Angela Gabrielle Bacang

Japanese Gardening Understanding the Art of Japanese Gardening Table of Contents   TABLE  OF  CONTENTS   INTRODUCTION   CHAPTER  1:  JAPANESE  GARDENING  AND  ITS  NATURE   ASYMMETRY  AND  AUSTERITY  AT  ITS  BEST   CHAPTER  2:  ESSENTIAL  ELEMENTS  OF  A  JAPANESE  GARDEN   CHAPTER  3:    TIPS  ON  JAPANESE  GARDENING   CHAPTER  4:  JAPANESE  GARDENING  AS  AN  EXTREME  FORM  OF  ART   CHAPTER  5:  EPITOMIZING  JAPANESE  GARDENS   CHAPTER  6:  PLANTS  FOR  YOUR  JAPANESE  GARDEN   CHAPTER  7:  JAPANESE  GARDENING  TECHNIQUES  THAT  WORK!   CHAPTER  8:  JAPAN’S  EARLIEST  JAPANESE  GARDENS   CHAPTER  9:  GENUINE  BENEFITS  OF  JAPANESE  GARDENING   EFFECTS  OF  JAPANESE  GARDENS   CHAPTER  10:  WHO  IS  HOICHI  KURISU?   CONCLUSION   Introduction Gardening is defined as a practice in horticulture that deals mainly with cultivating and growing vegetation such as flowers, shrubs, trees and other floras. Horticulture, which is a branch of agriculture, also tackles about landscape designing and constructing. In Japan, popularly known as the Land of the Rising Sun, the art of gardening is a big part of the country’s arts and tradition. Based on its history, Japan first acquired most of its artistic principles from China during the Sung Dynasty dating back in the Heian Period. The country later on managed to establish its own artistic claim and originality by taking a wholesome advantage of the elemental features of the environment. At present, Japan retains its image as a nation whose gardens provide a special place for those in search for peace, relief and isolation from another world. Certainly, there are countless people from all over the world who have chosen a career path in gardening or landscape designing. These individuals are labeled as gardeners, designers and artists in their own right for they choose gardening as a passion and primary form of relaxation. We can say that these notable people consider gardening as their comfort zone while a rare few have really taken the initiative to use their expertise to reach out to the community. The good thing about gardening is that the gardener builds a close connection and remains in contact with the organic forms and riches of Mother Nature. For them, gardening serves as an essential part of a daily routine that provides them that gratifying and blissful experience. The truth is Japanese gardening challenges landscape designers to make something out of their craft that would benefit the world at large. The task at hand embraces what we call as a “social purpose.” There is a long range of gardening styles adopted around the world but among those varieties, Japanese Gardening really stands out. In fact, one significant factor that makes Japan well known to other countries is its distinctiveness in terms of its gardens’ design and landscape. Japanese gardening follows an unconventional method of creating gardens that never fail to amaze and mesmerize viewers. However, its objective is not merely to impress but most importantly to strengthen the worth of the human race. This book contains essential facts and information about the gardening standards applied in the Japanese setting. Aside from that, it also furnishes the readers with various insights about the Zen principles and philosophies that bear a strong influence as to how Japanese gardens are built and designed, as well as various tips and techniques of Japanese gardening. This book aims to enlighten the readers about the uniqueness of Japanese gardens and perhaps what they can learn will also enlighten them to try gardening at home using the elements of a Japanese garden. Chapter 1: Japanese Gardening and its Nature If you are seeing a garden whose landscape holds paths evenly lined with trees and stones or lavishly adorned with ornamental plants here and there, you are NOT looking at a Japanese Garden. Traditionally, this is always the picture we expect to unveil before our eyes every time we enter into a garden. Unfortunately, in a Japanese setting, it doesn’t work that way. Asymmetry and Austerity at its best Japanese gardening is all about asymmetry done with meticulousness and careful restraint. Instead of straight lines of trees or flowers of the same hue grouped together, you will find irregular assortment of floras, even buildings, positioned usually in diagonal patterns and in contrast to each other. The nature of Japanese gardening is best manifested through simplicity, tranquility and procreation. It adopts an original style of gardening that favors more on silence. Based on the principle of Zen Buddhism, Japanese gardening is basically meant for meditation. Unlike the usual way of gardening that aims for a show, it targets on giving visitors a serene paradise where they can contemplate in solitude. Although Japanese gardens, just like the others, contain elements of nature such as water, stones, trees, and flowers, these things are mainly designed to be symbolic. For example, sharp stones represent mountain regions; tall trees symbolize longevity; small gravel and pebbles symbolize water or the sea. These symbols, in a way, are replicas of the things that subsist in real life. They could