Japanese gardens are known for their beautiful plants, varied rock formations, and their manicured walkways that mimic art and parts of life. These gardens are designed with Japanese philosophy in mind, incorporating aspects of Zen Buddhism, Shinto naturalism, and historical mores in a aged landscape. Specialized aspects, such as pruned bonsai trees and rock gardens are commonly found in a Japanese garden, and can also be recreated at home. Looking to see a Japanese style garden? Check out these local gardens and get the full experience:
Established by 1978 by the North Florida Botanical Society this 68 acre garden site has several collections for viewing, including bamboo and rock gardens. Their spring bamboo sale is a great time to collect plants for your home too! Check out their website for rates, hours, and directions.
Established in 1991 by Dr. Norman Webber, this former limestone quarry has been developed into a 110 acre garden showcase! Highlighting a variety of gardening styles, this Williston gem is a photographer's delight! Check out their website for events, rates, and hours of operation.
Not only does the University of Florida's Harn museum house an excellent collectionof Asian art, they also have a walkable Asian Waterfall Garden and Asian Rock Garden for display. Feel free to peruse the collection and spend time immersed in their curated outdoor areas. Check out their website for hours, and directions.
Looking to make your own Japanese style garden? Check out these titles available in our collection, and happy gardening!
Quiet Beauty: the Japanese Gardens of North America by Kendall H. Brown
Quiet Beauty: Japanese Gardens of North America is an extraordinary look at the most beautiful and serene gardens of the United States and Canada. Most Japanese garden books look to the gardens of Japan. Quiet Beauty explores the treasure trove of Japanese gardens located in North America. Featuring an intimate look at twenty-six gardens, with numerous stunning color photographs of each, that detail their style, history, and special functions, this book explores the ingenuity and range of Japanese landscaping. -From the Publisher
Japanese Gardening: a Practical Guide to Creating a Japanese-Style Garden by Charles Chesshire
This inspiring book offers expert information on how to create the perfect Japanese-style garden in any location, large or small. It presents the history of Japanese gardens and the principles underlying them. Sections on the five classic Japanese garden styles (pond gardens, dry gardens, tea gardens, stroll gardens, and courtyard gardens) explain their key characteristics with practical tips on how to achieve them. Fifteen projects for creating complete Japanese gardens follow, with clear explanations, illustrations, and gorgeous photography. A plant directory then details the various types of plants with advice on flowering habits and hardiness, while the final section outlines the maintenance of a Japanese garden including a calendar of care. Whether you want to develop a stroll garden in a natural space, or a small dry garden with minimal plants and rocks, this beautiful volume is an essential companion. -From the Publisher
Serene Gardens: Creating Japanese Design and Detail in the Western Garden by Yoko Kawaguchi
An introduction to the traditions of Japanese Zen gardens, using natural materials. Emphasizing the value of shape in trees and shrubs with the subtlety of colour through the varied greens of foliage and moss, it explains how western plants and materials can be used to achieve the natural, minimalist look so beloved by Japanese garden designers. -From the Publisher
A concise reference on the art of Japanese landscape gardening is complemented by a directory of recommended plants and includes coverage of options ranging from dry and pond gardens to tea and courtyard gardens. -From the Publisher
Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way by Jake Hobson
Over the years, Japanese gardeners have fine-tuned a distinctive set of pruning techniques that coax out the essential characters of their garden trees, or niwaki. In this highly practical book, Western gardeners are encouraged to draw upon the techniques and sculpt their own garden trees to unique effect. After discussing the principles that underpin the techniques, the author offers in-depth guidelines for shaping pines, azaleas, conifers, broadleaved evergreens, bamboos, and deciduous trees. Complete with abundant photographs, personal anecdotes and a wealth of advice, this unprecedented resource will inspire gardeners everywhere to transform their own trees into niwaki. -From the Publisher