The allure of a Japanese garden lies in its ability to evoke feelings of serenity and balance. However, replicating the tranquility of such a garden in the UK requires thoughtful planning and an understanding of the unique climatic conditions. Here are Japanese Garden Planting Ideas suited for the UK climate, along with steps on how to create your own zen sanctuary.
Step 1: Understand the Philosophy
Before you start with the physical work, get acquainted with the Japanese garden’s underlying principles, such as harmony, balance, and tranquility. Aim to replicate these elements while adapting them to the UK’s more temperate conditions.
Step 2: Choose Your Style
Whether you are interested in the tranquility of a Zen garden or the elegance of a Tsukiyama garden, selecting a style that suits both your personal preferences and your garden’s size is crucial.
So what is the difference between Zen gardens and Tsukiyama gardens?
Zen gardens, also known as Japanese rock gardens or karesansui, are minimalist landscapes created primarily with stones, gravel, and sand, with the occasional addition of moss or small shrubs. The main purpose of a Zen garden is to facilitate meditation and reflection. The raked gravel or sand represents ripples on water and is meant to evoke the feeling of tranquility. Zen gardens are associated with Zen Buddhist temples and are designed to aid in Zen practices like meditation. They often lack water features, instead using rocks and carefully raked gravel to symbolise rivers or lakes.
Tsukiyama gardens, on the other hand, are hill gardens that include artificial hills and ponds, and they aim to recreate natural landscapes in more detail. They often feature a diverse array of plants, trees, flowers, and sometimes even waterfalls, streams, and fish ponds. The term “Tsukiyama” refers to the constructed hills that are central to these gardens. Bridges, paths, and stone lanterns are also common elements. Tsukiyama gardens are designed for strolling and viewing, offering changing scenery as one walks through the different paths. These gardens are more about capturing the essence of nature in a variety of forms and often require more space than Zen gardens.
Step 3: Site Selection and Size
Choose a location that aligns with your chosen style. Thankfully, Japanese gardens are versatile and can be adapted to spaces of all sizes.
Step 4: Create a Blueprint
A preliminary sketch outlining the placement of pathways, plants, and other key elements like rocks and water features can serve as a helpful guide.
Step 5: Japanese Garden Planting Ideas for the UK
Japanese Maples
Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are renowned for their delicate foliage and stunning autumn colours, making them a centrepiece in Japanese garden design. In the UK, there are several varieties that are hardy and well-suited to the climate:
1. Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’: This cultivar has rich purple-red leaves that turn a brilliant crimson in Autumn. It’s a robust variety that can handle the UK’s weather.
2. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple): Notable for its striking coral-red young branches that stand out in winter, complemented by yellow leaves in autumn.
3. Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’: A classic variety known for having some of the best autumn colours, with leaves turning a vibrant scarlet.
4. Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’: This is a popular choice due to its deep burgundy leaves that maintain their colour well throughout the growing season, before turning a bright red in the fall.
5. Acer palmatum var. dissectum (Cutleaf or Laceleaf Japanese Maple): These varieties, such as ‘Viridis’ or ‘Crimson Queen’, have finely dissected leaves and a weeping habit, offering a graceful and delicate form.
6. Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’: A lovely variety that starts out with yellow-orange leaves in spring, turning green over the summer, and then golden yellow to orange in autumn.Japanese maples prefer a sheltered spot in the garden to protect their delicate leaves from harsh winds. They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with consistent moisture. In the UK, it’s best to plant them where they’ll receive dappled sunlight or partial shade, as full sun can sometimes scorch their leaves, especially for the more delicate dissectum varieties. Mulching with bark or leaf mould can help retain soil moisture and provide protection during colder months. With their varying shapes and sizes, Japanese maples can be selected to fit any space in a garden, from imposing upright varieties for a bold statement to cascading forms for soft edges and ground cover.
Bamboo
Selecting bamboo for a Japanese garden in the UK involves considering the climate and the desired aesthetic. The UK has a temperate maritime climate, and bamboos suitable for this environment would need to be hardy. Here are a few types that are typically suitable:
1. Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo): This is a popular choice for its hardiness and the golden colour of its culms. It’s a running bamboo, so it will need space or containment measures to control its spread.
2. Fargesia murielae (Umbrella Bamboo): Known for its clump-forming growth habit and hence, does not invade adjacent plantings as vigorously as running bamboos. It’s suitable for smaller gardens or for growing in containers.
