Chinese and Japanese gardens have many of
the same characteristics so they are often combined to be ‘Oriental Gardens’.
Both represent nature in symbolism of mountains (with rocks and hills) and
ocean (with ponds and water). Rocks represent mountains -Yang (male), while
water is Yin (female). There needs to be a balance between these two so there
is harmony in the garden. In a small garden a water bowl can be used
and a limited amount of rock can give the balance needed.
Winding paths connect areas of the garden
and flow with good ‘Chi’ (life force). They take the wanderer through a series
of ‘images’ as if gardens were a scroll of landscapes. A moon gate can offer a
glimpse into another part of the garden- maybe a rock garden or a reflecting
pond.
Water is designed to be as natural as
possible and is often is the central component of the garden.
Any structures, such as pergolas, arbors or
tea houses, are constructed using bamboo, tile roofs and lattice.
Japanese create ‘Zen’ gardens (or dry
landscapes) where dry raked gravel streams ‘flow’ amongst rocks - large rocks
represent mountains and groupings of smaller rocks represent islands. An island
mountain is connected to ‘shore’ by 2 or more flat bridges. They use ornamentation
with lanterns and stone pagodas.
Bonsai or manicured shrubs accent the
landscape and plant selection is based on symbolism.
Pine trees and chrysanthemums = longevity,
cherry trees = production and nurturing, bamboo = lasting friendship, peony =
wealth and elegance, peach = immortality.
Other plants that are used are lilac, bergenias, hostas, ferns, flowering
plums, peonies, maples, spirea.
Photos by: koi-z-are-us.20m.com
: www.htgardendesign.com.
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