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It's well known that the land of the rising sun is the undisputed master of the art of zenitude, and this is reflected in the garden too. Indeed, the Japanese garden was created to make contact with the gods. To achieve this, this special place had to be as sober and simple as possible. This is why the Japanese garden seeks to reproduce nature, however asymmetrical it may be, and thus opposes the straight lines of French gardens.
Whether indoors or out, it's a real invitation to calm and relaxation. Does this short description whet your appetite? Would you like to transform your outdoors into a serene space where you can recharge your batteries? Let's find out right away how to set up a Japanese Zen garden in your own home, and how to use solar lighting systems to enhance your garden at night.
The Japanese garden: an organized space
Just because the Japanese garden reproduces and sublimates nature doesn't mean it's unorganized. Quite the contrary, in fact. This little paradise of relaxation is well-defined, but not linear. So, to design your Japanese garden, whatever its size, start by drawing a plan of the space. The rules of Feng Shui apply here, and the proper circulation of energy is of the utmost importance. Don't be afraid to think outside the box: a Japanese garden is like a painting. Avoid angles and rectilinear perspectives and favor curves. Every element must be in its place. Choose the location for paths and walkways, which should preferably not be straight. Decide where to place copses, water features, rocks and other decorative elements. And don't forget that a Japanese garden needs to have relief. That's why you'll need to plan for gentle slopes, such as mounds or stepped terracing.
A series of small landscapes
The Japanese garden blends water, rocks, paths and lanterns to perfection. Often designed around a main path formed by Japanese steps, the Zen garden is often divided into small spaces delimited by small clipped hedges, old polished stones or dwarf bamboos. As the aim is to avoid accumulating too many elements and creating a cluttered impression, you'll need to isolate each component or space them out to highlight them and reveal their potential.
And since the Japanese garden is an ode to nature, avoid installing or incorporating too many synthetic elements. Garden furniture should be avoided, or at least kept to a minimum. If you do decide to furnish your Zen garden with a tea room, for example, choose natural materials such as wood or rattan.
Last but not least, a water feature is a must. Depending on the space available, this could be a pond, a water basin stocked with Koi carp, a fountain or even a waterfall. The sound and lapping of water will enliven your outdoor Zen garden and give you a sense of well-being.
Choice of plants
To create a Japanese Zen garden in your own home, you can't choose just any plant. Instead, opt for evergreens that thrive in the shade. Japanese maple, oak, cherry and pine are ideal.
To compose the soil and dress the banks of your aquatic space, you'll need to install gravel or moss. You can add ground cover plants such as ferns, bamboo, grasses or slow-growing shrubs. For aquatic plants, opt for lotus, reeds or water lilies.
Finally, if you decide to plant flowers, avoid bright colors and focus instead on cooler hues. Azaleas and pink rhododendrons, magnolias, irises and hostas are particularly suitable. In any case, we recommend planting your flowers in layers of a single color, always with the aim of promoting garden harmony.
A word of advice: keep it simple and limit the number of different species. Finally, as odd numbers are considered auspicious in Japanese culture, all your plants should be planted in groups of 3, 5 or 7.
The choice of lighting
To enjoy the harmony that emanates from your Zen space even after dark, quality lighting is essential. Here again, not all solutions are suitable for this type of garden. In fact, organization and sobriety must be the guiding principles in the creation of your Japanese garden. That's why you'll need to opt for sober, aesthetically pleasing outdoor lighting fixtures that will blend seamlessly into this oasis of relaxation. " For a Japanese garden, the Venus solar bollard offers a totally uncluttered style that fits in perfectly", says Catherine Rochetaux.
Discreet, targeted lighting
To precisely illuminate certain parts of your garden, such as flower beds or shrubs, you'll need to use discreet, directional lighting. Stake spotlights are ideal for creating a night-time scene by illuminating only certain parts of your plants. Lumihome offers easy-to-install outdoor LED spotlights that highlight specific elements of your garden. "Lumihome's LED post spotlights are designed to offer a reduced angle of illumination to highlight specific elements. And to keep with the solar version, Lumihome has just launched its new solar spotlight, with its contemporary design and exceptional performance..." advises Christophe Coelho.
Just what the Japanese garden needs!
You can also use small bollards, like the 40 cm Pyramid bollards from the Lumihome range. Small and unobtrusive, they blend seamlessly into the décor of your Zen space, adding the perfect touch of light. Robust and timeless, the Pyramid bollard provides a subtle yet powerful white light, perfect for illuminating a specific area.
Sober, efficient lighting
If you've decided to install a pathway, a wooden feature such as steps, a terrace or a bridge in your Japanese garden, you can opt for 230V recessed spotlights. Ultra-powerful, they diffuse an efficient luminous flux, while avoiding glare. "Designed specifically for outdoor use, they can provide tailor-made lighting for your Japanese garden. The Lumihome range of recessed spotlights comes in three different sizes. The choice is yours when it comes to power", explains Christophe Coelho. Finally, if you've integrated all the elements necessary for nature and zenitude to reign unconditionally in your garden, the water feature is bound to be present. Once again, Lumihome has thought of everything and offers you 12V LED recessed spotlights so that safety standards are no longer a problem. Minimalist and aesthetically pleasing, they boast a timeless design, ideal for sprinkling here and there touches of light, while blending into the soothing decor.
A Japanese Zen garden that can be placed anywhere
In Japan, even the smallest area is a pretext for creating a Zen garden. This miniature relaxation space can be set up on even the narrowest terraces, the smallest balconies and even indoors. On a windowsill or along a corridor, this little paradise of zen can even be placed on a piece of furniture. A terrarium with a layer of potting soil, white sand or white gravel, a bonsai tree and accessories... and you're ready to go. Feng Shui can be easily brought into your home with the miniature indoor Zen garden.
Here's everything you need to create a Japanese Zen garden in your own home. Remember that, whatever your choice of plants and decorative elements, the Japanese Zen garden is intended to be orderly, soothing and, above all, in perfect harmony with nature. By applying these tips and using your imagination, you're sure to create a real oasis of relaxation, even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life!
