Minimalism and nature – these two terms best describe what a Japanese garden looks like. Such an arrangement looks best when certain, specific elements are combined with each other. They consist of: water (ponds or waterfalls), stones reminiscent of rocky areas, vegetation reminiscent of the country of cherry blossoms and characteristic decorations.

How to arrange a Japanese garden depends on your preferences and the budget you can spend on this investment. Classic arrangements are divided into tsukiyama and karesansui. The first one is much more expensive. To create it, you need plants, stones, hills and water in the form of streams and ponds. Another type of garden, the karesansui, does not require the use of water. In its case, gravel, sand and stones reign. They are raked and arranged in such a way as to imitate the rough waves hitting the calm surface of the water.

How to arrange a Japanese garden yourself? If it is possible?

A pagoda or a stone lantern will beautify your Japanese-style garden in no time! It is also worth considering wooden elements – they will provide a dose of elegance and detail. Remember, however, that in Japanese culture, there must be an odd number of originally decorative elements in the garden! Asymmetry reigns in this type of arrangements.

If you can afford a body of water, it will be a good idea to buy koi. These unusual, multi-colored fish will enliven your Japanese garden with their unusual, unique appearance.

What plants to put in a Japanese garden?

The shrubs you should pay attention to are evergreens (but not only!). They are a great choice for molding fancy shapes, and they also have a strong symbolism. The Japanese associate this everlasting green with longevity. Excellent shrubs for the Japanese garden include:

• evergreen privet,
• rhododendron,
• azalea,
• Japanese pieris.

Below are some photos of inspiration for Japanese-style gardens: