Beyond Basics Part 3: Symbolic Plants & Seasonal Patterns
Japanese gardens are designed to reflect nature’s beauty through carefully chosen elements. In this installment, we explore Japanese Garden Plants & Patterns, highlighting their cultural significance and role in shaping the seasonal aesthetics of these landscapes.
Japanese Garden Plants & Patterns
Japanese gardens often feature plants that, while not commonly discussed, play pivotal roles in their design and symbolism.
Moss in Japanese Gardens
Moss naturally thrives in the humid climate of many Japanese gardens, gradually covering stones and ground surfaces over time. A famous example is Saiho-ji Temple in Kyoto, known as the “Moss Temple” today. However, when it was originally designed, no moss was intentionally planted. Instead, it established itself over time and was allowed to stay, ultimately becoming a defining feature of the garden.
In modern gardens, moss is often planted and carefully maintained. Gardeners replace sections when parts die, ensuring a consistent lush appearance. Its presence enhances the sense of tranquility and natural harmony, making it a beloved element in both traditional and contemporary gardens.
Irises and the Yatsuhashi Bridge
Irises, particularly the Japanese iris (Iris ensata), are cherished for their elegant blooms and are often associated with purification and protection. They are typically planted near water features, their reflections enhancing the garden’s serene atmosphere. A distinctive architectural feature often found in iris gardens is the Yatsuhashi (八橋), a zigzag bridge originally composed of eight planks. This design is inspired by The Tale of Ise, where a traveler composes a poem while crossing such a bridge surrounded by blooming irises.
Japanese Maples: The Essence of Seasonal Change
Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are celebrated for their vibrant autumn foliage and their role in marking the changing seasons. Their delicate, filigree-like leaves provide a striking contrast to the strong, evergreen trees often used in Japanese gardens, such as pine. While rare cultivars like ‘Sango-kaku’ (coral bark maple) and ‘Shishigashira’ (dense, crinkled leaves) exist, they are typically not used in traditional Japanese gardens. Instead, these unique varieties can add visual interest in private gardens, especially outside of Japan.
Seasonal Garden Changes and Patterns
Japanese gardens are dynamic, with elements that transform to reflect seasonal shifts and cultural festivals.
Plants for Winter Interest and Auspicious Symbolism
Even in winter, Japanese gardens maintain visual and cultural depth through carefully chosen plants. Evergreen trees like pine are essential, but smaller plants with auspicious meanings also play an important role. These include:
- Manryou (万両, Ardisia crenata) – “Ten thousand ryo” (a historic currency), symbolizing great prosperity.
- Junryou (十両, Ardisia japonica) – “Ten ryo,” a smaller counterpart to Manryou.
- Senryou (千両, Sarcandra glabra) – “A thousand ryo,” another plant associated with good fortune.
In addition, the Three Friends of Winter (松竹梅, Shōchikubai)—Pine, Bamboo, and Japanese Plum—represent resilience, longevity, and perseverance. These plants remain strong in the cold, bringing hope and beauty to winter gardens.
Summer Plants: A Subtle Selection
Summer is not known for abundant flowering trees and shrubs in Japanese gardens. However, select herbaceous plants provide seasonal highlights, including Japanese irises and other moisture-loving species. Their presence ensures that gardens maintain seasonal variation without overwhelming the overall harmony of the landscape.
Raking Patterns at Honen-in, Kyoto
At Honen-in Temple in Kyoto, the raked sand patterns are regularly refreshed. These designs change with the seasons and during special events, inviting contemplation and offering a renewed aesthetic experience to visitors. In other places we find something like this too.
The Art of Gravel Pattern in the Japanese Garden
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Yukizuri of Pine Trees
In preparation for winter, gardeners employ yukizuri, a technique where ropes are arranged in a conical shape over pine trees to protect branches from heavy snow. This practice not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an element of visual interest, embodying the garden’s responsiveness to seasonal changes. Various yukigakoi techniques serve a similar purpose.
Pine Needle Ground Decorations
To protect delicate moss during winter, pine needles are carefully laid over the ground. Beyond their protective function, these needles are often arranged in intricate patterns, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic appeal and demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Japanese horticulture.
Recommended Resources
For those interested in further exploring the flora and seasonal practices of Japanese gardens, consider the following resources:
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“This is a fascinating books for anyone wanting to truly broaden the range of plants they grow.” —Gardens Illustrated
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An international authority on irises offers the first definitive book in English on the history and cultivation of the Japanese iris.
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Lightness and transparency in contemporary Japanese architecture explored and explained by Kengo Kuma Laboratory.
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These resources offer valuable insights into the unique plants and seasonal practices that define Japanese gardens, enhancing appreciation and understanding of this art form.
Discover Edo Garden History with Our Expert-Led Tokyo Garden Tours
For those interested in a more immersive experience, we offer exclusive garden tours in Tokyo, focusing on the rich history and design of Edo-period gardens. During these tours, we provide in-depth insights into the evolution of garden styles, exploring key Edo gardens that showcase the distinctive features of this era, such as pond-strolling gardens and the integration of nature with architectural elements. Our expert guide will take you through these iconic gardens, discussing their historical context and design principles, offering a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Edo-period garden aesthetics.
