Japanese gardens are places of relaxation, creativity and meditation. They are an art form, and like all art, individual expression is necessary.
CLICK HERE to see examples of the various Japanese Gardens we have come in contact with.
What Is A Japanese Garden?
In my opinion, a Japanese garden is a refined, aesthetic living space influenced by both nature and art. Japanese principles and aesthetics can be applied to gardens all over the world.
The degree to which emphasis is placed on creating a natural look or an abstract, artistic look depends on the individual garden designer. There is no correct answer, but I believe a balance of the two is ideal.
I have spent a lot of time in Japan observing, studying, and even working in gardens and I have found one thing in common, that there is no one characteristic that makes a garden inherently Japanese. They are living, forever changing, works in progress. Of course the design is important, but the ongoing maintenance and understanding/experience with traditional techniques is also essential.
The garden’s simplistic beauty thrives because of its place within its natural surroundings. There are some “perfect” ones outside of Japan that really are works of art, but Serene Gardens is trying to spread this Japanese art form and its aesthetics to the average home. One of the greatest things we can learn from this tradition and Japanese culture is how to create our own serene garden and relaxing sanctuary at home.
At Grand Island Serene Gardens two modern Japanese garden designers in the Kansai area, Furukawa Motokazu and Ogino Toshiya, have very much influenced our garden designs in particular. In Fukui, I have apprenticed with and am still a student of a traditional Japanese garden designer and builder named Fujiwara Masatoshi. After studying under them I have realized the importance of using materials native to your particular area. The blending of tradition with one’s own creative energies will be the greatest form of self-expression and beauty.
A respect for tradition is essential, but the desired outcome should not be a replica of a traditional garden. A Japanese garden should be both relaxing and stimulating.
Visit our other pages here to see our experiences in famous Japanese gardens in Japan and abroad. We also offer Japanese gardening tips, commonly used plants, our design gallery etc.
