CAPTURING THE TRADITIONAL STYLE OF JAPANESE WATER GARDENS


Japanese water gardens, built in the traditional style of a Tsukiyama Garden originating in Japan, often aim to make a smaller garden appear larger than it is. This is typically achieved by blocking out surrounding buildings with vegetation while maintaining a clear view of the mountains in the distance. If done properly, this method creates the illusion that the mountains are actually part of the garden landscape.

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In Japan, garden making is considered a high art, akin to the arts of calligraphy and ink painting. Traditionally, the art of garden making was passed from sensei to apprentice through oral transmission. Much like other arts from Japan, the teachings were considered somewhat secretive and not to be shared with outsiders.

Formal Pond Kits

Building a Japanese Inspired Water Garden

Aside from the aforementioned aesthetic differences, the same basic principles of pond building apply to Japanese-inspired water gardens. For more information on building a pond from start to finish, please see our guide entitled 'Building a Pond'.

The Use of Water

An important element in Japanese water gardens is that the water appears natural, as if it could be found in nature. This is why fountains are typically not part of a traditional Japanese water garden. Streams are usually built to twist and wander, much like a natural stream would.

Stones

Stones are an important feature. They are often used to build paths and bridges throughout the garden. Additionally, stones are sometimes used to represent mountains if no clear view of real mountains is available.

Plants

In terms of vegetation, green plants are crucial to a Japanese-inspired water garden. Traditionally, the use of green tones in Japanese art was considered attractive, and this is mimicked in Japanese gardens with green plants. Flowering trees and shrubs are also used to provide a splash of color.

Koi Fish

The presence of Koi fish is another commonly recognized attribute. While not necessary to classify a garden as a Japanese water garden, Koi can add an authentic Japanese flavor to your pond landscape. For more information on Koi fish or how to build a Koi pond, please check back soon for more content, which is currently in development.

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A natural looking environment
created using stones, water
and plants.

Building a Japanese Inspired Water Garden

Aside from the aforementioned aesthetic differences, the same basic principles of pond building apply to Japanese-inspired water gardens. For more information on building a pond from start to finish, please see our guide entitled 'Building a Pond'.

Equipment

For more information on the various pieces of equipment needed to maintain a healthy pond, please visit our pages on Pond Pumps, Pond Filters, Pond Liners, Pond Skimmers, and Pond Lighting.

Choosing Plants

Since plants are an integral part of Japanese Water Gardens, you might want to read our page on Pond Plants, which outlines the various categories of pond plants available. For more information on how to 'plant' water plants into a pond, have a look at our page entitled 'How to Water Garden'.

Waterfalls

A waterfall would be considered a welcome addition to a Japanese inspired water garden if the waterfall looked like it could exist in nature. For more information on building a waterfall, read our page on Pond Waterfalls.

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photo credit: Stan Shebs