Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens have a long history and are intended for quiet reflection. If you have the space to add one of these gardens, I would strongly recommend it. They are quite beautiful and they evoke what they were meant for.

They can be in three common forms of either wet gardens, viewing gardens or dry gardens. The most unigue of the three is the dry garden. They are created to provide a zen like experience and a place to reflect quietly.

Dry gardens are usually constructed with plenty of evergreen type plants such as yews, arborvitas or boxwoods with some scattering of seasonal plants like rhododendrun. There is small stone or sand of a light color used for the base. Rocks of a darker color are added and placed in specific locations. Sometimes there will be a stepping stone path through the garden. There are raking patterns throughout the area which is to symbolize water.

Typically the gardens take a long time to create since every element is meticulously placed. The hedges are perfectly groomed and the raking is done in specific patterns depending on the artisans view. There is also a stone lantern of some type added as a focal point. All of the items required can be purchased at a local home improvement store, although the stone lantern, a key element, may need to be purchased at a nursery or yard decor store.