Gardens have always provided islands of beauty and peace, and their value is even greater amid the bricks and concrete of a large city.
 "...when making a Japanese garden, you should have an appreciation for...Japanese culture and art, otherwise your garden will lack life and spirit." (from Creating your own Japanese garden by T. Sawano) |
In an urban context, the Japanese garden is one of the most satisfying varieties.
Tranquility is its signature; the ruling principle of a Japanese garden is balance.
The opposed elements that are seen to make up the world--light and darkness, yin and yang, rock and water-are arranged in combinations that are balanced and restful.
Art is brought into a landscape; a single tree or rock can represent a forest or a mountain. Suggestion is more important than statement.
Plants and flowers are only part of the garden focus, and the attention paid to rocks and paths and vistas makes a Japanese garden attractive even when blanketed with dead leaves or snow.
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St. Louis' Missouri Botanical Garden has one of the most spectacular Japanese gardens in the U.S. It is the largest Japanese strolling garden in the hemisphere. |
| Visit Seiwa-en |
A full life recognizes more than just the seasons of growth, and the well-designed garden must share that same perspective.
Particularly attractive in a city is the accessibility of Japanese gardening. Anyone can put one together, and vision is of more importance than size. A wall and a bush, a bench , some gravel and a pool in the corner of a back yard can all become a setting that is more satisfying than acres of flowerbeds.
Bring the spirit and beautiful of Japanese gardening to your yard.
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff