Garden Series VI – Zen Garden How-to
Image by Wikipeida
A Zen Garden or Japanese Rock Garden (Karesansui ) is a miniature stylised landscape carefully-composed through an arrangement of rocks and gravel or sand to represent water. The purpose was to imitate the essence of nature to serve as an aid to meditation.
“In a place where there is neither a lake nor a stream, one can put in place what is called a kare-sansui, or dry landscape.” - The Sakuteiki (of the Heian period (794-1185) is the first known manual of Japanese gardening).
This manual describes creating a garden as ‘setting stones,’- ishi wo tateru koto, which literally translates to the act of setting stones upright. It details very specific rules for choice and placement of stones. If these rules were not followed, the owner of the garden would suffer misfortune.
While you may not be interested in these ancient Japanese superstitions, there are advantages of this type of garden in modern day British life. It uses only stones, rocks, sand, gravel and some plants. Therefore it’s minimalistic and low maintenance, as well as a great talking point.
The Essentials
Stones/Rocks – The main elements of Karesansui are rocks and stones so you’ll need ornamental and feature rocks of different shapes and sizes. Stones are used in a number of combinations and arrangements. These are symbolic of gods, mountains, temples, islands and even battle scenes. Groupings of 2 or 3 are the norm, these can be joined together to create larger focal points. There are normally around 5 stone groupings which will be the main focus of a garden. To find out more consult your copy of the Sakuteiki.
Image by Wikipeida
Gravel/Sand – Will be used to symbolise water or the sea. Water is represented both by the arrangements of rock forms to create a dry waterfall (karetaki) and by patterns raked into sand to create a dry stream. Traditionally white sand was used for water as it represented purity, although, sand could also be gray, brown or blue-black.
Metal Garden Furniture – In Japan, dry gardens are viewed and not entered, in order not to disrupt the delicate relationship and scale of the composition. Like paintings, Karesansui are meant to be viewed from a single, seated perspective. This means you’ll need some sort of viewpoint. You could create a seating area or include a garden bench for prolonged meditation. If you can – invest in a sheltered area to cover your observation point such as a pergola or gazebo.
Planting
Plants are much less important and often nonexistent in many rock gardens. However, you may wish to include some limited plant life. Mosses often used to suggest that the garden is ancient; a popular feature is an ornamental moss pathway. Some plants are chosen for their religious symbolism, such as the lotus, sacred in Buddhist teachings, or the pine, which represents longevity. Common trees and plants found in a Japanese garden are bamboo, azaleas, Japanese maple, Japanese anemone and the cherry tree.
Accessories
Stepping Stones – A pathway is symbolic of the journey through life. Be careful of your choice of path-stones though as certain ones may have meanings. Smooth and round sedimentary rocks are normally used.
Bridge – The bridge symbolises the path to paradise or immortality. In a Zen garden bridges are normally made of stone, wood, or logs with earth on top and covered in ornamental moss.
Stone Lanterns – Originally these lanterns lined the paths and approaches to Buddhist temples. The design expresses the idea that after death our physical bodies will go back to their original, elemental form.
Water Basins – were a common feature so monks could bathe. Worshippers washed their hands and mouth as a symbol of purification. A decorative granite water feature is a great design idea to add interest to the landscape.
Garden Series V – How to Create a Contemporary Outdoor Space
Courtesy of David Andersen Garden Designers
Contemporary gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are designed for low maintenance, look great in built-up areas and are perfect when you have limited space such as a courtyard or rooftop garden.
Design Considerations
Streamlined and minimalist is the look to aim for, with clean lines and bold shapes. Use a graphic pattern, define your spaces and put in a path to create a flow.
This type of outdoor space is more about hard landscaping than planting. Most contemporary gardens are primarily made up of hardscape materials and have limited vegetation. This includes terraces, patios, paved or decked areas and pathways made from simple materials such as wood, gravel, stone, tile, pebbles. There are trendy alternatives available too, for example glass or metallic gravel and volcanic rocks and coloured pebbles.
The key to a successful contemporary space is to introduce different heights. This can be done with decking, raised beds, 
stepped planters, oversized urns, or a metal gazebo or pergola which will create a sheltered area too.
As the focus is on the hard landscaping materials, the design shape is much more noticeable. Whereas, in traditional style gardens you can hide a multitude of sins with a good planting scheme; you won’t have that luxury. Expect to spend more as a lot more time and skill goes into creating this style of garden.
The Essentials
Metal Garden Furniture – A modern garden is all about bold, clean lines, making metal garden furniture perfect. Me
tal can be sculpted to form the bold, striking designs and it’s low maintenance – which fits in very well to the modern lifestyle. If you’re feeling daring metal gives you the opportunity to go for a bright colour or you can play it safe with black, grey, chrome or silver.
Outdoor Lighting – a modern garden must look just as good after dark as it does in the day time, use contemporary outdoor lights such as built in, colour changing LEDs or fibre optics to set the mood. You’re literally spoilt for choice these days from designer outdoor lamps to trendy Japanese style lanterns.
Statement Piece – statement wall-art or an abstract sculpture will create a focal point and really help to set the theme whether that’s contemporary-elegance, informal chill-out, industrial or tropical. Everything you put in the garden will have to be carefully chosen so it helps to have a theme/colour scheme in mind from the outset.
