Give your outdoor space a holistic upgrade with these ideas inspired by traditional Japanese landscapes.
Drawing from Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist philosophies, Japanese garden design principles strive to inspire peaceful contemplation.
you could even trygrowing bamboo plantsyourself, which are among the fastest-growing plants in the world.
Credit: David McDonald
Grow Evergreens
Low-maintenance Japanese garden design often relies on subtle differences in color and texture.
Here,conifers provide soothing shades of greenfor year-round interest.
Encourage Moss
Moss makes a serene-looking groundcover in moist, shady areas.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
If you might’t grow moss in your space, use another pop in ofgroundcover plant.
Use the structure for entertaining or for viewing the serene landscape.
They can also echo the roofline of a teahouse or covered gate entries, providing a charming continuity.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Here,chartreuse and green hostassurround the base of a tree while variegatedHakone grasssoftens the edge of the bed.
ThisJapanese maplehas an intriguing zigzag branching pattern.
Arching branches reach over the contrasting groundcover and reflect in a nearbypool of water.
Credit: Richard Felber
With a larger space and longer span on the bridge, you could create a more accessible island.
Time for Reflection
This small reflecting pool has a decidedly low-maintenance Japanese garden design feel.
Feed the Fish
A colorful goldfish or koi pond brings hours of enjoyment to Japanese garden design.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Goldfish are hardier than koi, but both types may need to be overwintered indoors in cold climates.
Go with the Flow
The sounds ofmoving waterfrom waterfalls add to the soothing nature of Japanese gardens.
Twowaterfalls and pondspunctuate this stream.Papyrus, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers bring life to the stream edge.
Credit: Richard Felber
Deter Deer Naturally
This clever bamboo equipment is designed tokeep deer outof the garden.
The upper bamboo tube drips water into the larger, lower tube.
The sudden sound can startle deer and scare them away.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Artful Additions
Personal touches in front and backyard Japanese gardens should have connections to nature.
These polished egg-shaped stones arranged in a bowl are a good example.
Backed by thecrimson foliageof a Japanese maple, they take on a sculptural quality.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Stone Streambed
One of the Japanese garden design principles is representation.
Evergreens andferns line the stream, softening its “shoreline.”
Incorporate each of them in a Japanese garden for authentic style.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Japanese garden maintenance is different from other gardens.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Credit: Clint Farlinger
Credit: Jason Wilde
Credit: Mike Jensen
Credit: Michael Jensen
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Credit: Amy Haskell
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Bob Stefko
