Japanese Gardens & Design Elements

The philosophical principles of Japanese Garden Design can be understood if one is aware of the Japanese perception of beauty as seen in the concept of WABI (simple quietude) and SABI (elegant simplicity). The opposite of gorgeous splendor, wabi and sabi suggest a modest beauty striving for a closeness to nature, while avoiding its mere imitation. The basic rule of design is that "less is more" in an effort to achieve a fusion and harmony with nature and to develop a garden of tranquillity which shuts out the turmoil of the exterior environment.

In Western plans, the garden is viewed from outside with the house located against that background. Japanese gardens, on the other hand, are intended to be viewed from an interior space against a background of a privacy wall or fence. The garden is designed in concert with the room interiors, the rooms, the corridor or a special viewing platform (deck) revealing the concept of the house and garden as a whole.

The essential components of a Japanese garden are:

1) a soft natural barrier which completely surrounds the house and garden;

2) the selection and placement of stones;

3) the use of water and/ or sand;

4) the choice of trees, plants and moss;

5) the placement of stepping stones, paths or walkways; and

6) the use and importance of symbolism in the design of the garden.

The type of garden must match the size and location of the site: the pond and island garden, the stroll garden for large properties; the courtyard, the dry landscape (Zen) garden for small properties and the tea garden for properties having suitable outbuildings. Sight lines, depth, distance, intermediate space and perspective are key in providing a transition between parts of the garden.

The beauty of the four seasons is another important element in garden design. Each season must be celebrated in the garden. Sun, shadow, light, shade, colour, foliage, bark texture, stone and moss all enhance the beauty of the changing seasons. Place everything from the viewpoint of where colour, light and shadow bring beauty into prominence.

If your design is effective, it will result in a garden that offers security and respite from worry and provides privacy for contemplation. Create a feeling of great age and antiquity. Display imagination and creativity. Show an understanding of space and movement. Reveal taste and refinement.

Remember, there is no substitute for the "three R's" of garden design: Research, Reflection and Reviewing!

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

Back to index of articles