Bushes, herbs and flowers
When choosing shrubs, consider the architecture of each plant, the texture and shades of its leaves. Most often, landscape designers recommend barberry, cotoneaster and hawthorn. Thanks to the berries and the shade of the foliage, these crops have sufficient effects, and also keep their shape for a long time after cutting.
You cannot do without periodic haircuts: tradition requires that there be spherical plants in the garden. It is given not only to cotoneaster, barberry, boxwood, but even to low elms, thujas, dwarf yews, rhododendrons. These and other trimmed plants are often used to form hedges.
To create green walls and carpets, different types of spirea, action are used, as well as herbs - molin, feather grass, miscanthus. Mosses, decorative sedges and cereals are widely used.
Arrange a few miniature monos. They can be formed from host, ferns, that is, plants of the same type, supplemented with stones. This artistic method is fully consistent with the spirit of the Japanese garden.
Flowers in the Eastern worldview are as ambiguous as trees. Everyone knows, for example, that the chrysanthemum is the same symbol of Japan as the sakura branch or the silhouette of a pine tree. Daylilies, irises, bulbs are also in high esteem.
Plant a shungika chrysanthemum. This is a special, edible type of flower that is very popular in the East. The Japanese prepare many dishes from the leaves of such chrysanthemums, claiming that they have healing properties.
Peonies, symbolizing love, a symbol of modesty amaralis, as well as white roses, a sign of nobility, are appropriate in the Japanese garden. However, the flowers should be in moderation and it is better to place them not on common flower beds, but on separate lawns.
How to choose stones for a Japanese rock garden
For a Japanese rock garden, it is best to select stones that have been under the influence of weather conditions for a long time, for example, cut by waves or blown by the wind. Stones are selected by texture, color and shape
It is very important to choose stones so that each of them is not alone in itself, but harmoniously combines with others and completely fits into the landscape. The purpose of the stones is to create a kind of illusion that the surface on which they lie is only a small part of what is quite possibly hidden inside. Five types of stones are distinguished by shape: flat, curved, recumbent, statue, low vertical
Laying the stones correctly is a very difficult and interesting task, because not only texture, color and shape are important. Each stone has its own "face", has dynamics and character. In addition, there are stones that "look" up, and there are stones that "look" down. There are "lying", and there are "runaways" and "catching up". There are supporters ”and there are“ leaning ”. There are a lot of types of stones, and each of them has its own purely personal role.
Of the five types of stones, five groups are created - the main, secondary, guest, and the fourth and fifth groups have no names, they are called so - the fourth and fifth. The role of the entire composition is determined by the "main" stone with two other smaller ones (here there is an analogy of the triad of a deity in a Buddhist temple). This is the main group of stones. The main task of the artist is to feel the possibilities and abilities of each stone separately and group them so that you get an expressive composition.
It is believed that the shape of the main group of stones determines the further design of the garden landscape - the size of the reservoir, the height of the hills, their outlines, and the distribution of vegetation. The auxiliary group of stones obeys the main group and should only emphasize its idea. The guest group of stones is set at a distance and does not obey the main group, but contrasts with it and balances it. The fourth group of stones connects the garden with the house, taking into account all architectural forms.The fifth group of stones creates the background for the entire landscape composition. The number of elements within each group is adjusted depending on the type and size of the garden, thus forming a real ensemble. When choosing stones, the following three types should be avoided: sick, dead and discordant. Sick stones are stones that have a deformed top for some reason. Dead stones are stones that in nature were "born" in an upright position, but they were forced to take a horizontal position (like the body of a deceased person) and, conversely, were turned from their native horizontal position into a vertical one. Discordant stones are stones that destroy the overall harmony and "conflict" with other stones in the garden. Japanese rock garden is an ideal place to calm down through contemplation. Moreover, Positive Repair reminds that by communicating with the rock garden you get wonderful rest, peace of mind and incomparable inner harmony, which further gives your thoughts clarity, clarity and order.
Plant selection
Both trees and bushes, as well as perennials and flowers are suitable for landscaping. It is advisable that the plants are not too large.
Check out the landscape features in a classic style.
Landscaping of the Japanese garden is carried out using the following types of plants:
- Conifers: blue spruce, pine, western thuja, Cossack juniper.
