Our green specialist went to a seminar in Atami, Japan in 2010, to discover the mysteries of the Japanese garden. Two weeks of study with other foreign students who came from all over the world for the same reason. After that, he visited the gardens in Kyoto for another three days: to ‘feel’ it himself.
Japanese gardens from the Jomon period (7000-2000 BC) to the present. About ponds, rocks, gravel, paving, bonsai, but also the customs and meanings as well as the rituals that hide behind every element of these gardens.
Stone formations such as the Tsukubai, which belong to hand washing, before the tea ceremony starts. Nobedan paving whereby the stones and tiles are of different sizes and shapes. Tobiishi stands for stepping stones and of course the Suhama, which stands for the covering of the shore of a lake or river. And of course the Kasari-tsukubai (decoration), which also plays a very important role in the Japanese garden.
In all Japanese gardens, the spiritual aspect is very important and you can actually feel it if you have ever been in such an ancient garden in Kyoto. The impact of these ancient gardens is just as special as it is elusive. Recognition of the spiritual aspect is the almost always present Buddha with the Boddhisatvas. These ‘figures’ are always shown in stone formations whereby the largest stone is always Buddha.
This is just a foretaste that you can take into account when laying out your Japanese garden, but it is not a ‘must’ of course. If you are interested in a Japanese garden, we will be happy to assist you in realizing this. Of course, with or without all terms and meanings, but it does make the job more meaningful and fun. Our specialist will be happy to visit you to discuss this issue.
You create the basis for the final result after all. This always pays back.