be set to imitate other existing sceneries. The distinctive nature of Japanese gardening is in general devoted to minimalism. This is demonstrated in the way the gardener strictly handles and utilizes flowers. In Japanese gardening style, flowers receive a special regard as a living form. This is again based on Zen philosophy. Here, the essence of flowers must be displayed minimally only within that particular nook in the house that is specifically built just for it—tokonoma. In short, flowers are designed not for embellishments the way people do with bouquets, buttonholes and the like. One more thing: if you wish to create your own Japanese garden in your residence, take note of the requisites. Pruning, for one, is a must when it comes to tending a Japanese garden. Trees, shrubs and flowers require a routine trimming—a technique used to keep the foliage at a minimum. Chapter 2: Essential Elements of a Japanese Garden Japanese gardeners incorporate the elements of water, plants and stones into designing their gardens. This is because Japanese gardening strictly requires the presentation of the natural elements. These elements bear significant symbolic purposes. It is important to take note that Japanese gardens serve as representation of the universe and its components. Japanese people, by nature, are sensitive human beings. When they make their gardens, they always see to it that nature is given value. They pay attention to details and things in the surroundings. Most of all, they hold such a high respect for nature. Bamboo Fence The beautiful façade of the Japanese gardens is made by the use of bamboo fencing. The bamboo gates serve as the barrier that obstructs the view of the world outside. Once you enter the gates of the Japanese gardens, you are secluded from whatever you leave behind. You are deemed to concentrate on the privacy, calmness and quiet of the place as it comforts your inner being. Bamboo, like other trees, signifies long life for it endures even the coldest of winter. The best attribute of the bamboo is its versatility. The material can be used for bridges, furniture and water dripper among others. Winding Pathways The golden rule: Trails and paths should not be built straight. Curved, zigzagging and bending paths are the norms in Japanese gardening for they create an element of wonder and elicit curiosity. If you are traversing through twisting footpaths, you tend to anticipate what awaits you around the bend. Also, according to Japanese belief, zigzag roads keep you safe from bad spirits. Winding paths suggest gaps or breaks where visitor can pause and meditate. They are the precise illustration of asymmetry. Trees Growing trees like maple, pines, bamboo and plum is part and parcel of Japanese gardening. Evergreens and flowering trees like serviceberries could emanate such splendor through the seasons of the year. Trees also form a structure through their leaves and branches and their contrasting colors always add aesthetics to the other elements. Flower-bearing trees can turn a garden into a dream-like wonderland that makes you forget about time. Moss Japanese gardening encourages the growth of moss. Their soft and green presence always looks perfect on stones and moist grounds. Moss also adds a highlight to rocks and ground surfaces. Teahouse and Pavilion Any Japanese garden should have these erections that stand as a private shelter where visitors can experience intimacy. They also provide a wider view of the ponds, lakes and mini islands in the garden. These elements also work well when lighted by stone lanterns. Stones Stones, rocks, gravel, and boulders are the main frameworks of the Japanese garden. They come in different sizes and forms. Other emblems are the sand, pebbles, stone lanterns, pagodas and water basins. Stone lanterns hold a historic edge in the Japanese garden. Lanterns and water basins are always paired together. Their combination exudes an eccentric yet wonderful charm in the landscape. Pebbles, on the other hand, can be used to mimic ponds and lakes in a dry garden. You can use rakes to maintain the gravel and sand patterns. Islands, Hills and Bridges Islands are prominent structures usually placed at the center of lakes and ponds, or at the end of bridges. Bridges are also symbolic of Japanese gardens. They are for purposes of connecting you to the other sceneries. Aside from giving you a wider elevated view of the gardens, man-made hills are specially designed to procreate some legendary or existing mountains. Water and Koi Water dripping from basins, waterfalls, rivers and ponds—these are all elements of water that bring the ideals of a Japanese garden as a pure place (Niwa). The sound of flowing water soothes the mind and soul. Moreover, the water reflections mixed with the attractive colors of the swimming koi fish also give more flavors to the beauty of the garden. Chapter 3: Tips on Japanese Gardening Now, it’s time to create and design your garden in order to turn it into a magical paradise or Zen garden. Since you are already equipped with knowledge regarding the basic elements of a Japanese garden, the next step you must take is to learn about the know-hows of Japanese gardening. It is necessary for you to know the guidelines in order for you to succeed in building a realistic Japanese garden. These six (6) gardening tips will help you achieve that mesmerizing charm only a Japanese garden possesses. 