Japanese apartment gardening has become more popular over the past few years. Incorporating the natural elements of a Japanese garden into apartment gardening has been a trend that is growing rapidly. With the goal of a Japanese garden being one that is free from clutter, minimal maintenance and an overall “Zen” theme, many apartment gardeners have sought out Japanese garden ideas for small spaces. Not only have gardeners wanted a more naturalistic garden, but they have wanted an aesthetically pleasing garden as well. One element that often appears in Japanese gardens is stone structures.
While stones are a very common element found in a Japanese garden, the actual rock structures used in Japanese gardens can vary greatly. Some gardens feature stone lantern style gardens which feature small arbors at each corner and a paved path through the center of the garden. The pathways in a stone lantern style garden are usually easy to see leading from one area of the garden to the next. Since these pathways are small and can be overlooked, they are not as large as other types of structures commonly seen in gardens.
Other Japanese garden ideas for small spaces revolve around vegetable gardening. Since so many Japanese people are now eating food that is fresh and natural, their gardens have taken on a new significance. Vending machines and indoor wall units have been used to keep the plants supplied for the entire season. Because there are no “plants” to keep the garden green, the focus turns more to the soil and the overall health of the garden.
One thing that does appear in most Japanese gardens is clay pots. Clay pots are something of a tradition in Japan. They were traditionally used to collect rainwater to the gardens could thrive and the soil could grow plants. This trend toward clay containers has continued in modern Japanese gardening and you will often find flower pots and containers throughout the garden. This is done mainly with the purpose of allowing air circulation, but it does lend a unique look to the garden.
Speaking of air, another one of the best Japanese garden ideas for small spaces is using wind chimes. These wind chimes add a tranquil feel to the garden that is not found in most other areas. Because the sound of the chimes is not constant, but rather changes, you never get the same note every time you walk past the garden. You may end up getting a different one each time you pass. These small things add a nice touch of tranquility to the small space of the garden and can help to relax you as you sit and enjoy the peace that the wind provides.
A garden bench is also another important element of the Japanese garden. Most gardens that do not have the proper planning or space for larger plants often use benches as a small space for sitting and relaxing. The benches are usually made of wood and the purpose of them is to provide a place for people to sit and read or play games. These benches can be found almost anywhere on the planet, but there are some native Japanese who use their small wooden benches as the main source of seating in their gardens. These types of benches tend to be very strong and sturdy and can withstand the extremes of climate and weather conditions.
If you have a large garden that you would like to expand, a small bridge can easily be added. Bridge style structures can be added to gardens as a small space to separate two areas of the garden. Bridges are available in many different styles, colors and materials depending upon your preference. Some bridges are movable and others are built into the ground. This type of bridge is perfect for gardens that are on higher levels and small gardens that would like to separate two areas of the garden from each other but still have the ability to remain connected to each other.
For those with very little space, it may be wise to create small sculptures in your garden. Stone sculptures are a great way to add some natural charm to your garden as well as creating a focal point in the garden. For Japanese garden ideas for small spaces, using water is a very important part of the garden design. When designing your water garden, make sure that there are enough rocks or pebbles around the water to keep it clean and not cause an algae build up. The rocks will also keep the water from becoming stagnant and algae growth will become much more difficult.