- Deciduous trees: willow, maple, plum, chestnut, linden.
- Deciduous bushes: barberry, waigela, rhododendrons, spireas.
- Herbaceous crops: asters, irises, onions, ferns, chrysanthemums.
- Ground covers: periwinkle, cuckoo flax, hoof.
- Lianas: maiden grapes, Chinese lemongrass, honeysuckle honeysuckle.
The creation of a Japanese garden is a very responsible occupation, which must be treated with scrupulousness. It is necessary to design and combine all the elements of the compositions according to the basic rules of Eastern culture, only then the site will be filled with a special atmosphere of peace and unity with nature.
A natural stone
Granite and gneiss. Graceful and aritocratic-conservative, they are used for cladding gazebos, arches, fountains and buildings. The range of eye-pleasing shades is attractive here, which allows you to choose the perfect color scheme for almost any landscape model.
- Decorative mill - 110 photos of uses in landscape design
- DIY children's swing: 80 photos of the best options for simple and high-quality swings
- House for children: how to make a beautiful and stylish house with your own hands. 70 photos and projects
Tuff. It is a porous, lightweight stone that looks like a sponge. It absorbs moisture well and seems to be a clear example of natural erosion - this effect is only on hand for designers.
The symbolism of the rock garden
The correct arrangement of plants and stones is important. They need to be connected so that the impression is created that the stones lie here all life, personifying the eternity and constancy of the Universe, and the plants are replaced, symbolizing the variability of life.
The entire garden is permeated with various symbols that an attentive viewer can decipher. Waves of sand resemble the sea - now calm, then raging, endless. Each element carries its own meaning. A large stone rises like a rock, and a small one resembles a hill or an island. A vertical stone will represent the sky, and a flat, earthy one will represent the earth. The pile of sand becomes the moon.
The stones are positioned so that all objects but one are visible from any vantage point. Such a composition will indicate the infinity of the universe.
How to make a rock garden with your own hands
The idea to create a Japanese rock garden with their own hands in the country comes to few, but if the territory allows, why not organize something similar on the site. For example, to recreate a decorative mini-garden of stones in the Japanese style in the country, or to do something like karesansui (a small corner of nature).
Important! Regardless of the project, a Japanese-style rock garden, created with your own hands, must necessarily be in harmony with the environment, being part of the landscape design of the summer cottage
Decorative mini-garden of stones
Before starting work, always carry out preliminary planning and calculation of the required material. Once these two points are completed, work begins, which is divided into the following stages:
- The very first step is to clean the area in the country. Then the surface is leveled.
- Further, along the contour of the future mini-garden, beams are laid out, which are fixed and covered with a natural wood stain. A film (geotextile) is laid on the leveled surface inside the resulting area to prevent the growth of weeds. On top of it, a layer of gravel or sand is poured into a thickness of at least 5 cm.
- After filling a layer of gravel, you should start installing boulders. Traditionally, their number should be from 3 to 15 pieces. (odd). Better to give preference to cobblestones of the correct shape, but of different sizes. They are installed by immersing them in gravel.
- The surface around the perimeter, as well as around the boulders (the main stone), should be leveled and using a rake to apply parallel grooves to each other.
- The last step is additional decoration, where you can use figurines, various miniatures
Japanese rock garden as a corner that embodies nature
As with creating a mini stone garden in the country, in this case, the beginning of work is also in the design and preparation of materials. After they begin to do the composition with their own hands in the country. This is concluded in the following actions:
- First, prepare the appropriate foundation on the territory of the cottage. Marking is done with a rope and a peg along the contour of the future garden. It is best to create it in a natural shape.
- After marking, the top layer of soil is removed to a depth of 10 cm. At the same time, weeds are removed, the soil is treated with herbicides to prevent their growth.
- In place of the removed soil layer, a polyethylene film (geotextile) is laid. Then a layer of sand, gravel or pebbles is poured on top.
- After the embankment of a layer of fine gravel (sand, pebbles), proceed to the installation of stones. One or more large boulders should be taken as a basis. It is best if they differ slightly in size. At the same time, the cobblestones are installed, deepening them by 5-7 cm.
- If necessary, the composition is supplemented with smaller stones and suitable plants are planted.
- The final stage is the decor of the composition in the country, if you wish, you can install lanterns or various figurines.
Metaphysics of trees in a Japanese garden
A classic Japanese site is unthinkable without three, one might say, sacred plants - plum, pine and bamboo. The first symbolizes spring, the triumph of life and is considered a samurai tree. The tradition of admiring plum blossom branches (hanami) is no less strong than in the case of sakura. Pine represents courage, fortitude and longevity; a crooked, wind-battered pine tree is one of the most recognizable emblems of the Land of the Rising Sun. And bamboo is associated with flexibility, strength, the ability to overcome any circumstances.
Deep symbolism, however, developed later. And the first Japanese gardeners simply used the trees and shrubs that grew nearby. At the same time, mountain plants were planted in areas where there are many stones, and estates located in the lowlands were decorated with valley ones. This means that it is not at all necessary to buy Japanese seedlings and seeds, the familiar local flora is quite suitable for the garden.
Bamboo, for example, can be replaced with willow, fargesia, saza, high Sakhalin highlander. Siberian cedar from Russian pine forest will cope with the role of white and black Japanese pine, and native cherries will bloom and smell no worse than Japanese ume plums.
When choosing plants, remember: your task is not for the garden to shine with colors from the first days of spring until late autumn. And in the fact that bright flashes of flowering alternate with long resting phases.
Cherries, smooth elms, oaks and especially maples also look very Japanese - the pattern of their leaves, the rich autumn palette fully meet the Japanese ideals of beauty and harmony.
Basic rules for creation
Creating a stone garden on your site is not so much a creative process as a deep philosophy. Such an object is suitable for individuals who love solitude.
It is important to remember a few principles when creating a composition:
Emptiness is a symbol of freedom. This is exactly what should appear in the head at the sight of an object. Unlike conventional gardens, the Japanese version is not completely filled with elements.
The focus of attention should be the main object of contemplation, its central point. It is on it that the other elements will be oriented. The location of the main element depends on the time of contemplation and the place where the observer will be located. Typically west or east.
The place for the observer is chosen with great care. It is preferable to place it on the north side of the site. This will save you from the blinding sun.
The observation time is also an important point. It is necessary to decide on the hours of contemplation in order to correctly compose, at first glance, a chaotic composition.
A mandatory aspect is asymmetry. The arrangement of stones parallel to each other is not allowed
It is important that every element is visible from any point in the garden. Stones should not cover each other
If there is an artificial reservoir in the garden, then it is worth working out the correct reflection of objects in the water surface.
It is important to remember that the lines must not cross. The rest of the arrangement of stones is a personal vision of the creator of the garden, a way of self-realization and a philosophical search for oneself.
Design nuances
In order for the work you spent to justify itself, and the garden created with your own hands symbolized oriental traditions, we advise you to follow the following rules for decorating garden areas in Japanese style:
when decorating such a garden, asymmetry should be observed: in this way, you will be able to emphasize the natural naturalness of the design;
every detail needs to be carefully planned
But you should not decorate it with elements that do not fit well into the composition: decorative details should carry a certain semantic load;
do not use too variegated vegetation and stones in the design
But it is important that the elements emphasize their location and rounded configuration;
the soil surrounding the plant parts of the garden must be compacted or covered with a thin layer of gravel. Recently, lawn grass has been used as a surrounding decor element, but when using it, it is necessary to diversify the design with small shrubs and ornaments created from stones: this is precisely what is a distinctive feature of Japanese-style design;
vegetation must be placed at a distance from each other
It is advisable to leave more space between plant elements.
The abundance of trees, flower arrangements and beds is not suitable for Japanese-style gardens, so avoid chaos when creating your landscaping.
Small architectural forms and lighting
If you intend to follow the canons of Japanese landscape art in everything, then you cannot do without a tea house. Moreover, the first Japanese gardens arose around such houses as an addition to the traditional tea ceremony.
Actually, today a tea pavilion can be an ordinary wooden gazebo in the form of a pagoda or a cube, painted in red, brown, white.
Another important attribute is the zigzag yatsuhashi bridge. Its elongated, serpentine silhouette symbolizes the winding path of life, the path that a person takes in search of truth.
Bridges can be curved, reminiscent of a rainbow in shape, imitate ships, be made of wood and stone, extend not only over water bodies, but also over dry streams.
