|
Landscaping with rocks in Japanese gardens
In Japan, landscaping with rocks has become an artform; as rocks are not just rocks, they are privileged objects that demand very special attention.
Used in a garden, a rock may be:
- a shumisen - or Mt. Sumeru, is the center of the world of Buddhist cosmology. It is a sacred mountain, somewhat like Mt. Olympus, the summit of which is the dwelling place of Taishakuten, one of the 12 guardian dieties.
- a horaisan - the legendary Japan inhabited by cranes, tortoises, and covered in pines, peaches and plums, all symbolic of exceptional longevity and paradise
- a particular island scene
- or simply any mountain.
Or it may be just a rock.
But whatever the specific reference, it cannot be understood free of the multiple images: the rock as island, as mountain, as holy place, as garden.
Rocks - the basis of Japanese Gardens:
Rocks form the backbone or primary structure of the Japanese garden. Each boulder, rock, stone and polished pebble has its natural place in the landscape design.
Boulders are half-buried in the highest ground, offering mass and stability. Smaller rocks and stones act as obstacles in the stream or at turns in the path. Still smaller water-tumbled pebbles form the bottoms of ponds and streams. Collectively, these rocks make up the skeletal structure of the garden.
Uses of rocks in landscaping:
Rocks can add stories, themes, or parables to your Japanese landscape design, so please feel free to use your imagination.
Common uses for rocks in the garden include:
- Garden shape - where rocks offer form and substance. Here the lay of the land is determined by rocky protrusions and gullies where water flows. Remember to carefully consider the characteristics of your rocks, as smooth stones are inappropriate for high places and "mountains", and rough stones would not be found in a streambed. The position and type must make geological as well as visual sense.
- Interesting shifts in elevation - a cluster of boulders holds back a slope of small shrubs; ground cover is found creeping from between rock crevices where the soil is sparse; an imposing group of sentinels guard the path to the tea house.
- Utility and beauty - stepping stones add grace to a walkway; chair-shaped boulders hidden in meditative enclaves invite the visitor to sit and be still. Rocks may resemble distant mountains or animals. Carved stones form walls, bridges, and foundations. And magnificent rocks are natural sculptures dispayed in their own right.
- For streams, and waterfalls - a naturally hollowed stone delivers water from the upper stream into a still pool; smooth, flat stones make up a streambed; multiple water trickles tinkle their way into the main stream; mosses and lichens grow in tiny crevices.
- As bridges and walkways - or even as stepping stones across a shallow stream.
- As paths that wind their way from vantage point to vantage point, stopping in hidden meditative alcoves and finding their way to the restful repose of the tea house.
- In Sand & Stone or dry gardens
- In a Flat Sea garden
Ideas for landscaping with rocks in the Japanese garden are endless, and only require your imagination to create wonderful settings and stories.
Landscape Design Softwarecan help you see how your landscape plans will look.
The Sentinel Stone:
A very important feature in the Japanese garden is the sentinel stone. Used to symbolize warriors, dieties, and fictional heroes, they are found at the entrance gate, at important focal points, and wherever their presence will enhance the garden experience.
Used with careful thought and reverence, a human-like formed sentinel stone can add compassion and understanding to an otherwise austere flat sand garden, as seen below. Their presence offers a suggestion of conscience and higher authority; a guidepost in your personal garden path.
Many of the Japanese gardens in this site require the use of sand in their creation. While washed pebbles or gravel may be used, it just doesn't look quite right, and tends not to have the required combination of texture, light, and shadow.
This mixture will hold the patterns raked into it while presenting a most pleasing effect.
"Sand" for a Dry Garden"
Combine the following combination of poultry grit:
2 parts "grower" size
1 part "turkey" size
1 part "turkey" finisher
Available through your local livestock or feed store
Adapted from an original article in "Plants & Gardens"; Vol 17 #4, 1961
Artificial Rocks:
Medium Mock Rock
Don't let that well-head, vent pipe or water meter mar the look of your beautifully landscaped yard. These molded polyethylene covers conceal a multitude of manmade sins. Durable and easy to move around (even the largest weighs just 12 pounds). You'll be amazed how much these new and improved Mock Rocks look and even feel like the real thing. Highly realistic textured surface. Lightweight, so it's easy to lift for access.
Small Mock Rock
Durable and easy to move around, these artificial rocks are ideal for hiding vents, pipes, or even your keys!. You'll be amazed how much these new and improved Mock Rocks look and even feel like the real thing. Highly realistic textured surface Lightweight, so it's easy to lift for access.
Tall Mock Rock A lovely sentinel for your Japanese rock garden, this mock rock is lovely surrounded by sand patterns, or set in amidst the foliage.
Stonewall Border, Sandstone
These faux stones look like real stone, but they're lighter, easier to install and much less expensive. Made of heavy-duty plastic with a hand-painted, natural looking finish, they let you create corners and curves without digging or pounding. Holds bark mulch in place and defines beds beautifully. Stones resist scuffs and chipping from mowers and trimmers. Takes just a few minutes and standard tools to install.
Wide Mock Rock
If you need a wider area covered, this rock is ideal. So very realistic, yet easy to move and lift in spite of its size.
|
|