Planting
Using fewer plants means that their selection is even more crucial, use structured plants with strong forms to create a modern look. Exotic plants with large, irregular shapes are ideal. Here’s a few modern favourites -
Black bamboo
Lily turf
Mountain Flax
Agave
Black Magic
Japanese Silver Grass
Indian Shot Plant
Japanese Sedge
Flax Lily
Miniature Papyrus
Accessories
In a minima
listic space, accessories should be kept to a minimum. To avoid cluttering it’s often best to choose a statement piece, as mentioned above a piece of wall art, mirror, a cool water feature or an abstract sculpture.
Oriental styled accessories are popular in many modern gardens. Asian urns, oriental rock gardens or fire pits provide an eye-catching focal point.
It is important to incorporate non-traditional materials like plastics, synthetics, stainless steel and other metals to give a modern feel to the outdoor space. Do this with chic metal garden furniture, shiny metallic planters, a bright synthetic designer chair or a cool chrome light fitting or vase.
Garden Series IV-How to Create a Wildlife Garden
Courtesy of Sussex Wildlife Trust
Design Considerations
This garden design is natural and attractive, akin to a country-cottage style garden.
No rigid layouts and colour co-ordination necessary -it’s all about creating a rich, bio-diverse environment to attract wide-ranging species. This means a colourful, relaxed space that will provide hours of enjoyment.
Is achievable on a relatively low budget, you don’t want anything exotic –simply to replicate habitats that occur naturally in the UK.
Just invest in a choice piece of vintage metal garden furniture and a new digital camera to capture some great wildlife shots.
The Essentials
Pile – This could be a log or wood pile which is a natural habitat for many creatures in the wild, offering a sheltered space for small mammals. Include leaf litter too and invite hibernating toads and hedgehogs. Similarly you can use a stone or rock pile, use lots of different sizes and dig a hole in underneath to attract larger creatures seeking shelter.
Pond – Nothing will increase the biodiversity in your garden more than a pond. Frogs, toads, dragonflies, snails, newts and even small mammals like hedgehogs and birds use ponds as watering holes.
Planting
A diverse range of native plants will attract a variety of insects, birds and small mammals. Flowering plants will attract the birds and the bees while shrubs and hedges will be a refuge for small mammals. Here are some ideas.
Hawthor
n – this tree offers a home to many species of insect, bird and small mammal and is a valuable addition to your wildlife garden.
Bramble – plants with berries will attract birds throughout the year, blackberries are a good choice but there are many others.
Sunflowers – provides food throughout the winter when seeds are left to ripen. Or choose other pants that seed such as marigolds or poppies.
Buddleia– Butterflies are attracted to nectar and the buddleia is a firm favourite. There are many other flowers which offer a great source of nectar to the butterfly, the need to be accessible, shallow flowers.
Nettles – One of the UKs most important plant species, a magnet for birds and other insect eaters.
Ivy – grow climbers up walls to provide a home for many insect species which enjoy hiding in the brickwork cracks.
Pond Plants – Safe marshy areas in your pond will attract a variety of wildlife.
Accessories
Bird Tackle – houses, feeders, tables and baths – can be stylish accessories too. You can also buy bat boxes, insect habitats, hedge-hog houses etc.
Planters – containing a variety of flowering plants, will decorate your patio and enable you to include even more species.
Furniture – Choose something natural looking to fit in with this garden. Metal garden furniture is great as it’s low maintenance. Choose a vintage wrought iron bench, an antique style table and chairs or a comfy lounge set that’s perfect for bird or butterfly watching.
Garden Series III: How-to Create a Fantasy and Romance Garden
Design Considerations
• Opt for soft lines and curves in landscaping instead of straight lines and sharp corners.
• Incorporate some design features such as a garden arch and trellising for floaty climbing plants or a pathway for romantic strolls.
• Ideally your space should be private, or at least include a private area. You can do this with clever planting or invest in a metal gazebo or pergola for a completely enclosed seating area.
The Essentials
Vintage Metal Garden Furniture – Choose swirly white or cream
metal garden furniture with a delicate framework for an elegant, dreamy look. Choose elegant bistro set with in a French country style or a rustic garden bench with a bronze patina finish.
Garden Art – Classical Aphrodite or Eros statues will add to the ambience. Choose something more ethereal such a collection of winged angels or cherubs. Garden statues also offer an opportunity to add a fantasy element with mythical fairies, toadstools or dragons.
Twinkle Lights – lanterns or candles for a dreamy feel after dark.
Planting List
Roses – cho
ose white or cream climbing roses for elegance and refinement.
Rhododendrons – or Rose of Sharon have beautiful blooms and available in many sizes and colours. These shrubs can create areas of privacy and reduce wind.
Lavender- Fragrance is an important feature; lavender is perfect for edges and borders.
Cherry Tree – Look for trees with beautiful spring blossoms such as the cherry tree, the confetti effect in spring will make your garden feel even more magical.
Honeysuckle –The honeysuckle has creamy white flowers and is perfect for use on trellises or arbours.
Lily of the Valley – with stunning white heart-shaped flowers, great for softening pathways
Trailing lobelia – for planters and hanging baskets.
Accessories
Vintage Seat Covers – and cushions with a delicate floral print.
Mirror – useful for making small outdoor spaces seem larger and to decorate walls in a courtyard garden, plus shimmering light reflections will add to the ambience.
Loveseat – a bench made especially for two, position in a quite spot in your garden.
Drapes – If you have a pergola or gazebo, use soft flowing fabrics to curtain off for extra privacy and to enhance the design. If not, get creative and find other ways to incorporate floaty drapes.
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