By Helen Stephens
At some point in our lives, most of us have felt the call of the exotic Orient. There is an extensive history and rich culture that appeals to many of us who have lost touch with our own roots. Whether reflected in the form and function of the garden or in the grace and beauty of the architecture, Oriental design focuses on peace, tranquility, and the ease of meditation. Our lives may be chaotic, but our gardens can be a place of rest and rejuvenation by adding a touch of the Orient to the landscape.To acquire the proper oriental feel, it is important to incorporate the elements that are found in traditional oriental gardens. The oriental garden is all about subtlety and graceful form. No one part of the garden should over power any other part. Each element should flow into the rest of the landscape, offering a place to think and be at peace with the world. Nothing should distract the traveler from his thoughts. Everything should encourage contemplation and rest. Here are a few of the elements that can help transform your property into a peaceful and exotic oriental getaway.
Water Features: Perhaps the most important feature in the garden, no truly oriental garden is found without some type of water feature, whether in the form of fountains, water bowls, ponds, or waterfalls. The water is used to soothe the soul and quiet the mind, offering a wonderfully subtle background sound with which to meditate. Unlike the high shooting fountains found in other garden styles, oriental fountains are typically made of bamboo. Instead of shooting sprays of water into the air, they gently dribble water into a pond or water basin.
Water bowls are a classic addition to the oriental garden, especially in areas where larger water features will not fit. Water bowls offer the same soothing sounds of running water, but can easily be tucked into even the smallest areas.
Ponds are by far the most popular oriental water feature, often found filled with koi and goldfish. Ponds offer the soothing aspects of water, while incorporating the natural beauty of fish. It is not uncommon to meditate away the cares of the day while resting beside the banks of a beautiful fish pond.
Waterfalls are also very popular in the oriental garden because they offer a tranquil spot to rest by, as well as offering a transition from one elevation to another. Few yards are perfectly level. Most have dips or slopes that make landscaping troublesome. Adding a waterfall makes grading unnecessary, adding beauty while simplifying the process of creating a beautiful oriental garden.
Bridges: There is a gracefulness to the gentle curve of an oriental bridge. Whether crossing a pond or stream, or cleverly created dry river bed, a bridge should be added to the landscape. They can be made of stone, wood, or bamboo. Be creative in your placement; bridges are meant to be a focal point as well as a means to admire the chosen water feature. Some oriental bridges have been created by placing granite slabs on supports, offering the illusion that they are floating on the surface of the water. Bridges are meant to be enjoyed, so make sure that their location maximizes their benefits.
Oriental Statues: Seen in the orient as bringers of good fortune and protection, or merely used as a decoration, statues are found throughout traditional oriental gardens. Some classic representations are animals, like herons and oriental style dogs; mythical creatures, like dragons; and human forms, like buddas and warrior guardians. Statues can be used as a focal point, as a monument or reminder, or simply to add a bit of interest to lush garden areas. Statues can be small or large, depending upon the size of the property, but should be appropriate to the scale of the garden.
Stones: Placing stones is often considered an art form in Asia. Stones can be used to outline a plant bed or to accent and give height to a water feature. Stones often direct the eye to various places throughout the garden, so are therefore very important. Using a mixture of large, medium, and small stones, a garden landscaper can lend the appearance of a natural setting, created with peace and tranquility in mind. When properly placed, stones can actually soften the landscape and enrich the oriental garden itself.
Bamboo: Bamboo is not only an essential building material in Asia, it is one of the key materials used in oriental gardens. Bamboo is used for fencing and enclosures, as well as being used to make water wheels and fountains. No garden would be complete without bamboo structures sprinkled throughout. Also consider planting a stand of bamboo. There are varieties on the market that are not as invasive as Asian bamboo, but still offer the beauty and grace that a bamboo stand gives to the landscape.
Pathways: Like the pathway of life, dry pathways are sprinkled throughout the oriental garden. They help separate areas of the garden while offering easy passage from one point to another. In classic oriental gardens, pathways can be formed with pebbles, sand, or even large slabs of granite. Whatever material you choose, allow the paths to meander through your garden. Paths are meant to inspire contemplation, so allow the pathways to roam, the way our minds should as we walk through the garden.
Lanterns: Light is a very important element in the oriental garden. It offers balance and harmony while it lights the path. There are two styles of lantern that can be added to a path. One is the ancient style of stone lantern and the other is the rice paper lantern. The stone lanterns resemble small oriental houses or temples, offering a number of "windows" for the glow of light to pass through. Use a traditional oil lantern or seek out some of the newer solar powered ones. Rice paper lanterns offer a peaceful glow on clear nights. There is nothing more romantic or more beautiful than a rice lantern burning through the darkness of a clear evening.
Teahouse: Similar to a gazebo, teahouses are open structures designed to protect the garden lover from the elements, whether during the heat of the day or during an unexpected rain storm. Traditional teahouses take the graceful form of ancient oriental buildings, with pointed, upturned roofs. Although it may not be a practical addition to a small garden area, a teahouse can add that extra, authentic spirit of the orient to a larger garden.
Plants: What would a garden be without the plants that bring the landscape to life? Trees are especially important because they provide the shade and height so important to the oriental garden. Flowering cherries, Japanese maples, and magnolia trees are just a few of the favorites found in the traditional oriental garden. The tree choices all center around color, fragrance, and texture. The same can be said about the plants used to under-plant the trees. Hostas, lilies, peonies, nandina, summersweet, and cotoneaster are just a few of the popular plants that can be used throughout the landscape. Don’t forget to add a stand of bamboo or a few well placed cycads, in honor of the ancient varieties that are still present in the modern day Orient.
Whether transforming your entire property or merely creating a small space to reflect the oriental style, adding a few of the above mentioned elements can quickly send you on your way to a beautiful Oriental oasis. Before long, you too will hear the echoes of the distant past resonating in your own backyard.
© Doityourself.com 2006
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