3. Fargesia nitida (Fountain Bamboo): Another clumping bamboo, it has a graceful, arching habit and can tolerate shade, making it versatile for different garden areas.
4. Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo): This species is sought after for its striking black culms and can serve as a dramatic focal point. It is also a running type and can be vigorous in growth.
5. Semiarundinaria fastuosa (Temple Bamboo): This bamboo has a more upright habit and can create a dense, elegant screen. It is quite robust and can handle a variety of conditions.When incorporating bamboo into a Japanese garden design, it’s essential to consider their invasiveness. Running bamboos, if not contained (such as with root barriers), can spread rapidly and may become difficult to control. Clumping bamboos are less invasive and might be a more manageable choice for many gardeners. It’s also important to provide adequate drainage as bamboo generally does not like to have “wet feet”, and while they can handle a range of conditions, they tend to prefer a sheltered spot that mimics their natural growing conditions.
Moss
In Japanese gardens, moss is used to convey a sense of age and tranquility, and it thrives in the UK’s damp climate. Moss varieties like Hypnum, Bryum, and Racomitrium can form lush green carpets that complement the garden’s stones and water features. Moss prefers shaded areas with consistent moisture, and it’s often used in UK Japanese gardens to cover the ground under trees, on stones, and beside streams, contributing to a serene and ancient atmosphere.
Pines
Pines are a central element in Japanese gardens, symbolising longevity and endurance. In the UK, it’s important to choose species that can withstand the variable weather, including cold, wet winters and relatively mild summers.
Here are some examples of pines suitable for a UK Japanese garden:
1. Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine): Native to the UK, it’s well-adapted to the climate. Its distinctive orange-brown bark and tall, straight growth habit make it a striking choice.
2. Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine or Black Pine): This is a robust species that can handle a range of soil types and is resistant to urban pollution, making it suitable for different settings within the UK.
3. Pinus mugo (Mountain Pine or Mugo Pine): A dwarf variety, it is ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited. It’s also very hardy and tolerant of pruning, which means it can be styled effectively for a Japanese aesthetic.
4. Pinus parviflora (Japanese White Pine): While not native, it is highly prized in Japanese gardens for its soft, blue-green needles and irregular growth habit. It’s relatively hardy but may require some protection from the harshest winter weather.
5. Pinus wallichiana (Bhutan Pine or Himalayan Pine): This pine has long, drooping needles that create an elegant effect. It’s suited to the UK climate, preferring well-drained soil and full sun.
When selecting pines for a Japanese garden, it’s important to consider not only the hardiness but also the growth habit and maintenance requirements. Pines can be pruned and trained in the niwaki style to create a mature, sculpted appearance that reflects the natural beauty of aged trees in a Japanese landscape. Regular maintenance to remove old needles and manage shape will also help to keep the pines healthy and enhance their aesthetic appeal in the garden.
Azalea – Image: istock@mtreasure
Azaleas
Azaleas are a beloved feature in Japanese gardens, with their vibrant blooms and preference for acidic soils, they can do quite well in the UK with the right care. Here are some suitable azaleas for a Japanese garden in the UK:
1. Rhododendron ‘Geisha Orange’: A compact evergreen azalea that has striking orange flowers. It’s a hardy variety that’s well-suited to the UK climate.
2. Rhododendron luteum (Deciduous Azalea): Known for its highly fragrant yellow flowers, this species is native to parts of Europe and is fully hardy in the UK.
3. Rhododendron ‘Daviesii’: This azalea is a deciduous type with fragrant white blooms and is also hardy in the UK. It can provide a striking contrast when planted among evergreens.
4. Rhododendron ‘Rosy Lights’: Part of the Northern Lights series, which are bred for cold hardiness and have a stunning display of rosy-pink flowers.
5. Rhododendron ‘Hinodegiri’: A popular evergreen azalea for Japanese-style gardens, offering a profusion of small, bright red flowers.When planting azaleas, it’s crucial to ensure they are in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Azaleas prefer a sheltered position away from strong winds and thrive in partial shade, mimicking the dappled light of their natural woodland habitat. It’s also beneficial to mulch around the base of the plants with leaf mould or pine bark to help maintain soil moisture and acidity. With careful selection and appropriate care, azaleas can be a highlight of the garden, offering a spectacular spring display and contributing to the overall tranquility of a Japanese garden setting.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees, or ‘Sakura’, are an iconic element of Japanese gardens and symbolise the transient beauty of life due to their short but breathtaking blooming period.
