Simplicity IS the key. I've spent the last two years taking things out. Cutting down on the number of plant species, etc. Hope to get CLOSE to being happy with it by the end of this year !
This spring i'm removing
a Snowflake Viburnum
Large Pussy Willow
Japanese Variegated Willow
Vitex (Chaste Tree)
Perhaps what you seek is more of a courtyard style garden in the Japanese style? A couple of internet searches of images "japanese courtyard" or "courtyard garden" will come up with some nice ones. A couple of books about "Japanese courtyard gardens" are out there too. Good luck with your vision. Right now I am working on a vision too-TELEvision!
- Bartolemei
"Not all who wander are lost." J. R. R. Tolkein
Hi,
Their are several different styles of Japanese gardens but For my part I would say every Japanese garden must have a pine an odd number of rocks placed correctly ,chippings and of course water of some kind be it a pond or dry stream made with chippings and of course for the autumn or fall for a little colour one or two Japanese maples.
George.
Attachments
Anyone who never made a mistake never made anything
First off a Japanese Maple garden; there are two ways you can go. First keep your maples in pots and give then showing stands like bonsai types do. You'll also need a shade and shelter area for them. In a sense this is very Japanase - for many city dwellers a tree collection is a link with nature.
Second Japanese Maples (Acers) are naturally understorey plants, they thrive in the partial shade of bigger trees. This could be a solution to a problem shade area.
In actual Japanese gardens Acers just one part of the whole effect. They tend to be star performers but they must always harmonise. So the airiness of their leaves is 'anchored' by a really solid looking rock. Again Acers look gorgeous trained to hang over a pond, the reflection is fantastic.
However we have the question about face here. Japanese gardens should be developed as a whole. It's like the best stage musicals are those with a good plot and songs not the ones meant as a vehicle for one particular star.