1. Always go for the asymmetric and rebellious—but in a good way—effects when it comes to designing your garden. Make sure you apply the concept of disproportions in a subtle way. For example, get your plants slanting. Instead of growing your plants into a typically horizontal direction, you let them slant a bit towards a certain point. This invites attention and makes your elements and look more natural. 2. As a follow-up to asymmetry, grow shrubs and trees that are extraordinary-looking, contrasting but appealing. Again, bear in mind that Japanese gardens are advocates of the “odd” but fascinating stuff. Flowers or trees having opposing colors look great together. Things that are unusual to the eyes further add a touch of uniqueness and enhance the beauty of the garden. However, it takes meticulous creativity when putting these things in one place. 3. Prune your vegetation on a regular basis. Pruning is very important for your trees and flowers because it is the best way to retain their scale and structure. As a gardener, you must prune your vegetation to ensure that their blooms are at a minimum, typical of the Japanese garden. Plus, you get a chance to somehow change a bit the depth and texture of your plants by trimming their branches. Niwaki is the term used for special pruning technique. 4. Promote the various elements of water. Waterfalls, ponds, fountains, dripping water possess pleasing sounds that entice garden insects and animals like birds, bees, butterflies, and frogs. A garden without these creatures is incomplete. 5. Take advantage of rocks, whether large or small. Rocks are very useful anywhere in the garden. They can also be objects of illusions and mysteries. 6. Add spice! Placing some fancy creatures into your garden is a playful attempt to a little humor amidst the calmness around. Get whimsical but be careful not to exaggerate when you do. Dwarfs and elves statues? Forget it—too trivial! Perhaps some funny stone sculptures, dingdongs, or hand painted glass bottles will do. Chapter 4: Japanese Gardening as an Extreme Form of Art Japanese gardens are already an integral part of the Japanese culture and tradition. Gardening using the Japanese standards is one of the highest forms of art because the gardener will have the ability to discreetly control and influence the elements of nature. Although most of the elements are man-made or just imitation, observers are still made to believe that they are not, that they are features that exist or occur on their own. This is where the artistic forte of the Japanese garden designer comes in. Also, designing your garden should be done based on ancient principles in order to really make it work. One principle that is incorporated into the art of Japanese gardening is the principle of miniaturization (shrinking). Again, let us go back to the ideals that a Japanese garden is a minute reproduction of nature. It tries to imitate in a shrunken form the wider and bigger universe. A very popular manifestation of this principle is the bonsai, or better described as “plants in a container.” And then here comes asymmetry, a principle that best defines what Japanese gardening truly is. Everything you integrate into your Japanese garden must be carefully situated in a divergent manner to make it appear untouched by human hands. Use zigzags, curves and bends in your design instead of balanced rows and straight lines. Disguise is another unique principle comprising the art of Japanese gardening. Japanese gardens conceal the real beauty to encourage observers to look closely and discover for themselves “the hidden beauty.” The beautiful sceneries and features in the garden should be indirectly unfolded before the eyes of the viewers. This is why the elements are mostly designed for the purpose of abstraction and symbolism. The last principle to consider when designing your garden is the principle of “borrowed” scenery, which literally involves borrowing a particular background to make it a part of your garden’s setting. For example, you may borrow the stunning peak of a mountain, making it the backdrop of your Japanese garden. Japanese gardening, as an art, embraces the notion of an idealized landscape, like that of the Garden of Eden, which inspires and soothes your holistic senses. Chapter 5: Epitomizing Japanese Gardens The fame of Japanese gardens has definitely gained momentum as many people around the world, both in Asian and Western countries, have practiced Japanese gardening in their homes. Even Americans put up their own Japanese garden. The best example of this is the Anderson Japanese Gardens established in 1978 in North America. This vast world-famous Japanese garden has been known to be all the more genuine because of its landscape architect—the renowned Japanese designer himself, Hoichi Kurisu. How do we characterize the different Japanese gardens? Of course, gardens are best described according to the governing elements they hold. For