Japanese Garden Style

This is acutally a huge subject and possibly one of the hardest styles to get right. Here are some more pointers;

Rocks - in a japanese gardens rocks are as important as plants. The choosing and placing of a rock is just as considered as Alan Titchmarsh getting the face of a tree right.

Water - a very important element, even if it is a dry pond! Aim for an organic 'gourd' shape with a crossing bridge.

Moss - very important low planting to offset the verticals of trees. Consider MYOB (Helxine) or ophiopogon planiscarpus (modo grass) if moss doesn't grow naturally.

Flowers - Keep to a minimum, pick shrubs that flower rather than planting bedding.

Colour - Japanese maples give autumn colour making and azelias (or photinia if soil not acid) gives spring colour.

Scent - consider daphne odora and choysia ternata for good foliage looks and seasonal fragrance.

Asymmetry - avoid mirror image planting and trying to balance plants. Look for a 'dynamic interplay between branch an ground.

Space - Don't be afraid to leave empty space. These will make your actual elements far more effective

Accesories - Lanterns, water basins, deer scarers can make this look. But avoid using them to bludgeon the viewer when the rest of the garden isn't properly Japanese style. Beware poorly made Chinese lanterns in garish red colouring - look for simple granite that will age well.