Tuesday 20 December 2011

What Is A Japanese Garden?

Most people have heard of a Japanese garden before, and many have even seen one, either in real life or in photographs, but do you know what a Japanese garden actually is? Originally, they were created to express belief in Buddhism and Taoism, by replicating the mountainous regions in which these religions flourished, but these days they are more about focusing contemplation within an individual.

Typically, Japanese gardens will have a “home” at their centres. This is where the garden is supposed to be viewed, or is viewed best. Japanese gardens also include particular elements, such as: water (whether that is real or symbolic), a bridge or stepping stones over the water, rocks or stone arrangements, a lantern (they are typically made of stone), a Japanese teahouse or pavilion, and something to enclose the area (like hedges or fences).

Japanese Gardens Melbourne
A Karesansui Garden, also known as a “dry landscape”, is the only garden in the Japanese style that does not include water. Instead, raked gravel or sand will simulate the feeling of water. Mosses and small shrubs are planted amongst the rocks and sand to represent ponds or islands, as well as many other real life elements.

A Tsukiyama Garden is one that aims to make a small area appear much larger and more spacious. This Japanese style uses shrubs to hide buildings and other man made constructions, turning the focus instead onto the natural and living elements of the garden.

And, finally, a Chaniwa Garden is one that is built for holding tea ceremonies, which are very important in the Japanese culture. This is why traditional Japanese gardens will include a pavilion of some kind, so that people may go there whenever they wish to complete ceremonies.

All types of Japanese gardens are beautiful and evoke a sense of peace, tranquility and wellbeing, making them a perfect choice for homes or workplaces that experience a lot of stress, such as doctor’s surgeries.

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