instance, the paradise gardens typically consist of an island connected to the shore through an arch bridge. These gardens also depict Buddha sitting on the pond with the lotus flowers. The island, lake, bridge and the Buddhist hall are elements to be found in paradise gardens. The pond gardens (chisen-shoy -teien), on the other hand, are generally comprised of ponds or lakes. There is also a prominent existence of a pavilion where visitors could relish the garden’s atmosphere and surrounding landscape. Elements such as man-made hills, islands, pavilions and other reproductions of the Japanese attractions are the epitomizing features of the strolling-style gardens (Kaiyuushiki). True to its name, these gardens serve as a scenic haven where people can stroll on curving paths bordering a central pond. Another famous type is the Roji or the tea gardens. As its name suggests, these gardens are intended to set the mood for tea ceremonies. And of course, a teahouse is a protruding picture in the landscape. If the prevailing elements of the garden are rocks, gravel and moss-covered sand, you may identify the garden as a Japanese rock garden (Karesansui). The stones and rocks create a solemn atmosphere that alleviates the mind and allows people to meditate. The most famous and the easiest to build Japanese garden that can be found in almost Japanese household is the Tsubo-niwa country garden. This garden does not need a lot of space. The elements you need to have for your own tsuboniwa are water basins, stone lanterns, several paths and/or stepping stones. This particular garden is like a secluded sanctuary nearby your home where you can spend some intimate moments alone with nature by simply viewing it without necessarily entering into it. Now that you know how each prototype of the Japanese garden must look, maybe you would consider about building up your own garden soon, say a tsubo-niwa for a start or whatever works for you. As long as you are aware of the basic knowledge of the aesthetic standards of Japanese gardening, feel free to challenge that artist in you to establish a Japanese-inspired garden. Chapter 6: Plants for Your Japanese Gardens First things first, you must always choose the right plants for your Japanese garden. Flowers, trees and other greeneries are very significant features of a Japanese garden. Your plants do not only contribute to the aesthetic value of your landscape but also stand as representations of nature. It takes an artistic hand and mind to decide where and how to cultivate your plants. Might as well be familiar first with the some of the best plants to nurture in your Zen paradise. Evergreens, Deciduous Trees The Japanese black pine, Himalayan white pine or even the cedar works best in your garden. Not to mention the bamboo which symbolizes not just strength but happiness, too! The good thing about evergreen is that their green components still burst with life and charisma despite the bare winter season when almost everything else around looks grim. Of course, you should never forget to include maples or tulip trees. Besides their charming colors, they are ideal to grow alongside the water elements. Flowers, Colorful Trees We always want a tinge of colors in our gardens. Colors, however, must be played artistically in a Japanese gardening. Tip: Create contrast. Azaleas, camellias, Japanese iris and Japanese maple are great choices that will definitely turn your garden into a magical land whatever the season. Moss Always a sight to see on the ground, moss brings out that delicate texture and soothing green color to the environment. Moss also look wonderful when grown on large stones. The various types of flowers and trees you plant in your Japanese garden are responsible for the tone and character of your landscape. One thing you must remember is giving them your time and utmost care. They are like children; you have to dedicate your patience while catering to their needs so that they will stay healthy. As for plants, always maintain proper pruning and make sure you do it with coordinated technique. At the end of the day, your plants should look as natural and simple, yet captivating, as possible. Chapter 7: Japanese Gardening Techniques that Work! How do you keep your Japanese garden properly maintained? What particular techniques should you use in planting and growing? What are the artistic ways of cultivating your plants? There are several Japanese gardening techniques that successful gardeners and landscape designers have been using for centuries now. These techniques, proven and tested by gardening enthusiasts, are responsible for those Japanese gardens that are recognized for their mesmerizing beauty. This chapter talks about four (4) selected Japanese gardening methods that you can apply to your own plants whether young, developed or fully-grown. • Bonsai – Bonsai in Japanese means “planted in a container.” This method of cultivating plants and trees has been known to be effective and has been practiced by generations a thousand years back. Until now, bonsai plants are very popular and attractive features in a Japanese garden. This gardening technique allows you to restrict the growth of your tree