Japanese Water Gardens – At Peace with Nature

The central focus of a Japanese Water Garden is the use of ponds and streams.  Even dry Japanese Gardens use sand and rocks placed and raked to give the impression of moving water.  Water is a calming influence and an essential element in this garden whether used as a pond or suggested by a carefully designed trail of river rock.

Stones form the border of water features in a Japanese garden.  To represent the balance of nature that is the theme of this peaceful retreat. it is critical to give the appearance of naturally occurring ponds and of rocks that are part of the natural landscape.  In nature, water has uneven contours – and is never square.   Rocks are varied in size and appear to be placed where they were dropped or moved by a rushing stream.

In a Japanese water garden, large stones are carefully placed to provide seating for visitors.  Rocks of varied dimensions and shapes are best suited and placement is carefully considered to avoid the look of a planned arrangement.  In truth, the arrangement of stones is a planned design.

The Japanese water garden is created as a haven for relaxation and contemplation.  The goal is to create a quiet retreat from the cares of the day.   Waterfalls are not rushing water but provide a gentle sound of moving water.  Fountains are usually avoided as they are not a naturally occurring flow of water.

The water in your garden may be a very small pond or may be larger and deeper with a dark lining and colorful koi fish to provide interest.   You may choose to add water plants and to spread small colored stones as a layer at the bottom of the pond.  Though water lilies are the traditional plant for a Japanese water garden there are many varieties of plants that can be added.   There are also flowering plants and species of decorative reeds that provide interest near the edge of the water.

Planting bog plants on the perimeter of the Japanese water garden can be combined with rocks mounded to form a rock garden that gives the illusion of flowing into the water.  Tall iris and horsetail reeds combine in a rocky area with moss tucked into crevices to give the appearance of a quiet woodland setting.  Stylized Japanese lanterns are often suspended in a way that will reflect their glow from the surface of the water.

Another common feature of the Japanese garden model is a small bridge that spans the water feature or carefully placed stepping stones allow visitors to walk across the water.

There are specific elements that combine to form an authentic Japanese garden.   These are:

  • Water
  • Rocks
  • Lantern
  • Covered seating area such as a gazebo or teahouse
  • bridge or stepping stones over the water
  • an enclosed private area

Careful planning is necessary when building a Japanese Water Garden.   Combine the key elements into a design that is calm and serene is a daunting task but not difficult to do for those who can keep simplicity and nature in mind.

There are a variety of styles of traditional Japanese gardens and each has a purpose to its design.

Kanshoh – lacking a walking path this garden plan is meant to be viewed from inside the house and all elements are positioned for that purpose.

Karesansui – If you are unable to add a water feature to your Japanese garden, the Karesansui style is the choice.  This is the dry garden and is composed mainly of pebbles, rocks and carefully raked gravel or sand.   There are few plants and the beauty is in the stark simplicity.

Kaihuu-Shiki – If you want to lead visitors on a journey, this project will build a sequence of vignettes viewed from a path that meanders throughout the garden.

Pond Gardens – As used in Japanese water garden design, the pond garden is meant to be viewed from a boat.   Thus we are referring to a large pond which is surrounded by the Japanese garden design.

Tea Gardens – With a central tea house or pagoda this is perhaps the most popular Japanese Water Garden.  The covered seating area is screened from the view of anyone outside the garden and is situated to overlook the water feature and providing seating.

The increased popularity of adding a structure may be due to new kits available that provide inexpensive alternatives to building a custom tea house for your Japanese water garden.

The Japanese water garden is design to provide a place of solitude and peace.  It has become popular in many countries due to the simple, elegant and natural elements used.  Though constructed by man, a successful Japanese garden leaves the viewer with an impression of natural beauty and serenity.  Often screened by graceful bamboo along the perimeter, the Japanese water garden provides a repite from the rush and bustle of the day.