#japanesegarden

Mar 14, 2019
2 min

How to Add Japanese Garden Design Principles Into Your Garden

With a topic like how to add Japanese garden design principles into your garden you need to look for natural inspiration from somewhere. A ShizenStyle approach will allow you to blend art and nature whether you have a small city garden or a large woodland garden. · Observing a mountain and valley scene and a natural waterfall will help you capture the essence of a Japanese garden, more than relying on “featurism” with lanterns, pagodas, Buddhas… · Observing old pine trees in

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ShizenStyle

Mar 14, 2019
4 min

The Top 5 Myths About Japanese Gardens

There are a few misconceptions that we have about Japanese gardens. Just like the many “sushi” restaurants that clutter suburban plazas throughout North America, there is an over abundance of clichés and stereotypes here. We are going to talk about the top 5 myths about Japanese Gardens. It is through no fault of our own as many of us have not visited Japanese gardens in Japan and what we learned is often through picture books with little to no explanations about the meaning

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An Introduction to Japanese Garden Design Principles

ShizenStyle

Mar 14, 2019
3 min

An Introduction to Japanese Garden Design Principles

Kyoto Rock Garden If you are looking to do something a little different with your garden I recommend an introduction to Japanese garden design principles. Even if you only use a few of these concepts, that could take a very average space and give it a lot of depth. Many of us are going for a modern rustic atmosphere and I think we can create something original by looking towards some of these Japanese garden designs. You don’t have to use all of them or even aim to build a fu

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What are the Basic Japanese Garden Structures?

ShizenStyle

Mar 14, 2019
7 min

What are the Basic Japanese Garden Structures?

Mimurodo-ji Japanese Garden Pavillion Years ago when I first began studying Japanese garden design in Japan, I learned how Japanese architecture also played a role in creating the landscape. Garden structures may not be the first thing you think of when you are thinking of Japanese gardens but they do play a strong supporting role. So, what are the basic Japanese garden structures? The essential Japanese garden structures are the garden gate, bridges, fences, benches, viewing

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The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens

ShizenStyle

Mar 13, 2019
9 min

The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens

Whether you are designing your own garden or looking for ways to better appreciate a garden, this complete guide to small Japanese gardens will take you through both traditional and contemporary garden principles. One of the beauties of a small space is that you do not need to take care of a large area; therefore you can spend your money on more quality items but will need less of them and less overall upkeep. Small Japanese Garden in Kanazawa Often because these gardens are

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A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen

ShizenStyle

Mar 12, 2019
4 min

A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen

The Yoshino area of Nara is famous for its beautiful mountains of cherry blossom trees. Contrary to popular belief, although a symbol of Japan, cherry trees are usually not part of the Japanese garden. An exception to this, and one of the reasons that Chikurin-in, Gunpoen (吉野竹林院・群芳園) is unique is that it features a number of cherry trees throughout the garden and surrounding the pond in the center of the garden. Japanese Maple at Chikurin-in Gunpoen Chikurin-in, Gunpoen Chiku

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The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens

ShizenStyle

Mar 12, 2019
7 min

The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Having lived in Japan for many years and visited a variety of Japanese gardens I often wondered how these types of gardens are different from their predecessors in China. In fact, the Japanese garden originally came to Japan from China so are they still the same or different? This lead me to the question I think many people have asked before which is, what is the difference between Chinese and Japanese gardens? The main difference between Chinese and Japanese gardens is that

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What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?

ShizenStyle

Mar 12, 2019
6 min

What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?

The main purpose of a Japanese garden is to bring harmony between our busy daily lives and nature. It is a space that celebrates the natural landscape together with human beings creativity. A great garden may have a calming effect or could be an exhilarating experience. It may seem like a completely natural scene, but nothing happens in a Japanese garden that is unplanned. Another main purpose is to provide an outlet of creativity and learning and enjoyment for the garden de

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What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?

ShizenStyle

Mar 11, 2019
5 min

What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?

A Modern Japanese Garden with Many Flowers This is a very common question I get asked when talking about or designing a Japanese garden, but not one that is easily answered. Flowers have a different role in the Japanese garden than they do in western style gardens, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in them. So, what flowers are used in Japanese gardens? The flowers most commonly used in Japanese gardens, depending on your hardiness zone, are: Japanese Irises, Liri

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What is a Japanese Stroll Garden? (The Essential Guide)

ShizenStyle

Mar 11, 2019
6 min

What is a Japanese Stroll Garden? (The Essential Guide)

When you mention ‘Japanese garden’ everyone has his or her own image of what that is. In fact, there a variety of different styles of Japanese gardens, making it difficult to pinpoint one specific definition and image. So being more specific, what is the Japanese stroll garden? A Japanese stroll garden is a large garden of connecting pathways, often surrounding a pond and waterfall, which allow you to discover a new garden scene at each turn. Stretching back to the 1600’s, th

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