Japanese Gardens and Contemporary Building Design

Japanese gardens are another amazing gift from Asia, which has given many modern homes a soothing and serene ambiance that many of us know how to treasure. One consequence of this philosophical richness is that the Japanese expect gardens to be active all year round. The notion that the gardener should submit to a fallow period in winter is anathema, as is the summer-oriented concept of a lawn edged with flowerbeds. Many different types of gardens have been cultivated in Japan over the centuries notably the tea garden, organized around the tea house and chado ceremony, and the dry karesansui rock garden, dominated by gravel and carefully placed stones. But most have one thing in common: they have developed alongside Zen Buddhism, from which much of their symbolism and poetic thoughtfulness derives. 

The idea of recreating Japanese gardens in the west is, thus, fraught with the risk of cultural blunders; one can so easily mistake a revered object such as the dimly lit lantern representing a long-departed patriarch for a mere ornament. However, there is much to gain from seeing nature through Japanese eyes, forearmed with knowledge of why their gardens look the way they do.

Japan’s gardens seek to emulate its wild, mountainous landscape in miniature, reflecting the Buddhist ideal of voyaging out into the wilderness and taking solace in nature. Many early Japanese gardens were influenced by Chinese ink-brush paintings brought to Buddhist temples in ancient times, resulting in a restrained palette that’s still used today: there is a preference for greenery over flowers and subtle variations in tone that evoke light and shadow. The 15th-century Funda-in temple garden in Kyoto is planted with a traditional mix of pine trees, moss, and rocks and is seen through the sliding doors and windows of a tea house, which compose the view as a frame does around a painting. Similarly green but designed to be walked around is the 19th century Tairyu-Sanso garden, also in Kyoto.

Perhaps where the Japanese garden tradition differs most from its European counterpart is in its approach to flowers, which are a much rarer presence. Certain flowers are used in planting schemes, but chiefly as symbols of the fleetingness of life the Camellia Japonica, for instance, whose blooms fall not petal by petal but whole in one short, dramatic seasonal event. Each spring at the 15th century Taizo in temple garden in Kyoto, cherry trees briefly unfurl canopies of pink blossom over austere karesansui dry landscaping. Anyone preparing to populate their plot with manicured trees, rocks, and moss might first consider that the Japanese way of gardening involves more than just green fingers

Enough said about the Japanese garden philosophy. Going back to contemporary housing to its extreme, the sleek materials and minimalist approach of modern landscaping can sometimes seem cold or uninviting. Yet modern designs emphasis on crafting an organized space and respecting unadorned materials has the potential to create a setting which feels not only friendly and inviting, but also personalized and artful. In a modern landscape, there is enough organization in the landscape that you have the option to go more natural in the plantings. This article you will find some ideas, or at least it helps you to imagine architecture as well as the ideal landscape that matches the surrounding of your area.

A sterile, lifeless appearance is a common pitfall in modern design. There is an emphasis on the use of solid materials, which is to say they aren’t pretending to be something they are not. For example, a simple concrete patio is more honest than concrete that has been stamped and colored to look like flagstone. 

The layout of the landscape also plays a part in adding warmth. Contemporary landscapes are designed to act as an extension of the home, and with busy modern schedules, the ambiance at night is as important as during the day. Cool-toned lighting gives off an eerie, off-putting glow, and should be avoided. A design comes together most fully when the focal points, furnishings, and artful touches combine for a space that is customized and connected to the owners and the surroundings. 

Lastly, the seasonal visits from hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumbling bees are a lighthearted addition to the garden which keeps it from becoming static. I hope you've found this blog post interesting, the aim is to give you a glimpse of an idea in landscaping. Please don't forget to subscribe, thank you!

Interesting Books on Bonsai can be found here:

The Complete Book of Bonsai --> I've been into bonsai for 25 years and this is the basic Bible for beginner and intermediate bonsai enthusiasts. It has an excellent section on techniques, including pruning, wiring and whatnot, and it has a large species-specific tree guide. If you're into bonsai and want only one book, this is it.

Indoor Bonsai The Great Selection --> Creating beautiful, healthy bonsai is a wonderful skill that anyone can learn, with a little time, patience, and this all-inclusive manual. With color photos and drawings to illustrate the points, it introduces all the cultivation techniques; offers expert advice on location, soil types, watering, and pest control; and provides intricate instruction on training the bonsai--including pruning, wiring and stretching it.

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai --> In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai With American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics for creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques they’ve developed over years of careful work and observation.

Bonsai Survival Manual --> Problem solving when your Bonsai get sick. Expand your gardening repertoire as you create a captivating and exquisite miniature world. In this introductory guide, Colin Lewis covers everything you need to know to design, grow, and successfully maintain attractive bonsai.

Bonsai and the art of Penjing --> Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace describes how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art forms people such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples --> With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

The Modern Bonsai Practice --> The most current, useful information on growing Bonsai. Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners.

More Bonsai articles can be found here:

Please click here for more information on --> Chinese Penjing Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Origins of Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> The Art of Saikei Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Japanese Tanuki Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> How to Water a Bonsai

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Healing Methods

Please click here for more information on --> Bonsai Books Review

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