How To Choose Japanese Water Garden Theme Plants
Japanese water gardens have tradition steeped in history, based on the Buddhist beliefs that a water garden represented paradise on earth. The idea started during the Heian period (785-1184) and continued until Zen Buddhism exerted its beliefs upon the Japanese population.
During the Zen Buddhist era there were some notable changes, predominantly with the amount of water used in the design of the gardens. The Japanese water garden designers used a systematic, precise and methodical approach to designing aesthetically pleasing water and water feature combinations, unparalleled by any other society on earth. The whole concept was one based around the flow, direction and placement of boulders.
The affect of the Zen philosophy was apparent in the change that took place in the designing of Zen Japanese water gardens. Entire mountain ranges were now being depicted with small rocks. The use of water was replaced by the use of raked sand to represent water instead. Trees too were replaced by rocks and forests by flowers in an attempt to create a meditative environment.
Japanese water gardens are gaining popularity in the western world due to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere these gardens bring with them. Modern day Japanese gardens incorporate many additional landscape features, including eight narrow wooden bridges. Focal points are created by strategically placing lanterns, stands and different rocks within the Japanese water garden.
Moss is commonly used in Japanese water gardens as a means of representing the ancient poetic traditions of Japanese culture.
The two major seasons, spring and fall are traditionally marked by the choice of plant used. Spring will typically see the use of cherries, azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.
For those gardeners with soil that has a high pH, pruned box and privet are good choices. The fall period is typically depicted by using species with bright colourful leaves such as Acers and Japanese maples.
When selecting the choice of aquatic plants to use in the Japanese water garden select from the Japanese Iris (iris kaempferi), Kuwai (Sagittaria trifolia) and any other horticultural form of water lily plants.
At the side of the pond the following plant choices are good options: On the poolside: Astilbes, Acorus gramineus, Horsetail reed (Equisetum), Iris laevigata, Ligularia, Petasites japonicus and Primula.
There are many different landscape features that you can use including stone lanterns, water spouts, bamboo water features, stepping stones and zigzag bridges. Tradition has it that by crossing over water using these zigzag bridges or stepping stones you can not be harmed by evil spirits. Every object in a Japanese water garden has its symbolic significance and perhaps the most important of these is the container of water like the Bachi at which you must cleanse yourself before entering the teahouse.
Aquatic Pond Plants Suitable For The Japanese Water Garden Theme
The Norfolk reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the best as it readily mops up excess nutrients in the pond water as well as adding much needed oxygen to the water. This species of plant is classified as an oxygenator plant and has leaves that are submersed below water, ensuring that any oxygen produced by photosynthesis, is released into the pond water before escaping into the air.
Other popular aquatic plants that are classified as fast growing species include the Sweet Galingale (Cyperus longus), Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), True Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris), Flowering Rush (Butomus umbrellatus) and the Water cress.
Plants For Japanese Effects Around Ponds
Dwarf Azealas, Dwarf Rhododendrons, Small Camalias and Moss.
Japanese garden Pond Perimeter perennial Plants
Japanese Irises, Hostas, peonies, Hemerocallis and Polygonums.
Japanese garden Theme General Plants
Red Pine (Pinus densiflora, Black Pine (Pinus thunbergi), Acer dissectum species.
Cherry Blossom (Prunus x yeodensis), Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) and Maples.
Bamboos, Japanese Crab Apple (Malus x zumi) and the Wedding Cake Tree (Viburnum plicatum Maresii).
Cotoneasters, Chaenomeles and Fatsias Kerria.
Magnolias, Loniceras and Spiraeas.
Information courtesy of Peter J May ...
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the exact plant species that you are looking for. By clicking the following link you will be able to see a comprehensive list of water garden plants showing both their English and Latin plant names to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
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