Do not forget to install benches near the pond, waterfall, in the rock garden - straight, ascetic in shape, consisting of stone supports and flat wooden seats.
Stone lanterns are a tribute to a tradition that should not be abandoned. These lamps come in a wide variety of shapes and heights, from squat, rounded stones to tall pillars.
There are also pendant lamps, lamps made of bronze, in the form of pagodas, carved squares, cylinders, polygons ... Some of them shine upward, others are invented to illuminate the ground ... near the gazebo - the site will receive an optimal dose of natural light: dim, but a little mysterious, like the whole garden.
In our time, however, it is difficult to limit ourselves to only living fire, therefore, nowadays, hidden LEDs are used in the Japanese garden, just as electric pumps, an irrigation system, and so on are used.
A few words about the fence
There are always gates to the Japanese garden, because they are evidence of the social status of the owner of the estate.
For the most part, this is a structure consisting of a tiled roof on two supports. Not uncommon, however, and single-wing Kidomon wickets.
The fence is made of stones, while the inner hedges are made of bamboo and clipped bushes. In a similar way - with the help of vegetation - they must cover the "ugly" places: those where there are hatches, collectors, communications. In the old days, the fence in the Japanese garden served as a purely protective function. Now it is an element of tradition, a decorative attribute.
Advantages and features of the Japanese garden
What captivates the Japanese landscape of Europeans? Mysterious thoughtfulness, clarity of lines, smooth flow of shade into shade ... But he also has other interesting qualities.
The Japanese garden contributes to the formation of a reasonable, equanimous attitude towards life; it pacifies, develops a sense of taste.
The Japanese garden is a great stress reliever. And also, since it is dominated by feng shui, the doctrine of the circulation of energies, it is also a place of strength, physical recovery.
Finally, such a garden is a perfect model for a plot of any size, even a very small one. It will also ideally fit into irregular areas - too narrow, located on a slope, with rocky, hummocky soil.
However, making the Japanese dream come true is not easy.
What is required for this? - First, to have a truly refined taste. - Secondly, a fairly extensive knowledge of Japanese culture. Moreover, you need to share the worldview, which will become the conceptual basis for your garden. In particular, remember that absolutely all objects must be full of meaning and be where feng shui is prescribed for them.
Japanese style in landscape design
The unshakable rules that should be adhered to when setting up a garden in Japanese include:
- multidimensionality. The garden is created, first of all, for contemplation, therefore, at each turn of the path, from each elevation, a new perspective should open. To achieve this, level drops, bridges, hills are widely used.
- Lack of symmetry. Nature does without a ruler and compasses, and the Japanese garden, we recall, repeats nature in everything.
- The main elements in the Japanese worldview are plants, water and stones. This, if you like, is the "holy trinity" of the Japanese garden.
- Traditionally, there are many stones. They are located in groups, forming local rock gardens, paths are laid out of them, dry streams are made.
- An important nuance is the use of local materials. There is no need to bring picturesque stones from afar - they will be alien to your area.
- Water is welcome in any form. It can be a pond, a stream, a fountain.
- Compositionality is another priority of the Japanese landscape. Individual objects should be combined into picturesque groups: a stream, a bridge and a textured pine tree, for example, or a stone, a bush and a lantern above them.
If you dream of decorating your entire personal plot in the Japanese style, then first break it up into parts of an irregular, arbitrary shape. It is desirable that they coincide with the main functional areas. Then take care of a soft, natural transition from zone to zone: use stones, trees, discreet accessories as conditional boundaries.
However, do not try to recreate Japan among Russian aspens and birches, do not mindlessly copy samples of gardens from Kyoto and Okinawa. The main thing is general principles. And choose plants, stones, flowers from the local area: only such a landscape will look believable, which ultimately corresponds to Japanese philosophy.
Description and purpose of the rock garden
The Japanese stone garden (in Japanese - sekitai) is called the design of a plot near the house or a miniature composition in a pot. The main element is stones. They are harmoniously and meaningfully placed on a flat area with sand or gravel. Continuous lines are drawn in the space between the boulders, symbolizing water.
Sekitai creation principles:
- an odd number of stones are used in the garden;
- vertical boulders are installed less than horizontal ones;
- when placing cobblestones, they do not observe symmetry and do not make dashed lines;
- use white sand or light gray gravel.
