The love story of the Japanese Garden is told by the elements which create its romance. These gardens represent a romantic philosophy that is unique and whole. It captures the soul by staying true to nature leaving out artificial elements.
To begin the story, the element of Space is essential to the Japanese gardener. Elegantly placed open spaces "define the elements around it ...and it is defined by elements surrounding it". The partnership of stone and plant life are beautifully expressed as the stone adds the magnificence of strength and represents the unchanging permanence of life. Trees, shrubs and perennials reflect the moods and changing seasons, with dramatic color.
Stones are particularly significant as they provide the very foundation of your garden and give you something to build upon. They are used as focal points, along the pathways symbolizing the important aspects to the journey of life. Stones are also frequently used in other forms such as gravel or sand and are groomed by rakes in fluid motions giving the illusion and representation of water.
Another beautiful element of Japanese gardens is how they embrace the unique features of the landscape, allowing you to fully appreciate the richness of each characteristic; this is called "borrowed scenery". Whether it is a tree towering over your fence, a rolling hill in the distance or a beautiful creek in view of your garden, this feature allows your garden to reveal its story, and enhances your gardens experience. Incorporating the borrowed scenery is also a subtle reminder of the inter connectedness of all things.
The sight and sounds of moving water reminds one of the passing of time, the bridge so commonly seen, are used in the gardens as they represent a crossing over into a new realm.
The intimacy of these gardens is also cherished, to ensure this effect, the garden must be sealed away from the outside world making it a secluded and giving it a somewhat mystical effect. Ideally, one should only see a hint of what magic lies behind the fence or gate. Small openings from the outside provide the allure to know what is on the other side. To view the garden, is to lose ones self in it and become a part of it.
The Japanese associate their gardens to the story of life, a beautiful concept don’t you think?
By: Laurie Patten