Here are some cherry trees that can adapt to the UK’s climate and would complement a Japanese-style garden:
1. Prunus ‘Kanzan’: One of the most popular and hardy cultivars with prolific, deep pink double flowers. It’s well-suited to the UK climate and provides a stunning spring display.
2. Prunus ‘Shirofugen’: Offers an impressive floral show with white to blush-pink double flowers that turn to a darker pink as they age. It’s a vigorous and hardy variety in the UK.
3. Prunus ‘Shirotae’ (Mount Fuji): Known for its beautiful white, fragrant blooms and spreading habit. This tree is particularly good for creating shade and has good disease resistance.
4. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’: A columnar cherry that is perfect for small gardens. It has pale pink, semi-double flowers and doesn’t take up much space.
5. Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Winter Cherry): This variety is valued for its ability to flower intermittently through the winter and spring, producing pale pink blooms.
6. Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’: A smaller variety suitable for containers or small gardens, with twisted branches that provide interest throughout the year and white to pale pink flowers in early spring.
When incorporating cherry trees into a Japanese garden, consider their mature size to ensure they have enough space to grow without crowding. Cherry trees prefer well-drained soil and a sunny position to thrive and produce the best blooms. They can be underplanted with low-growing plants like ferns or hostas to create a multi-layered landscape that is typical of Japanese garden design. Annual mulching and feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help maintain their health and vigor. Pruning should be done sparingly and only after flowering to avoid cutting off the next year’s buds.
Hostas
Hostas are excellent for adding foliage interest to a Japanese garden. Thanks to their wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are also relatively hardy and can thrive in the UK’s temperate climate. Here are some hosta varieties that are suitable for creating textural contrast and filling the understory of a Japanese garden:
1. Hosta ‘Halcyon’: This variety has beautiful blue foliage and is known for its slug resistance, which is a great advantage in the UK’s slug-prone climate.
2. Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’: One of the largest hostas available, it can make a real statement with its huge, heart-shaped leaves that are a chartreuse to golden colour, especially when planted in a little bit of sun.
3. Hosta ‘Patriot’: Featuring striking green leaves with white margins, ‘Patriot’ is not only attractive but also vigorous and shade-tolerant.
4. Hosta ‘Frances Williams’: This cultivar has large, blue-green leaves with irregular yellow margins and is another slug-resistant variety.
5. Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’: Ideal for a small garden or container, this miniature hosta has cute, small round leaves and a compact mound-forming habit.
6. Hosta ‘Empress Wu’: Perfect for a bold display, it can grow to a substantial size with dark green, deeply veined leaves.
Hostas are shade-loving plants, and in a Japanese garden, they work well beneath canopy trees like Japanese maples. They prefer a moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. In the UK, they can be susceptible to slugs and snails, so protective measures may be needed. Mulching with organic material can help keep the soil moist and also deter some pests.
The different leaf shapes, sizes, and colours of hostas allow for great versatility in garden design. Their lush foliage complements the more structured elements of a Japanese garden, such as stones and water features, bringing softness and a sense of fullness to the garden’s understory. They can also be used alongside paths or water features to create a sense of continuity and flow within the garden.
Shop the Mixed Variety of Hostas
Japanese Iris
Japanese iris, or “hanashōbu,” flourish in moist, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. They feature large, showy flowers in shades of purple, blue, white, and pink. In the UK, they’re perfect for planting at the edges of ponds or in bog gardens, where they can receive the wet conditions they enjoy. Some suitable cultivars for the UK might include:
• ‘Rose Queen’: With elegant rose-pink blooms, this variety adds a soft colour palette to the garden.
• ‘Variegata’: Its variegated foliage and deep blue-purple flowers provide dual interest.
• ‘Kumoinogan’: Known for its large white flowers with a yellow centre, adding a bright focus.Ferns
The damp, mild climate of the UK is ideal for many fern species, which thrive in the shade and moist soil conditions. Ferns bring a delicate, prehistoric beauty to the garden with their fronds and can be used effectively around water features or in shady corners to create a naturalistic setting.
Some ferns that work well in a Japanese garden setting include:
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern): This native fern is robust and has shuttlecock-shaped tufts of deciduous fronds that unfurl in a captivating display.
Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern): It’s evergreen with soft, feathery fronds and can provide year-round interest.
Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern): Valued for its striking silver and burgundy variegated fronds, it can bring light to shaded areas. (pictured above)
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern): A majestic fern that can grow quite tall and prefers wetter conditions, perfect near a pond or stream.
Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra), is an ornamental grass that is valued for its graceful, arching habit, and vibrant foliage that can range from bright green, to golden yellow, and even reddish hues. It’s particularly effective when planted in groups or as a soft border along pathways, and it sways beautifully with the slightest breeze, adding movement to the garden. It thrives in partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. The most well-known variety is Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, with its striking variegated leaves.
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass) can be a striking addition to a Japanese Garden. The deep red tones of its leaves contrast beautifully with the usual greens of traditional Japanese gardens, adding a bold splash of colour without overpowering the serene atmosphere. Red grasses like this can create a dynamic focal point, especially when placed against the backdrop of rocks or water features. In pots, they can be easily positioned to enhance different areas or to define borders, offering both flexibility and visual interest.
Image: @nataliehora
Step 6: Incorporate Other Elements
Stones and Rocks
These are essential in any Japanese garden, serving as the structural foundation. Below a meticulously crafted stream takes centre stage, bordered by an array of natural stones and pebbles that accentuate the garden’s serene atmosphere. These stones, varying in size and hue, form a textured tapestry that guides the water along its gentle flow.
An elegantly arched wooden bridge, stained in a warm, inviting hue, crosses over the stream, linking the landscape’s elements harmoniously.
The bridge not only adds architectural interest but also serves as a vantage point to admire the waterfall that feeds the stream, enhancing the tranquil soundscape of the garden.
Surrounding this water feature, the lush greenery and neatly maintained shrubs complement the rugged beauty of the stones, while a stone pathway invites exploration, further integrating the natural and crafted elements of this peaceful retreat.
Water Features
This stone water basin, or ‘tsukubai’, is a fundamental element in Japanese gardens, serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose. It is traditionally used in tea gardens where guests cleanse their hands and mouths before the tea ceremony, symbolising the purification of the spirit. The basin’s simple, rustic appearance, often carved from a single stone, evokes a deep connection to nature.
In the setting below, the tsukubai is thoughtfully placed among pebbles and accompanied by ferns, enhancing its natural look. The stillness of the water reflects the surrounding foliage, creating a contemplative point that invites visitors to pause and reflect, contributing to the garden’s tranquility.
Implementing such a feature in a Japanese garden provides a focal point that draws in wildlife and creates a microcosm of the natural world.
It embodies the concept of ‘wabi-sabi’, finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence, as the water level changes and the stone weathers over time, offering a dynamic yet serene experience that changes throughout the seasons.
Garden Structures
Incorporate lanterns, pagodas, or even a simple torii gate for added authenticity.
Pagodas are architectural elements traditionally found in the historic gardens of Japan, often serving as a symbol of spiritual significance, representing the five elements of Buddhist cosmology. In a Western interpretation for a Japanese-style garden, such as those suitable for the UK, pagodas add a vertical dimension to the landscape and can act as a central point around which the garden is arranged.
The stone pagodas shown in these images bring a sense of calm and groundedness to the garden. The first, with its grey tones and multiple tiers, reaches upward, drawing the eye and creating a sense of height and grandeur amidst the soft textures of the surrounding greenery. The second, with a whiter finish and gold accents, offers a more decorative, ornate quality that can stand out as a feature among darker foliage or in a more open, gravelled area.
Both structures can be used to create depth, to serve as a focal point in a vista, or to mark a transition within the garden—perhaps between the more manicured space and the wilder, natural areas. These pagodas need little maintenance, and as they weather over time, they will blend even more harmoniously with the garden, contributing to the wabi-sabi aesthetic of beauty in imperfection and impermanence.
Step 7: Installation and Maintenance
Begin with the installation of rocks, pathways, and water features. Then, proceed with planting based on your Japanese Garden Planting Ideas suited for the UK. Maintenance will involve seasonal pruning, cleaning, and care.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Space
Once all elements are in place, it’s time to enjoy the harmony and peace your garden offers.
FAQ’s
What are the three Essential Elements of a Japanese Garden?
Japanese gardens are serene spaces that reflect the philosophy and aesthetics of Japanese culture, focusing on harmony with nature. Three essential elements that are commonly found in these gardens are:
1. Water (Mizu): Water is considered the lifeblood of a Japanese garden, symbolising purity and fluidity. It can be present in various forms, such as ponds, streams, or even as subtle as a stone basin (tsukubai) for a more meditative space.
2. Rocks and Stones (Ishi): Rocks are the skeletal structure of the Japanese garden. They are often placed strategically to represent natural landscapes like mountains or islands, or to serve as pathways or stepping stones (tobi-ishi) across water features.
