Japanese Gardening

A Brief History of Chinese and Japanese Civilizations
This full-color introductory text emphasizes cultural history while also covering political and economic history. Each major Chinese dynasty, Japanese Shogunate, or other discrete period is covered in a separate, brief chapter. Encounters with the West (beginning in the 16th century) are also extensively covered.

A Japanese Touch for Your Garden

A Japanese Touch for Your Home
Walmart.com - Everyday Low Prices

Art of Bonsai: Creation, Care and Enjoyment
As this book proves, however, the creation and care of bonsai form a comparatively simple art which can be systematically taught and learned. Given a reasonably green thumb, a modicum of patience, and the knowledge contained in this volume, anyone in any country can create bonsai and easily apply the few matter-of-fact rules necessary to keep a finished bonsai in healthy and vigorous condition for generations.

Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Japanese Miniture Tree Growing
Walmart.com - Everyday Low Prices

Bonsai of the Month
The venerable and ancient art of bonsai is especially valuable in a world where trees are becoming precious. This practice of cultivating favorite plant varieties into living, growing works of art brings contemplative beauty that transforms the spirit and soothes away stress. Give them a garden of bonsai beauty with our monthly bonsai series for a meaningful gift. Choose from 3, 6, or 12 months, and we'll send a different variety automatically to grace their home or office with intrinsic splendor

Bonsai School
It's big and beautiful, and the only course you need to cultivate bonsais successfully. From the author of the acclaimed "Bonsai for Beginners," this comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructional guide covers the basics and way beyond. One step at a time, he helps gardeners develop the necessary skills to create and maintain a beautifully shaped miniature potted tree. Everything imaginable is here, from choosing a suitable plant to wiring, pruning, and aging techniques, and finally expert tips on care.

Bonsai with Japanese Maples
With their delicate foliage, seasonal color changes, and intricate pattern of branching, Japanese maples are among the most popular and suitable plants for bonsai design. In this long-awaited book, internationally renowned expert Peter Adams discusses both the specific horticultural needs of Japanese maples as bonsai subjects and illustrates proven techniques for creating and maintaining beautiful specimens.

Choosing and Growing Bonsai
Bonsai are both eye-catching and extremely popular--and this directory of more than 80 trees details their characteristics and explains how to look after them to get the best results. With stunning photography, and detailed instructions for choosing and growing a plant, it's ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts alike. There's advice on essential tools and getting started, on maintaining trees throughout the year, and on solving such frequently encountered problems as dropped or browning leaves. Techniques for nurturing and styling your plant will help you make to make the most of this horticultural art form, and guarantee that your tree stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Jade Bonsai in Water Garden
Jade Bonsai in Water Garden

Back to Gardening Home

Translate This Page:

The Tranquility And Beauty Of Japanese Gardens

by Joe Goertz

When I think about Japanese gardens, I think about the bonsai trees - tiny trees that dot almost every Japanese garden you'll find. I personally love them. I also think about Zen Buddhism and the impact it has on these beautiful gardens. Nearly every Japanese garden I've ever seen has been done with a Zen or Zen-like theme. The Zen theme in Japanese gardens is everywhere and not just in the garden itself. Homes with Japanese gardens often have a Zen theme as well. It's easy to feel like you're in Japan itself when walking through such a garden.

I personally became fascinated with Japanese gardens from the moment I saw one. I remember the event very clearly. It was back when my mother was working in an international language school. A colleague of hers - a Japanese professor - had spent a lot of time in Japan and had picked up many of their customs. One particular custom he developed was that of having and keeping up a wonderful Japanese garden.

My first experience with his Japanese garden was when the Japanese professor had some people over to his home and I was one of the lucky ones he invited. I took one look at his tiny Japanese garden and I was completely hooked. At the time, I really had no idea what it was. I didn't even know it was an Asian-themed garden. I just liked how neat and delicate it was. The garden was spotlessly clean and I remember being frightened about entering it and not wanting to walk along the stone path through the garden. I was afraid I would disturb the beauty and peacefulness of this amazing garden.

I think the professor must have noticed how enamored I was by his garden. He came up to me and carefully explained to me what the garden was and why it was meant to be so peaceful and tranquil. He told me that I was looking at a Japanese garden and helped me understand that certain characteristics defined what a Japanese garden was all about. He even showed me his precious bonsai trees and explained the features of each one to me. Then he showed me his magnificent pond, complete with Koi fish swimming in it. He explained that Koi fish were actually Chinese fish but that they added to the prosperity of his otherwise completely Japanese-themed garden.

After only a couple of hours, I went from someone who hadn't even heard about Japanese gardens to someone completely fascinated by how simplistic, beautiful and tranquil they are. I really learned the meaning of Japanese gardens that day. In fact, as you may imagine, I have my very own Japanese garden that I tend to on a daily basis. Without the patience of that kind professor, I wouldn't have such a beautiful garden today.

About the Author

Read more from this author at: myoutdoor-magazine.com

¬ Back To Top