In the classic version, vegetation is not used, and boulders are placed on a rectangular or square area. But the site is allowed to be made of any shape, to place cobblestones around the reservoir or combine them with flowers (create rockeries).
Mini-sekitai can also be arranged not in pots, but on trays and other containers, supplemented with dwarf plants.
Sekitai is called the philosophical garden. The purpose of the composition is to tune a person to contemplation of beauty, solitude with nature, reflections on the Universe.
See the informative review from the Japanese scholar:
Composition principles
The basis of a rocky garden is usually large stones, and small ones are used for backfill. There are several principles for the arrangement of objects in stone composition. They are based on the concept of Zen Buddhism with an emphasis on concentration and meditation.
- The main principle is the orientation of the structure around only one point of contemplation. Such a point is chosen according to the time of day when the person is in the garden. Usually the point of contemplation is located on the north side, but other variations are also contemplated.
- The next important principle is to maintain contrast between empty and full areas.
- In addition, you need to take into account the observance of asymmetry in the concept of the garden. In this regard, the Japanese even calculate the reflection of objects in the water and their shadows.
- Another principle is an odd number of elements in a rocky garden. In the classical version, the objects should be located according to the regular heptagon.
- Balancing vertical and horizontal lines is one of the basic principles. There should be more stones placed in a horizontal position than vertical ones, of which there are already a lot in the garden: trees, fences, structures.
In a rocky garden, attention is focused on stones, a sense of unshakable natural strength and amazing beauty. A few plants perform only one role - they emphasize certain facets of stone fragments, increase the impression of a combination of grace and strength
The task of such a garden of stones is to dispose a person to think about eternity and a feeling of peace.
Additional decor
An important element of the composition is the additional decor, which are used as:
- patterns in sand and gravel;
- tsukubai;
- small bridges;
- fences;
- lanterns.
Patterns in sand or gravel will perfectly complement the composition.
Particular attention should be paid to the patterns in the sand. For the Japanese, each of them has a specific meaning.
Their straight lines symbolize the surface of the water, and the curves - seething streams. The circles around the boulders represent the waves of the sea. Such patterns can be created using a rake with special attachments, the teeth of which have different widths and shapes.
Tsukubai brings light dynamics to a static Japanese garden
Tsukubai is a small stone bowl filled with water. The liquid enters it through pipes that are located underground. Tsukubai enlivens the composition without disturbing the overall atmosphere. In Japanese culture, bridges are the link between different periods of life. Small bridges made of horizontal solid stones will fit well into the composition.
A hedge will help recreate the privacy of a rock garden
Fences can be installed on one or both sides. At the same time, it is recommended to make a fence from an opaque material, for example, concrete or bamboo.
Compact lanterns fit perfectly into the design of a rocky garden
Small stone or wooden lanterns can be installed in the rocky garden. They will not only complement the composition, but will also illuminate the site in the evening and at night.
Filling the garden with bright colors
Painted stone, processed by the hands of a skilled craftsman, can come to life before our eyes! It smoothly transforms into funny fairy figures, cute animals or beautiful flower bouquets. For painting, you need to purchase special acrylic paints for treating stones. In addition, paints need a solvent, synthetic brushes and a palette to create shades of color. As for the brushes, there should be several of them. It is appropriate to use both thin and thick brushes. A container, for example, made of plastic, can serve as a palette. Part of finishing the stone is opening it with clear varnish.
For painting, you should choose stones that have a round or flat shape. Sometimes it happens that a natural rough stone already resembles some kind of animal, then the colors will only reflect and emphasize this image of it.
Painting on stones
After the stone is dry, you can start painting. Even if you are a small artist, you can easily sketch some image you like. For example, these can be bugs, emoticons, and ladybugs. Drawing a cat or a puppy is also a simple matter, and if you hide it in the grass, then at first glance it is easy to confuse it with a real animal. First, the image can be applied to the stone with a pencil, and then painted with brushes.
Now you can start decorating your garden with painted stones. The base of the site, as in the design of a Japanese garden, can be pebbles, gravel or rubble. The clever arrangement of the painted stones will help you create the idea of a stone garden in the spirit of Japanese tradition, but with a romantic modern touch. Here you can not only reflect, but also cheer yourself up.