The Japanese garden tradition
Much of the Japanese tradition involves small dimensions, privacy and silence. Japanese gardeners have formally defined the elements and plants required to create an authentic garden.
The essential elements
Recommended elements include: a small fountain, a stone path, rocks, raked gravel, a Japanese stone lantern, a small Japanese maple, a dwarf pine and bamboo. Avoid bright colours, stained wood and coloured pots.
Two design approaches
The first design describes a traditional garden with manicured plants, large stones and raked gravel. The second is suited to very small spaces with bamboo, maples and dwarf pines, stone lanterns, boulders and a shishi-odoshi (deer-scarer), a Japanese bamboo fountain.
Practical considerations
Families should consider whether a quiet, orderly Japanese garden suits the household's needs, especially with children. Maintenance requires constant attention to cleanliness, pruning and care of the raked gravel.