Wednesday, July 30, 2008

JAPANESE GARDEN


Japanese gardens are a big part of the Japanese culture. These gardens don't actually come from Japan, though. The idea of the garden comes from China. After China started to design gardens, Korea and Japan liked the idea, so they took the basic layout of the Chinese gardens and began creating gardens in their own countries.

The gardens use many different kinds of trees and bushes which they keep trimmed very neatly. The shapes that are made of the plants are usually rounded.

In the center of the garden, there is normally a stone. These stones are decorated in many ways, either with a design or the family crest.

One of the things you notice is that flowering plants are scarce or nonexistent in Japanese garden design. Instead you see dry gravel stream beds or sand swept into patterns and large rocks and boulders are used to tell a story. The heart of all Japanese garden design is symbolism and storytelling. This is done with plants and other elements of nature and not so much the use of colorful flowers.

Equally important to Japanese garden design are the use of water, and more specifically the use of running water, which symbolizes passing time or life.

My sister in law has been talking about something along this line for her yard. That is why I got interested in it. she is very creative so I can't wait to see what she comes up with. If you would like to know more, click on this link,,,JAPANESE GARDEN IDEAS

12 comments:

Gail said...

I love visiting these peaceful and spiritual gardens...we are lucky to have one at Cheekwood our local botanical garden. As your sil's garden becomes real I hope you share photos.

Gail

Anonymous said...

Oh Eve, I love this! And the symbolism! I'm so big on things like herbs and their Victorian meanings, etc. This spoke straight to me. I shall check into this myself. I thank you for all the knowledge you gave me today.
Brenda

Cindy said...

I love the serenity and simplicity of these gardens. Maybe one of these days I can carve out a small area for one of these, somewhere.

Susie said...

Eve, I think these gardens are so serene. I've only seen a couple and I find them so relaxing. Thanks for the info. Also, I knew that Oleander was poisonous but it sure is pretty.

tina said...

I love Japanese gardens. They are so peaceful and representative of the world around us.

Lib said...

Hi Eve,
I added you to my blogroll.
I really enjoy your blogs!
Blessins',Lib

Anonymous said...

It never ceases to amaze me what I learn simply by visiting my blogging friends. :-)
I had no idea that the idea for these lovely mindful gardens originated in China.

Skeeter said...

I enjoy the calm peaceful feeling of being in a Japanese garden. They seem to have a way of cleansing my inner being! I have always wanted to create a Japanese Garden and maybe one day I will…

It has been some time since we visited the city gardens and their little Japanese garden. If only the humidity would go elsewhere for a day!

DP Nguyen said...

I've always wanted a japanese garden. they are so beautiful and peaceful. It does take a lot of work to put one together, doesn't it? and expensive.

Susie said...

Hey Eve, I glad you visited my sisters blog. She loves blogging as much as the rest of us crazy people.

Dave said...

I love the Japanese plants that are used in the gardens. Of course the Japanese maples but I really like the ferns!

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