A Touch of Zen With Japanese Landscaping

We stumbled on this photo essay on Japanese gardens and, after basking in the beauty, asked ourselves what it is about the Japanese style that’s so appealing?

Part of it has to do with Japan’s national culture. Japan is an island and for much of its history kept to itself, so they became experts at making a lot of beauty happen in a very small space. Then, too, oriental philosophies emphasize harmony with nature, so they gently coax the Earth to produce it’s own order instead of imposing human order onto nature. And finally, in Japanese aesthetics the emphasis is on tranquility above all else.

Here’s another great link on an important tip on Japanese landscaping by using background scenery. Here is a fantastic write-up on the Japanese gardens of nobility. And a catalog of Zen gardens, just for the inspiration value.

Tags: Japanese Landscaping, Zen gardens
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Evolution Of Landscape Gardening

Garden landscaping has been around for a long, long time. Ancient Greek gardens, ancient Egyptian gardens and of course the “hanging gardens of Babylon” bear ample testimony to this.

In ancient times, geometric patterns and formal garden design, dominated most landscapes. It was symbolic of man’s dominion over nature. Here, form, which indicates symmetry, alignment and order, takes precedence; and so plants were placed in an orderly manner, highlighting this “picture perfect” approach to gardening.

Later, in the 1700’s, the informal gardening style began its ascent to popularity. With this came the more natural, cottage gardens which appealed not just to the person’s intellect but to his heart. Some even considered the beginning of cottage gardens (with its rustic roots), to be a reactionary rebellion against the ruling classes of the time.

Now the trend is shifting to a minimalist gardening style. This is possibly due to the time constraints that you and I are faced with, in today’s busy world. Or perhaps it is because we prefer understatement, to ostentation and showmanship.

Also, today, travel has opened our eyes to the Japanese gardening concept, which some home-owners prefer to adopt, when landscaping their garden.

No matter what style or theme you choose when designing your garden, it is apparent that landscape gardening has evolved considerably over the years, and will continue to do so, to meet the changing tastes and needs of man.

Tags: home garden landscaping, Japanese Landscaping, Landscaping Ideas
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