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Select: stone basins, garden bridges
Japanese garden decor: garden bridges
Garden bridges are functional structures that allow one to cross a narrow body of water. In Japanese gardens, however, they are much more than just a means of crossing a stream. They symbolize an important transition - whether in the landscape of the Japanese garden or in the individual life of the visitor.
Covered Japanese garden bridge:
The covered Japanese garden bridge is both beautiful and functional. It offers the garden visitor a special view over the water; a shelter from sudden downpours; and a shady spot in which to sit during hot, sunny days.
Care should be taken to ensure that the architectural lines and materials of the roof cover blend nicely with the flow of the rest of the garden and its structures. Its presence needs to be in harmony with the surroundings: a transitional bridge between various garden elements.
In philosophical terms, the Japanese have an expression similar to, "We will cross that bridge when we come to it." In essence it says, "We have made it this far. Do we want to turn back? Do we wish to continue on the same path or change direction?"
The covered Japanese garden bridge allows one to pause a moment and reflect on the journey thus far; while the reflection from the water below allows one to see oneself in that moment.
The visitor then moves on.
Moon Bridge or Drum Bridge:
Highly arched bridges that are viewed from a distance sometimes look as though they form a complete circle when you take into consideration their reflection in the water below. These are called Moon Bridges or Drum Bridges (taiko-hashi in Japanese).
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This Moon Bridge was part of the Japanese Village of 1894. It is made of carefully cut strips of wood which form a strong curve.
Strolling Pond Bridge:
The inviting path to the large pond (shown in foreground) gives a wonderfully far-away view of the curved bridge. Notice how the reflection in the water appears to exaggerate the bridge's curvature just slightly.
One path leads to the water's edge; another, to the right, beckons toward the distant bridge.
Log Bridge:
Tucked away over a natural woodland garden stream, you might find a rustic log bridge guiding visitors along the way.
Log supports are first pretreated with preservatives to help them last longer in the damp environment. A layer of short logs is then placed on two long logs. No handrails are present in this example because the creek is shallow and the rise of the bridge is slight.
Wooden bridges such as this require careful, annual attention. Remove algae and moss to prevent slipping and bridge deterioration; and apply an environmentally safe oil in the hot summer months to prevent splitting and cracking.
Stone Slab Bridge:
A quarried and cut slice of granite laid across a narrow stream is a beautiful example of a simple stone slab bridge.
The two stream edges are reinforced with stone for stability and erosion control.
A larger cluster of stones i placed to one side to create an asymmetry that counters the dominate shape of the stone slab.
Notice the handrail at the right edge which offers security when taking the step down from the bridge.
Eight fold Bridge:
Iris edged yatsuhashi (eight fold Japanese bridge) guarantees that time is taken to enjoy the small things in life that are so easily and quickly overlooked in our fast-paced world.
"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end."
Information based on:
The Art of Japanese Gardens: Designing & Making Your Own Peaceful Space
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