Japanese Garden Ideas

As we're slowly approaching summer, there is no better time than now to create your own Japanese-style garden! Widely known as spaces of relaxation and serenity, Japanese gardens are unexpectedly simple to recreate and have bountiful benefits. Tranquil Japanese gardens typically consist of water, rocks/pebbles, trees/flowers and lanterns, these elements are showcased minimally and with asymmetry. By designing your own haven of stillness and peace, you can create an escape from your busy life!

1. Water Spectacle

Cue the happy tears! Just visualise the gentle trickling of water, accompanied by the twittering of birds and a warm herbal tea in your hand… bliss. In reality, you could have to conquer loud trains and crowds of people to get just a glimpse of a Japanese garden in London, so why not just craft one in your garden and return to your calm self whenever you like.

Often people turn to YouTube and apps for relaxing waterfall sounds, but why do that when you can have the real thing? Feel the sun on your skin and your stress dripping away to the sounds of water. Not only can mini waterfalls be great for solo dates, but also great background music for a heartfelt chat with your best friends or a place to reconnect with your family after a busy day! A water fountain would be a spectacular centerpiece for your Japanese inspired garden, tying it all together wonderfully.

2. Japanese Gardens Rock!

While mini water fountains act as the beating heart of Japanese gardens, the rocks, bark and pebbles are the blood, streaming through the garden, satisfyingly dividing the grassy plants. Opposite from a path of hot rocks encouraging pain and adrenaline, the use of bark and pebbles in personal gardens inspire feelings of tranquility. Rocks can be used in the garden in various forms. Whether it is bark which fills the garden, elevating its appearance or circular stone patches which offer a contrast to grass, rocks are not be taken for granite!

3. Vibrant Flowers and Plants

Now for the showstopper of Japanese gardens- the flowers and plants! While placed sparsely through greenery, plants and flowers attract the most attention, especially due to their colour and unusual species. Japanese maple, red flower, and bamboo plant dominate the garden and create a bloomin' good environment! Acer palmatum Beni Kawa, a popular maple variety, famously known for its flaming red bark and golden autumn colour will add a pop of colour to your garden.

Meanwhile, Acer palmatum dissectum is a transformative maple plant that applies its colour changing qualities in the autumn. Brighten up your Japanese garden with these bushy, tall plants that offer a variety of shapes and textures. You know what would take your garden to the next level? Evergreen red azalea plants bloom the whole year round, maintaining the appearance of your garden. Lastly but perhaps most importantly, it wouldn't be a Japanese garden without bamboo plants. Bamboo plants will transport you to the forests of Kyoto without needing to leave your house! Let us take you!

4. Let There Be Lanterns!

Not only is this Japanese garden great for reflecting in the daylight, but it is also even better for a wind-down in the evening. Placing various lights will offer the satisfying balance of low, mood lighting. Illuminate your zen space with warm-toned hanging lanterns and enjoy a reading or arts and crafts session as a way to detach from the stresses of the day!

Not only do lanterns look aesthetically pleasing but are downright necessary, they help you navigate your way through the garden after a deep chat with your loved ones. Perhaps the most tempting aspect is that most of the lighting listed on our site is solar-powered and eco-friendly! This means you can place various lanterns without worrying about your bills or the planet.

Kon'nichiwa Zen Garden

Feeling under pressure to keep your wooden furniture clean? Never fear, because we've got the perfect solution!

With some additions, you'll be set with your new Japanese garden, ready for relaxation and reflection. Give this garden the green light!