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Japanese Gardening

The concept of having a Japanese Garden in a home or apartment is soon gaining popularity. People are creating Japanese gardens in a small spot in their homes or even balconies. A Japanese Garden not only adds a different look to your home but also provides a sense of peace and calm to the whole ambience

There are many styles and themes of Japanese gardens.
However, the eastern cultural aspect is best reflected in a Japanese garden. The Japanese garden has a simple design and is an ideal place for peace and meditation. It sooths all your senses and the ambience is suitable for attaining all tangible and indefinable desires. The Japanese garden is created keeping in mind the nature and also by utilizing its resources.

You often see waterfalls, interesting stones, small trees and plants, and bridges in Japanese gardens. The influence is centuries-old and has elements of Buddhism, Taoist, and Shintoist philosophies, in that gardens are seen as spiritual and nourishing places of retreat.

In these gardens one does not have to rush through anything. You can take a relaxing walk over a bridge across a pool or a stream. You will be able to hear gently flowing water and this will have a healing effect on your senses thereby, enhancing the dimensions of the garden. Similar to what you see in Zen monasteries, in the Japanese gardens you can see a lot of stones and sand. These give a feeling of texture and mass and a place for reflection.

If you visit a number of Japanese gardens, you will start to recognize similar themes. The "strolling garden" has winding paths and bridges that emphasize your journey through the space and encourage you to stop and enjoy each section. There is often moving water in this type of garden. You will also see lanterns, protective lion statues, decorative fish called "koi", and other objects of symbolic and spiritual value.

Normal gardens are generally rough and depend upon vast flora and fauna. In a tea garden you will find a beautiful and delicate design with lanterns and a traditional teahouse.

What are some ways you can create this feeling of a Japanese garden in your own home, either by landscaping or interior design? Depending on the space available, you can always start with a waterfall or small fountain that cascades over colored rocks. Or, try nurturing a small bonsai tree indoors. Bamboo plants are becoming more popular symbols of good luck and greenery in homes.

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