I love
botanical gardens. In fact, I try to visit local botanical gardens whenever I travel somewhere new. I have not been that lucky lately....let's just say that the four of us can't seem to agree on how to spend our time when we travel. My favorite part of a botanical garden is the Japanese Garden Section....if there is one
It usually has Koi fish
A Pagoda structure
A bridge leading....somewhere
Interesting structural shapes
Fantastic composition
and stunning moss. I think I can incorporate some of this loveliness into my garden this year....I'm just not sure where or how..any ideas?
19 comments:
A Japanese Maple tree is a lovely way to start...and you know a koi pond (we have two)is uber fun and japanese. By the way if you are ever in Chicago...we have an amazing botanical garden with a wonderful Japanese garden!!
Oh, you are reading my mind ... I have been dreaming about gardens this past weekend. I am done with the cold ... I need a design ... i have a lot to learn. Look forward to your sharing your vision and design!! I agree with Emily ... we planted a Japanese Maple tree last year and it is beautiful!
Great pics indeed! I love Japanese culture and nature! So this post was an eye candy to me.
This is so lovely, I can't wait to see what you do in your own garden. Loving that zigzag walkway. Maybe you could do version of that on land to create a zen pathway.
I agree with Kelly that a version of the walkway would look great. I've always wanted a pond with koi fish... maybe someday!
These are beautiful gardens...my fave is the fifth one. Small koi pond perhaps? Koi are pretty expensive though aren't they? I agree you could definitely do some kind of walkway.
You should come visit me in Victoria!! Have you been to Butchart Gardens? http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Gorgeous gardens! I always have a thing for Japanese botanical gardens, the pagoda, the bridge, the koi fish, I love everything about them. There is a beautiful Japanese garden in Illinois, it's truly stunning! Have you been there before?
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
These are stunning pictures. Your camera is very good. I love the serenity of a Japanese garden apart from the colors and how pristine and lush it always is.
Perhaps you could start with an interesting path and some unusual plantings.
Gorgeous pictures of gardens. If you ever get a chance, Buschardt Gardens on Victoria Island off of Vancouver is amazing.
I need to get back to Chicago...I love it there.
I would love to get to Victoria...and meet you! Oh, one day....I'm going to check it out, thanks.
Oh Canada...feeling like it need to be in my future.
St. Louis has beautiful Japanese Gardens. I am turning part of my red sand shaded backyard into a Japanese garden. Instead of blowing red sand, I now have a rock garden with a waterfall running over stone into a gravel filled "pond". Virtually no maintenance except keeping it filled with water. It looks very natural. I used mugho pine, nandina of all varieties, and azaelias along with blue rug juniper and other spreading evergreens, various grasses, bamboo in a container set into the ground so it can't take over, and Japanese maples of various varieties. I lost all mine in the drought last year, so I am also going to go with some native varities like sand cherries to get that dark purple-red foliage that will survive a drought. I have a weeping peach with its dark leaves too, and used Powis Castle artemisia to fill in large empty spaces and provide contrast, although I have to cut it back. Lots of German and Japanese Iris provide seasonal color and the spiky leaves look great. I added peonies, variegated leaf iris, and perennials with bright leaf color that do well in shade or part sun, and am going to cover everything else up with pea gravel creating a natural looking dry stream that also serves as drainage. Every place grass won't grow, I am adding a bed with a different concrete lantern or focal point. Mums provide fall color. Very easy to maintain and I absolutely love it!
I would love to see pictures of your garden, if you ever want to share?
LInda, these images are so beautiful! I love Japanese gardens...I got here from Centsational Girls link party today! yay!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
I just learned that the zig-zag bridge is an important element. It keeps evil spirits away because it confuses them and they are unable to cross it, according to Japanese lore.
I have always loved Japanese gardens. I love walking around them admiring the plants. Despite looking so simple, they can create the illusion of space. I would totally enjoy watching the Koi fish swim and see the water’s reflection on the ceiling and watch it move. For me, a Japanese garden is filled with curiosity and wonder.
Shona Martinez
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