Water Garden Designs
Unlike traditional Japanese gardens, water gardens are much more complicated to design and build. Not only are they built with the essential elements of a garden, but they are also presented with a pond which holds fishes in it. Water garden designs indeed require an intricate knowledge of not just the proper placement of each element, but also the meanings these elements hold out.
Consequently, landscaping a water garden may entail more effort to be given. There are so many things to remember when designing a water garden and for you to be able to successfully place a pond inside it, it may require you to dig up an appropriate part of your soil and treat it in order to hold the water.
It is important that before doing the labor, you must first plan out thoroughly the overall look of your water garden. You can provide a graphical illustration which will show the dimension of your garden and the layout of the whole area. Also, provided in this illustration is the specification of the different elements of your garden, such as the depth of the pond, the placement of the stone lanterns, and the ideal height for the surrounding plants.
There are a lot of water garden designs which are available online; in any case you are uncertain on how to go through the process. These designs have different purposes and aesthetic values. Therefore, if you already have an idea on how you want your water garden to look like but you are unsure how to build it, then perhaps taking a look at different water garden designs may enlighten you further.
In designing your own water garden, it should remain constant that the elements you put in it must have a story to tell. Traditionally, the stones placed inside the garden represent stability and strength just like the mountains of Japan. Usually these stones are placed in odd numbers and are triangular in shape. However, you can divert from such meaning and let your stones symbolize a meaning that is closer to your heart or soul. The important thing in a water garden is that it is built with a creative mind and perhaps a personal touch that will let people perceive of what you want them to see in the garden.
Furthermore, a water garden cannot exist without the presence of water. In this type of Japanese garden, it acts as its heart and core. In putting up your own water garden, it is vital that your water remain natural, as if it is truly a part of the surrounding environment. Your water source, such as ponds, streams and small waterfalls will generally give a sense of calmness of serenity within your water garden. Most water garden designs also require the presence of a bamboo hammer which serves as the pathway between the natural water source and the shaped water pond that you have created. At times, this bamboo hammer is connected to a water basin which gathers the water in it.
In order to give more life to you water garden, you can definitely add some fish inside the pond that you created. The most popular fish in water gardens is the Japanese koi which serves as a lucky emblem. Aside from fishes, you can also add water plants to give it more glow. Some of the most popular plants that are planted inside a pond are water lily, cattail, floating heart, lotus and Japanese primrose.
In designing your water garden, it is important that it holds both art and meaning. Creating a simple yet meaningful water garden is definitely a wonderful place to relax and contemplate on the natural world.
Japanese Garden Ornaments
Garden ornaments have been a big part of Japan’s tradition and history. From water basins, bamboo water hammers to stone lanterns, they have already been one of the icons that speak for Japan’s inclination to both arts and the environment. Originally, Japanese garden ornaments are made to construct a beautiful garden that brings out a peaceful and soothing aura. These traditional Japanese style gardens are usually found in homes, historical landmarks, temples and old castles. These gardens were once an expression of Buddhism and Taoism, two of Japan’s native religions. However, as time went by, these gardens were made simply to be places for ceremonies and contemplation.
An aesthetic value is indeed an important aspect of a Japanese garden. It gives it its color, ambiance, and meaning. Typically, it is designed with several Japanese garden ornaments such as the following: water, stones, lanterns, a teahouse or a pavilion, and at times a bridge. These ornaments are designed in such a way that it gives the garden a life that is indeed spectacular and beautiful.
An important part of a Japanese garden is the water source. It is placed carefully in the garden to make it look to be a true part of the surrounding environment. This water source is usually made into a stream with detailed curves to make it a calmly scenery to watch. In addition to water, stones are also placed to act as pathways of the garden. These stones are often shaped as mountains which depict the actual ones in the country.
Another commonly placed ornament in a Japanese garden is the stone lantern which was actually used for lighting purposes beforehand but then shifted to a more functional one. Stone lanterns are made to symbolize a perfect symmetry and are mostly placed beside garden paths. A water hammer, usually made of bamboo is also a great part of a Japanese garden. Its main function in the garden is to keep the water in motion; as it is filled from one end, it slowly tips over and spills the water to the other end and into the water basin. A more important feature of a water bamboo hammer is its tendency to have a soothing effect especially from the gentle sound that it makes as it travels from end to end. A water basin, on the other hand, is usually made of granite stone and is placed to catch the water coming from the water hammer.
There are other Japanese garden ornaments which can be placed and designed in a Japanese garden. Plants can definitely be trimmed and designed accordingly to the garden’s appearance. Traditionally, a more peaceful and subtle green is the color for these plants; and at times even flowering trees are planted to surround the garden. In addition, if you Japanese garden is large enough, you can also add a teahouse or a pavilion in it. Not only will it be an additional attraction to the garden but it will serve as a place for you to conduct your tea ceremonies or perhaps contemplations.
A Japanese garden is a tradition that is filled with symbolic meanings and beautiful designs. However it may have changed throughout the centuries, it still remains a depiction of Japan’s wonderful culture and preference to a serene environment. With different Japanese garden ornaments that do tell a story as they are artistically and strategically placed in a garden, it is indeed such a wonderful thing to watch.
