build a Japanese garden

mikelata

Hi all,

I would like to transform my garden into a Japanese garden. I bought a couple of books and I have a design of mind, which will involve lots of gravel, stepping stones, a couple of sculptures and plants (small shrubs, bamboo plants...)

I have done a bit of gardening but really not too much to feel comfortable to fully DIY it... what would be best at this stage? Involving a gardener to bring my design to life? I guess you don't need a garden design service at this stage?

Thanks

looksee

Go for it! Work on the principle that it is 'Japanese inspired' and give yourself a bit of slack about precise details. You will find it much more satisfying to work out what you want, and do it yourself, even if you have to get someone in to do the heavy work, at least have your own plan in mind.

mikelata

It sounds like fun!Yes, I could get someone to put the gravel and stones...
What about the planting? I have a few ideas of what plants and small shrubs to add but I am not sure whether I should give that part of go, or whether I would need professional help to do that part properly? For example, choose the right plants that will grow well together and all that...
Thanks!

Mitch Buchannon

I remember Monty Don had a show about people doing up their gardens. One of them was a Japanese style garden.

The show was called Big Dreams, Small Spaces. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b088s0bb


http://www.preloved.co.uk/blog/quick-reads/new-build-japanese-garden/

mikelata

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

I remember Monty Don had a show about people doing up their gardens. One of them was a Japanese style garden.

The show was called Big Dreams, Small Spaces. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b088s0bb


http://www.preloved.co.uk/blog/quick-reads/new-build-japanese-garden/

Thanks Mitch. very interesting links... that project is so similar to what I have in mind that I am sure I will find lots of ideas and inspiration from it. I found the episodes on YouTube, including a follow-up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3azs8_9D5UY
Thanks

looksee

Japanese maple - be a bit careful as some of them get really quite big. They like a sheltered spot and are happy in partial shade - they grow well in woodland. I have had some of the Lidl ones and while they are mostly smaller they are not bad at all for putting in corners.

Phormiums - I don't know whether they are japanese but they look the part.

Smaller grassy things

A cherry tree

Small azaleas, you will mostly need acid soil, check when you buy.

Use plants a bit sparingly, the rocks and pebbles are as important as the plants.

baaba maal

A range of some of the smaller Japanese acers (maples) would be a god starting point- some of them hold onto their leaves longer, some have interesting bark etc. As above, a nice cherry would be a nice addition.
Be careful choosing the right bamboo- some can be very invasive.

rolion

looksee wrote: »

Japanese maple - be a bit careful as some of them get really quite big. They like a sheltered spot and are happy in partial shade - they grow well in woodland. I have had some of the Lidl ones and while they are mostly smaller they are not bad at all for putting in corners.

Phormiums - I don't know whether they are japanese but they look the part.

Smaller grassy things

A cherry tree

Small azaleas, you will mostly need acid soil, check when you buy.

Use plants a bit sparingly, the rocks and pebbles are as important as the plants.

Great advices here...

Below my front garden,unfinished as i crashed the budget before i get the final elements of borders,few standing objects (statues,waterfall and ...final touch).

Lots of big rocks with great character,i can see the fibre inside,running along the stone.
Used pebles that changes the colour if they are wet or dry.Same,for the rainbow rocks that sorrounds the "yin and yang" around the plants,they look nicer when they are wet.
Trees,bought from local garden centres around the City.Japanese Cherry,few Acers and so on...

We had to mix / balance "mine" perspective and is very important that both of you are on the same page...or in same garden ! And keep in mind, is not nice what is nice but rather what i think is nice... Part of "Yin and Yang" concept is to balance and mix the diversity and differneces between parties and mix them in to a beautiful result,that,unfortunately,it will take tiem to perfect,to be unique...

Have fun

mikelata

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

I remember Monty Don had a show about people doing up their gardens. One of them was a Japanese style garden.

The show was called Big Dreams, Small Spaces. - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b088s0bb


http://www.preloved.co.uk/blog/quick-reads/new-build-japanese-garden/

I got to watch the program. Great tips!

mikelata

Thanks to you all for the advice, suggestions and pics!

Did you ever try to buy a big rock?