Serene Gardens: Creating Japanese Design and Detail in the Western Garden

Japanese garden design is concerned with a reverence for nature and its overall effect is of tranquility. Providing an inspirational and practical introduction to the traditions of Japanese Zen gardens, this guide explains how western plants and materials can be used to achieve the natural, minimalist look so beloved by Japanese garden designers. It shows how to use natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rocks and pebbles and how to emphasize the value of shape in trees and shrubs and the subtlety of colour through the varied greens of foliage and moss. The guide provides instructions and tips for selecting plants and materials which are readily available, as well as plant lists and climate zone maps to aid western gardeners.