Dear Sibe,

How can I give my small garden a Japanese look?

Thanks,
P. Wicks

Our gardening expert replies:

Hello,

Unless your garden is really very small it will be well suited for making into a Japanese garden. These also have the advantage of requiring little maintenance if properly constructed.

There are a number of key elements which make up Japanese gardens, the main of which is the presence of water - preferably moving water or at least a pond. This can look good if surrounded by stones and pebbles, especially if the pond blends into the rest of the garden. An informal irregularly shaped pond is important to get an authentic look. Add water-lilies or even a deer scarer (rocking bamboo feature which 'clacks' as water fills and empties) and a stone Japanese lantern.

A number of large rocks would also look good, especially if surrounded by a raked pebble garden.

As for the plants, ferns or moss are used for ground cover and other plants which would look good are Japanese anemone, lilies adding some height and, of course, rhododendrons and azaleas. The azaleas are often clipped into the shape of rocks. Other plants which are suitable for use are miniature conifers, particularly if pruned into architectural shapes, camellias, wisteria and the Japanese national flower: the Chrysanthemum.

If you have room, the three traditional structural plants of a Japanese garden are: bamboo, maybe a low-growing pine tree and a flowering cherry. If your garden is too small for these, you could possibly have just one at a larger size and buy slow growing or dwarf versions of the others or restrict their growth by means of containers.

One of the main themes, though, is lack of clutter, so do not over-fill with plants and ensure each is surrounded by space to grow and to be set off against a contrasting background.

You will also give your garden a larger look by the use of a large outdoor mirror at one end of the garden, surrounding or possibly framed by a trellis to disguise it. Alternatively try positioning it close to the pond to achieve a similar effect by reflecting more light.

Don't forget a suitably shaded seat, in sight of the water feature, to enable you to enjoy what you have constructed.

If you're keen to bring the Japanese look into your home then check out Japanese Dining or Turning Japanese.

Good luck!

Sibe