Authentic Japanese Gardens: Creating Japanese Design and Detail in the Western Garden (IMM Lifestyle Books) Traditional Elements, Layout, a Plant Directory of Trees, Shrubs, Bamboo, Flowers, and More

Your guide to Japanese gardening design! 150 photos and illustrations of beautiful Japanese garden designs Layout and care for the components of your garden, from plants to paths and bridges Plant directory covering trees, shrubs, berries, ground cover, grasses, mosses, ferns, flowers, and more Informative, accessible, well-written text is easy to read and understand even for novice gardeners

This beautifully illustrated book offers an inspirational and practical introduction to the tradition of Japanese Zen gardens.
Emphasizing the value of shape in trees and shrubs with the subtlety of color through the varied greens of foliage and moss, Authentic Japanese Gardens explains how western plants and materials can be used to achieve peaceful, contemplative gardens. There are instructions and tips for selecting plants and materials that are readily available, as well as plant lists and climate zone maps to aid western gardeners and landscapers.
As the wealth of stunning color photographs from around the world demonstrates, Japanese landscaping is concerned with a reverence for nature. The overall effect is of tranquility, with gardens crafted using natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rocks, and pebbles. In 168 information-packed pages, Authentic Japanese Gardens will help you to create a much-needed oasis of calm in your own outdoor space.
Inside this practical guide to recreating traditional Japanese-style gardens, author Yoko Kawaguchi explains how non-Japanese plants and materials can be used to achieve the natural, minimalist look of Japanese garden designs. This revised, photo-heavy edition features new text and stunning new color photography (the former edition was published as Serene Gardens).
Learn all you need to know about traditional Japanese gardens, with historical context, design, and choice of Japanese garden plants, including the hill-and-pond garden, dry-landscape garden, tea garden, and courtyard garden. Then, you'll explore the elements of a Japanese garden, and how to choose, lay out, and care for its components. Get detailed information and helpful suggestions on plants, rocks, water features, sand, paths, stepping-stones, bridges, stone lanterns, pergolas, fences, and borrowed vistas. The text is written to be easy to understand and enjoyable to read even for beginners.
The extensive plant directory is packed with details and advice on the types of trees, shrubs, berries, ground cover, grasses, bamboos, mosses, ferns, tropical specimen plants, foliage, flowers, aquatic plants, and non-traditional alternatives to use in your garden. From flowering trees and hedge plants to ornamental trees, toad lilies, evergreen shrubs, and more, you'll learn how understatement, rather than profusion, creates the calmness of this style of gardening.
150 bright, colorful photographs and helpful illustrations provide excellent examples of gorgeous garden designs that work with nature. Learn about tree pruning and topiary, the importance of each design element, useful tips on choosing appropriate plants, shrubs, and trees, and more gardening DIY advice for creating an outdoor space that will fit your lifestyle. The Resources section is packed with important details on hardiness zones, a bibliography, gardens to visit, supplies, and a complete index.
A perfect gift for new homeowners, you'll discover how to recreate Japanese garden design and detail whether in a tiny urban patio, backyard, or a large country garden, with the practical advice and stunning color photography inside Authentic Japanese Gardens!
"Full of ideas for planting your own Zen garden and creating a natural haven of peace and tranquility"
—Go Japan Go