Interior Design

Japanese Landscape Design

For a Japanese landscape design, you will find a list of specific items to consider.  Now, some Japanese gardens are simplistic while others include everything that would be found in a traditional Japanese landscape design.  Therefore, the first thing you would need to do before shopping for the various types of Japanese garden supplies and materials is to determine the completed look you want.

Try making a drawing laying out exactly what you would like to have in your Japanese garden.  Draw in a strolling rock path leading past interestingly trimmed foliage, flowers and a stream. Consider a spot for a Japanese stone bench possibly near a small koi pond.

Japanese Garden Bridge

With a Japanese garden bridge, you would actually walk over the water features or simply stand or sit on the bridge to soak up the gorgeous view.  After all, a Japanese garden design also features tons of greenery in the form of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees, bamboo fences, waterfalls, statues, lanterns, lily pads, pebble walkways, and so on.  In fact, for the larger gardens, some will also feature a teahouse, which is authentic.

Depending on your taste or what fits into your garden you can choose from a stone or wood Japanese garden bridge. Your Japanese garden can have a real stream running through connecting one pond to another if you have the space.  Some gardens use small smooth stones to create the illusion of a stream.

Dry Japanese gardens consist of stone arrangements and gravel symbolizing the ocean and islands. It may also include sand that has been carefully raked.  Traditionally five large stones will represent the five basic elements…sky, earth, wind, water, and fire. It is very traditional to have stone figures of Buddah or various animals representing longevity, happiness, or peace, etc.

Where to Find Japanese Garden Supplies

Once you have carfeully planned and drawn out the design of your garden you will need a shopping list of all the components you would like to include in your garden.  You can look online and order items or find them locally at a garden supply shop.

You can be as creative as you like with your design.  True to Japanese tradition, it must be simple but at the same time include many features such as the dry garden with the sand base and stones, a pond or other water feature with a waterfall and a Japanese bridge.  Japanese Lanterns lining the paths would also be a nice addition.

Get more information on landscaping visit Outdoor Landscaping Ideas