Creating a Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden is a spiritual place inspired by zen, ancient mythology and the natural landscape. The prominence of this garden style in Japan has now extended to all parts of the globe. In the modern world it tunes in to the popularity of minimalism, where carefully placed features and living forms in a courtyard or enclosed garden offer sanctuary from the hectic world beyond.

This book explores five different classic styles for creating your own Japanese garden. Each of these styles - pond gardens, dry gardens, tea gardens, stroll gardens and courtyard gardens - has its own chapter. Every one starts with an outline of each style and the associated planning considerations and design requirements. Three step-by-step projects then show how to create the essential features of each style. For example, the design of a pond, a pine island and a waterfall will give a basis for a pond garden; in a tea garden important features to include are a tsukubai, a lantern and stepping stones; and for a courtyard garden fundamental elements are a bamboo screen, a paving stone path and a mound. A specialist plant directory gives photographs and detailed descriptions of the various seasonal plants and their growth conditions and hardiness zones.

Stunning illustrated with more than 270 photographs, artworks and plans, this is a fascinating and accessible exposition of the authentic garden styles of Japan, giving all the practical knowledge and techniques required to create them in your own outdoor space.