Friday, March 29, 2024 Mar 29, 2024
70° F Dallas, TX
Advertisement
Gardening

A Zen-Like Japanese Garden

Inspiration: Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
By Anna Fialho Byers |
Image
Courtesy

Japanese gardens are inspired by specific destinations, such as nearby mountain ranges, forests, and rivers. But the true hallmark of the Japanese garden is the way it blends with surroundings to create a tranquil, Zen-like respite. “Japanese gardens are asymmetrical yet balanced, natural,” says Joshua Long, business developer for Southern Botanical. “It can seem as though they grew out of the earth spontaneously.” Since many of the plants that Long uses for Japanese gardens are sensitive to our summer heat, he suggests planting them in a shady area on the north side of the home or in an area with large trees. Most of these plants also require excellent drainage and more acidic soils, so amend thoroughly with azalea mix.




from left: rock sculpture, to the trade/David Sutherland; black “fugu” planter, to the trade/Holly Hunt; white “fugu” planter, to the trade/Holly Hunt; pieces by an aesthetic pursuit mustard cone planter, $280/Forty Five Ten; Balinese handcarved lava stone pagoda, $590/Big Mango trading co.; “The Branch side” chair, to the trade/Janus et Cie


 


To create an zen-like space in your own backyard, Long suggests the following species:


 


Dave’s Take


Dave Forehand, vice president of gardens at the Dallas Arboretum, shares his reflections.


Creating an Asian feel in your garden is easier than you might think. Along with using plants, Forehand says there are three other elements you should incorporate, too. “First, you need to use stones, large and small. Second, you need water—a small pool or stream can really add to the look. And third, you need some type of architectural feature, [like] a small stone wall or bamboo screen.” For ideas on how to incorporate these elements, visit the Arboretum’s Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill.

Related Articles

Image
Arts & Entertainment

Here’s Who Is Coming to Dallas This Weekend: March 28-31

It's going to be a gorgeous weekend. Pencil in some live music in between those egg hunts and brunches.
Image
Arts & Entertainment

Arlington Museum of Art Debuts Two Must-See Nature-Inspired Additions

The chill of the Arctic Circle and a futuristic digital archive mark the grand opening of the Arlington Museum of Art’s new location.
By Brett Grega
Image
Arts & Entertainment

An Award-Winning SXSW Short Gave a Dallas Filmmaker an Outlet for Her Grief

Sara Nimeh balances humor and poignancy in a coming-of-age drama inspired by her childhood memories.
By Todd Jorgenson
Advertisement