3. Plants (Shokobutsu): Vegetation in Japanese gardens is chosen for its seasonal changes and is often used to symbolise natural elements. Typical plants include evergreens, which represent endurance and longevity, and flowering trees and shrubs like cherry blossoms and azaleas, which signify the transient nature of life.These elements are integrated in a way that each component complements the other, creating a miniature natural landscape that invites contemplation and tranquillity.
What are the Basic Rules in the design of a Japanese Garden?
Creating a Japanese garden involves adherence to several key principles that capture the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. Here are some of the basic rules to consider when designing a Japanese garden:
1. Asymmetry (Fukinsei): Embrace asymmetry to achieve balance and harmony. This principle is rooted in the concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Asymmetry makes the garden appear more natural and less contrived.
2. Simplicity (Kanso): Avoid clutter. A Japanese garden should be simple and natural. Use a minimal number of elements to create a tranquil and clean space. This simplicity helps to highlight the inherent beauty of each component.
3. Enclosure (Miegakure): Use strategic placement of garden elements like fences, gates, bamboo, or plantings to create intrigue and partially hide views. This encourages exploration and discovery within the garden.
4. Borrowed Scenery (Shakkei): Incorporate existing, surrounding landscapes into the design of the garden. This can include views of distant mountains, hills, trees, or other elements that are outside the garden but contribute to the overall sense of harmony and continuation of nature.
5. Symbolism (Yugen): Use elements that suggest a deeper meaning or evoke a sense of the profound and mysterious. Water, rocks, and plants are not just decorative but are symbols for natural entities and philosophical ideas.
6. Water Features: Include elements of water, whether it’s a pond, stream, or waterfall, which add a dynamic and refreshing component to the garden. If actual water cannot be used, it can be symbolized by raked gravel or stones.
7. Paths and Bridges: Create paths that lead visitors through the garden, offering them a journey through the landscape. Bridges over water features represent crossing from one world into another and add aesthetic and symbolic value to the garden.By adhering to these principles, a Japanese garden can serve as a peaceful retreat that offers a deep connection to nature and a space for reflection.
How to Create a Japanese Garden on a Budget?
Creating a Japanese garden on a budget can be a rewarding project that brings a sense of peace and natural beauty to your outdoor space. Here are some tips on how to achieve this without breaking the bank:
1. Plan Your Design: Start by researching and sketching your design. Focus on simplicity and natural beauty, which are key elements of Japanese gardens. Decide on a few essential features rather than trying to include too many elements.
2. Use Local Materials: Instead of importing expensive stones or plants from far away, use local materials. For rocks and stones, visit construction sites, local quarries, or landscape suppliers for deals or leftovers. Choose native plants that can mimic the appearance of traditional Japanese garden plants to reduce costs and maintenance.
3. DIY Where Possible: Labour can be a significant cost in garden design. Doing the work yourself, such as clearing the area, laying paths, and planting, can save a lot of money. There are many tutorials online that can guide you through the processes of constructing features like bamboo fences, stone paths, or small ponds.
4. Focus on Key Elements: Instead of fully modeling a traditional Japanese garden, focus on a few key elements:
• Rocks and Stones: These are essential in Japanese gardens. Arrange them thoughtfully according to size and shape to create natural scenery.
• Water Feature: Instead of an expensive pond or waterfall, consider a simple bamboo water spout that drips into a small basin or even a pre-formed pond liner.
• Plants: Choose a mix of evergreens, ferns, and mosses. Many can be started from cuttings or bought as small, less expensive specimens that will grow over time.
• Paths and Bridges: Create paths with gravel or recycled stepping stones. If a bridge is desired, simple wooden designs are often sufficient and can be very affordable if made from common materials.
5. Recycle and Repurpose: Look for recycled materials from garden clearances, online marketplaces, or community exchanges. Old tiles, bricks, and wood can be repurposed into garden paths, edging, and other features.
6. Minimalist Approach: Japanese gardens often emphasise minimalism. A simple, uncluttered garden with a few well-placed elements can evoke more tranquility than a crowded, elaborate space.
7. Seasonal Changes: Incorporate plants that provide visual interest across different seasons, such as cherry blossoms for spring, Japanese maples for autumn, and evergreens for winter.
By focusing on simplicity, using local and recycled materials, and doing much of the work yourself, you can create a beautiful Japanese garden that is both affordable and tranquil.