gates. It will look too overdone and will lessen the beauty of your Japanese
Garden, a more natural and weathered look of the fence and gates will be more apt and will blend in with the
other elements in your garden.
Cost of having your own Japanese Garden
Some factors will add to the cost of your Japanese garden and they are the following.
Size. It can either be a small pocket area or a 14-inch square to the acre-sized garden. This will affect the
cost of your garden. If you are ready to splurge to get your most coveted Japanese garden in your backyard
well and good, but if you would just like give a purposeful meaning to your small garden then this is fine as
well.
Rocks. Its size and angles and where you want it to be placed can cause you from a dollar to hundreds. If
you are just looking for rocks that can be found at a garden store this may cost you a few dollars, if you want
larger rocks that need to be taken from somewhere else, you may be able to get them for free and just pay for
its transfer to your home. The way you can spend more than what you are willing to pay for is by getting
rocks from a landscaper. They will charge you a certain amount to have it hauled to your house and place the
rocks to where you intended them to be. It can cause you anywhere between $15 to $20 per hour. You may
also spend more if the landscaper company is a well-established company. Another option you have is to
rent machinery so you can do the job yourself which is a bit difficult and takes too much effort such as
finding the rock, excavating it if ever it is heavy and using the machinery to haul it. If ever the rocks can be
carried it will also require some work.
Paths. Stones for pathways differ in price and can be purchased in local home improvement stores which
may cost you between $10 to as high as $50 up a piece. The stores can deliver it to your home for a fee.
Landscapers can also deliver the stones you prefer but you will pay higher. Wood paths on the other hand
can cost you anywhere between $18 to $36 upper piece. The price may be higher if you picked the high-end
type of wood. These pathways are easy to install though because it has will connect with each piece and
there is no need for adhesives and such.
Moss. It can be found in most local department stores and garden stores. It will cost you a few dollars. If you
decide to get it in a landscaper and they may price it by the square foot which will be more expensive for
you. For every square foot of moss, it may cost you anywhere between $20 to $30 up. You can also look for
moss growth in your area, but again, this will require some effort.
Sand. If you are planning a sizeable garden this may cost you a lot of money just by the sand itself. You will
need tons of sand to cover your garden like for example you will be placing a Zen garden, thus lots of sand
are needed. A large amount of white sand can be purchased at home improvement stores, pet stores, garden
centers, and landscaping companies. For use in large gardens, you can get them by the sack. If you only need
sand for a smaller garden, you can purchase it from local garden centers and home improvement stores as
well.
Plants, trees, and shrubs. There are plenty of plants and trees to choose from at your local garden centers
or landscaping companies. You may need to wait for some time though if the plants that are supposed to be
used for Japanese gardens are not available and you may need to order such types of plants. Prices will differ
and will depend on the size of the plants and trees you may want to buy.
If you want to go all out on your Japanese garden and is all up to you. You can also save money by choosing
discounted bags of sand at the home improvement store or search online for people who may want to get rid
of sands, stones, and stuff. There are those who no longer want to use their previous decor and you might
find something of use to you. Ask around as well if there is anyone in your neighborhood who has an extra
bag of sands or rocks that they may sell for a cheaper price or they are giving it away. You don’t have to be
in a hurry to gain all the needed materials and in the process will make you spend more.
You can opt on collecting the items that you will need one by one first before going full throttle on your
Japanese garden project.
You need to take a break with buying all the antiquities you may find though just because you think it will
look good in your garden which will negate the aim of Japanese garden which is simplicity and asymmetry,
everything should integrate with your garden and design should be harmonious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nNf9TmgD5I