in a tray. If you look at a bonsai plant, all you see is a beautiful miniature version, about several inches or centimeters in height, of a supposedly grown tree. Marvelous, isn’t it? • Ne-arai – The term means “root washed out.” In this technique, you will cultivate only mature plants in a pot and wait until the roots become fullgrown. Once they do, you may remove the plants along with its soil from the pot and then place it on a tray. The purpose of this is to display a plant with its roots exposed. Kokedama – It is a technique that has become a favorite of many florists. Actually, anyone can learn it and it takes no brainer to do so. The concept behind this method of gardening is to wrap a young plant with a coco peat mixed with moss making it look like a moss ball. You must bind • • the wrapped plant with string and that’s it. Yet, the end product is just amazing! Tamamono – It is a highly esteemed gardening technique that literally means “round thing.” Indeed, the concept behind this technique revolves around shaping shrubs into a dome shape or semi-sphere. When pruning, a pair of shears or hand snips are being used. The dome shaped shrubs and their soft appearance provide a pleasing bulk to your Japanese garden. Chapter 8: Japan’s Earliest Japanese gardens It has been mentioned over and over in many textbooks how Japanese people treat their gardens as a work of art. Through time and history, Japanese had managed to emerge from its comfort zone relying on the Chinese model of artistry. Eventually, the Japanese has finally realized the uniqueness of its own culture and noticed the natural bounties of its land, thus, the birth of Japanese gardens. Japanese gardens are easily recognizable simply through their elemental features and the divergent way that the landscapes are designed. Japanese gardening does not follow the conventional; rather, it goes for the extra-ordinary methods that capture the admiration of people from around the world. Certainly, Japan boasts of its numerous legendary Japanese gardens. A few of these utopias were established during the earliest times of Japan. Their rich past holds the story of the beginnings of Japanese gardens in the so-called Land of the Rising Sun. Temple of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) This Paradise garden is home to an ancient wooden pavilion. The garden consists of contrasting elements: plants and trees against raked sand. Formerly, the scenic place was owned by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa dating back in between the 1400s and 1500s. It was later altered to the Zen temple of Jisho-ji following his death. The garden is influenced by Zen philosophy with an emphasis on the principle of contrast among its elements. Ryoan-Ji Zen Garden When we say Zen we are actually referring to a dry garden that has no water elements such as lakes or ponds. The prevailing things of a Zen garden are rocks, stone lanterns, bridges, gravel and sand. There is also some presence of plants and trees whose function is to represent other forms. Zen gardens create a meditative atmosphere. Its primary functions as a quiet and peaceful dwelling place where people can enjoy a private time contemplating about life. The sand areas of the dry gardens are strictly meant to be watched only so as not to disrupt the patterns of the raked sand. Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) Kinkaku-ji is one of the most historical Japanese Gardens in Japan and holds much of Japan’s history in relation to the penetration of China in the country. In the garden is an ancient pavilion whose design is a subtle blend of Japanese and Chinese styles. Although the Golden Pavilion was burned down in 1950, it was immediately replicated in 1955 and has since lingered with additional elements including the tea garden and tea house. These historical gardens of Japan play a significant role in introducing the beginnings of Japanese gardens. Surely, these inventions will not just end up in history books but will linger on through the continual existence of more and more Japanese gardens in the planet. The relics of these gardens have been carried over even to the present times in the face of every stone lantern formed or rocky bridge constructed. Chapter 9: Genuine Benefits of Japanese Gardening Once you gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of Japanese gardening, it becomes easier for you to determine its genuine benefits. Japanese gardening is not just any ordinary form of art. It comes with a responsibility—a responsibility that targets both humanity and the universe as a whole. On the part of the gardener or landscape designer, he knows the obligation that goes with his craft and that is to create a masterpiece in the form of a garden that will help people mentally, physically and spiritually. Most of all, he is deemed not only to uplift a person’s wellbeing but also help preserve the environment. Effects of Japanese Gardens One obvious effect of having Japanese Gardens is peace. People who have had a personal experience in a Japanese garden attain inner peace and calmness. This is because Japanese gardening involves a discipline in the use of elements such as