Oriental Water Garden Designs

When designing a Japanese Oriental Water Garden or a Chinese water garden that is, “Oriental” Style, water is the essential element. The use of rocks and stones, even enormous boulders, is a continuous theme throughout this style of garden, and in some locations large cranes are required to move giant boulders into place, just to achieve the required effect.

Left: a lovely Oriental Water Garden with Koi Carp and a Japanese Lantern enjoying the view. There are quite distinct differences between Japanese and Chinese gardens. Balinese water gardens are different yet again, and usually have a mixture of Hindu Gods and lanterns embedded throughout.

In Chinese landscaping, water is generally static, valued for its reflective or contemplative quality. Where rocks are used, they are often placed to assimilate nature and draw the eye into the landscape. The style comes from “Feng Shui” Taoist principles and is extremely beautiful. Buildings are also an important part of the design, with pavilions often jutting out over the water's edge.

In a Japanese oriental water garden moving water is preferred, with small waterfalls, streams and cascades used to great effect. Stones are placed naturally throughout the watery landscape. These designs come from Shinto principles that follow what they call Ki, which is another name for the use of natural energy also known as “Chi” or “Prana”. A Japanese garden is really very simple yet subtle.

Above: a Japanese Stone Water Fountain harmonizing with its surroundings. However, a great deal of money and time can go into creating such a landscape. The position of rocks and stones must be precise and exact. Japanese landscapers may spend days or even weeks moving rocks around until the exact right balance and harmony has been achieved.

It is not possible to create an “Asian Oriental” style garden by simply placing a Japanese concrete lantern or a Buddha statue at the edge of a pond. There are many simple, but in a way, complex aspects to be considered, such as the use of rocks and stone. Also, there is the choice of plants and, most important - the scale.

In essence, a Japanese or Chinese garden is a microcosm of nature; a scaled down version of what you may find in the wilderness. This style of garden is a real Chi generator, and is very invigorating for the soul.

Left: a tropical Balinese oriental water garden is very soothing indeed. This is because of the feeling that is created, and this is what makes it so successful. Such gardens often have miniature mountains, open fields, and rocky slopes that are representations of various forms of nature.

Where possible, rocks used in this style of garden should be weathered, covered in moss and lichen. The idea is to make the garden appear as though it has always existed and was not artificially added.

Brightly coloured foliage and flowers are generally not used, with the exception of plants such as Japanese maples (Acer palmatum. Sp) which are used to accent or as edging near ponds or lakes. Their colours are dramatic and seasonal, and change from deep scarlets to autumn golden yellows. Other plants that are used are Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) Cotoneasters, camellias, shapely conifers, red and black pines (Pinus sp.), Cedars (Cedrus sp.) and a variety of sedges and rushes. Water lilies or lotus are grown as deep water plants, in areas of the garden that receive full sunlight.

If a bridge is necessary, it will vary according to the style and theme of the garden. Japanese love to feature bridges that are gently arched and simple in design, linking two areas of the garden together rather than standing out as a design feature on its own. The Chinese like to have a flat zigzag bridge, and this is more commonly seen. The angles of the bridge are designed to prevent “bad spirits” passing from one side to the other!

I hope you enjoyed "Oriental Water Garden Designs". Have a great day!

See you soon.

Marty

Oriental water garden ( Japananese ) Wikipedia