Japan may be experiencing a tumultuous time in its history, but the country’s contribution to plants and gardening should never be forgotten. Japanese gardening is all about harmony and tranquillity created by using water, stones and plants in simple patterns.
For centuries, water has been an essential part of a Japanese garden, whether it is still or running. A fountain, a small pond, a simple basin such as a birdbath or a bamboo waterspout are all part of the experience.
Japanese gardens in South Africa usually include superb ornamentation and there continues to be enormous interest in creating such a garden. Small pavilions, snow lanterns, a stone bowl or an enigmatic Buddha enhance the eastern appearance of your own Japanese garden. Bamboo, rattan or wooden furniture in simple styles will harmonise well with the vegetation and add to the ambience of a Japanese garden.
Simplicity should be foremost in your mind when you choose plants for your Japanese garden. Choose plants with distinctive leaves and in all shades of green. Keep flowering plants to a distinguished and strategically placed few.
Trees and shrubs you could plant include: azaleas, camellias, flowering cherries, cotoneasters, dwarf pines, ginkgo, Japanese maples and wisteria. Herbaceous plants such as diospyros, hostas, water lilies and Japanese irises are the perfect complements to the green background. Use bamboo or sculptured evergreens as screening plants and fill in with ferns, ornamental grasses, close-cropped lawns and moss. - Saturday Star