plants, sand or stone, which encourage meditation. Meditation is good for the mind, body and soul. When a person experiences reflective thinking, he sees the quiet and finds peace in it. Simplicity is another effect of Japanese gardens. You can find beauty in simple things. In Japanese gardening, you are taught to appreciate even the simplest and barest forms. Your mind is opened to the fact that there is more to what the naked eye can see. Japanese gardens comfort people’s thoughts and feelings. The result of this soothing effect is happiness. The paradise garden’s serene atmosphere mixed with nature’s beauty relieves people of their worries and even makes them forget about the chaotic world behind. True enough, the Japanese garden, also called the garden of purity, purifies the spirit. In return, we come back to the world with a lighter heart. Art is the tangible effect of Japanese gardening. Due to strict discipline enforced in Japanese gardening, you can also develop your artistic skills while executing the gardening techniques. Your treatment of art will be heightened and this can further fuel your desire to produce more forms of art. Remember that Japanese people are known for their creative imagination. By integrating the art of Japanese gardening into your home, you are in a way influenced by this form of artistry. If you get more adept to the art of Japanese gardening, you will have more opportunities in the future that will allow you to create your own work of art. Your edge will be your familiarization with the universe, its components and usage. Chapter 10: Who is Hoichi Kurisu? The name of noted Japanese gardens designer Hoichi Kurisu would always ring a bell not just in Japan but also in Western countries. Although a native of Japan, Kurisu is now one of the most celebrated landscape designers in the United States. Kurisu is also just one of the many talented Japanese whose skills in Japanese gardening have been utilized in creating beautiful places that will help save both the world and humankind. Kurisu first harnessed his talent in building landscapes when he studied landscape designing and construction under the mentorship of esteemed artist Kenzo Ogata. After finishing his education, he had emerged with his own artistry and had since achieved numerous successes in his field. Kurisu is the founder of Kurisu International, Inc., which he established in 1972. Until this day, his firm continues to make a difference in helping build and design Japanese inspired landscapes in America. Men like Kurisu deserve respect and recognition. His selfless works play a huge contribution in keeping the art of Japanese gardening alive. His artistry will serve as a constant reminder that we can always do our part in preserving our planet in our own little ways. Most of all, Kurisu himself raises the banner of Japan being a country whose people hold a deep compassion and sensitivity to nature. The inventions of Hoichi Kurisu are the soul image of the compelling beauty of an authentic Japanese garden. By observing his life and achievements, one can tell that Kurisu is a humanitarian in his own right whose love for the world has enabled him to pursue a career in landscape designing knowing that it is the best way he can help the world become a better place to live. Conclusion Japanese gardening is more than just a recreational activity done in the garden. It is an extreme form of art that comes with social responsibility. The techniques involved in Japanese gardening allow the gardener to meticulously cultivate living forms such as plants and trees and produce a work of art that would soothe and cleanses even the most troubled mind. Japanese gardens are restricted to contain natural elements like water, trees, plants, stones, sand and other organic matter. All features made out of these elements (i.e. stone lanterns, ponds, islands, bridges) must set the tone or character of the landscape. The bottom-line is to inspire meditation and intuition. The primary purpose of Japanese gardening is to create a refuge for humanity. It provides genuine benefits to an observer’s wellbeing, which includes: peace, happiness, appreciation, and artistry. Japanese gardens are supposed to be solemn, calm and quiet. Japanese gardens are unlike ordinary gardens. Their designs are made with simplicity (minimalism) while the latter are typically lavish in terms of designing or utilizing flowers. Also, Japanese gardens are unique because of the harmonious combination of contrasts and disproportions you can find in the landscape. The Japanese gardening techniques are quite unique and should be meticulously applied to cultivate the flowers, shrubs and trees. One worth mentioning is the shrinking method such as bonsai. These practices are what make Japanese gardening distinct from any other forms of gardening. Japanese gardening should be expansively promoted because it offers lasting benefits. It should also be taught to many people to encourage them to create their Japanese gardens at home. Japanese gardens help make the environment a healthy and happy place to live. They serve as a sanctuary where natural forms are given much regard, care and attention.