Japanese Rock Gardens

A popular style we like to adapt to our home gardens in the rock garden. As we try to duplicate the serenity of Japanese rock gardens, there are certain ancient principles to consider.

The types of rocks, the placement, and the space left untouched are the most important features in the traditional Japanese garden, with very limited plantings.

In modern Japanese gardens, the rocks are limited to a small area of the design, incorporating places to sit, paths to walk and a focal water feature into the overall design.

Finally, add plantings and ornaments throughout the garden. Let's consider the key element of the rock garden – the rocks.

The Anchors of the Rock Garden

Using unlimited combinations, there are five basic shapes of rocks used in the Japanese garden.

In placing them, keep the guardian stone vertical and the heart stone flat. Work the others around the placement of these two.

Additional rocks can also be added for design purposes, in groups of two or three, as focal points.

The soul stone should be wide at its base and tape toward the top. Place it vertically. It is the guardian of the landscape.

The body stone is the tallest stone in the garden. It should be narrower at the bottom, with only a slight tapering shape. Place it upright, to the rear of the garden. This stone sets the flow of the garden.

The heart stone should be flat, like a stepping stone. It brings harmony to the garden and is also known as the worshipping stone.

The arching stone should be flat at the top and wide at the base. It must be balanced, as it represents the arms. It is also referred to as the branching stone.

The reclining stone is used to unify all the others in the garden. Its size should be between that of the heart stone and the arching stone. Place it in the foreground of the garden. This stone is also known as the ox stone.

What to Avoid in Japanese Rock Gardens

Do not use rocks with misshapen tops. Do not line up any rocks at right angles to a structure.

If you are adding additional rocks as groups, be sure none of them on larger on top than on the bottom. Never use rocks that have been broken or cut.

Determine Rock Placement First

Since the rocks are the key feature of Japanese rock gardens, plan their placement before considering any other elements.

Once you have placed the rocks in the pattern you choose, you'll have the intended spirit of the garden and can move on to the rest of the garden.

More Rock Gardens