Garden Design for Small Spaces

Japanese Gardens There is a mystique about the gardens of Japan, but don't let that put you off. The reality is that their garden rules and concepts just haven't been translated into English yet, and anything in an unintelligible script seems mysterious. Fortunately, when I was in Kyoto, I found a huge book by a master Japanese gardener, translated into good English. It has all the tricks, the rules, the design possibilities. There are many, and they are not mysterious. The philosophy behind their gardens is another matter. While one can understand the designs, the religious and emotional underpinnings are complex and heavy. Ancient Chinese river gorges with huge boulders randomly thrown about by the force of spring flood waters is, I think, the guiding design behind the seemingly random placement of and fascination with rocks. Interesting rocks are common in both Chinese and Japanese garden design. However in Japan, rocks, trees and plants each have an animistic soul and energy that comes from the early Shinto religion. Buddhist thought determines the form of complex Zen temple gardens, which are paths into the realm of the spirit. Other elements are purely practical. Behind some palace design was also the need for security from attacking warriors . For instance, the white stones surrounding the houses of rulers was there to outline anyone trying to sneak in at night. Only people who grew up in Japan's culture can appreciate these many multiple levels of their gardens. However, that doesn't prevent us from borrowing their beautiful, beguiling designs. The essence of the Japanese garden is natural forms, irregular design, harmony and peace. They are a whole landscape brought into a private space. (Think bonsai trees.) All of nature should be visible in one instant. Japanese gardens are small... even tiny. You can easily create such a space in your garden. Start with the western corner, and plant a Japanese red maple (Acer palmatum atropurpureum). The late afternoon sun will shimmer red through the leaves. Place a seat to warm yourself in the setting sun ... a flat rock or a stone-slab bench is quite traditional. To keep the garden peaceful, it should be mostly green, using ground covers, ferns, azaleas and small-leafed rhododendrons. Interweave the foliage textures. Japanese gardens are very restrained and minimal, so have only one plant variety flowering at any time, and not too many of them. Underfoot use stepping stones in a 3-2-3-2 pattern. Ideally, surround them with round river stones, but crushed stone, mulch, or ground cover will do fine. Add some interesting large rocks, half buried in the ground. Finally, to give a sense of privacy and repose, add a low screen of lacy shrubs or an open delicate fence. The traditional fence is criss-crossed bamboo stocks lashed together.

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