An interesting element of decor, like a rock garden, is part of Buddhist art. This is not found in any other culture. Unusual philosophical gardens for Europeans are endowed with grace and attractive simplicity. Stone composition is a great option for decorating a summer cottage. Modern designers offer many ways to implement such an idea. In the homeland of stunning decor, in Japan, only masters can install it. In our regions, anyone can install an unusual decoration in the country at home.
In the Japanese garden, cobblestones of various sizes and shapes symbolize mountains. They were first used in the 14th century. The monk and master of gardening, Muso Soseki, became the progenitor of unique compositions. Scattered stones on the earth in a certain order symbolize the opposition to adversity, a long life, because for centuries they remain unchanged. Previously, they were created only at temples and monasteries, and their main purpose was only the delivery of aesthetic pleasure.
Literally, a rock garden from Japanese translates as "dry waters and mountains."
According to legend, one sailor saved a turtle from death. And she, in gratitude, showed him one of the five islands where the immortals lived. Since then, people began to decorate their sites with stony decor according to certain rules. The elements themselves must be strictly an odd number, and their number can be a multiple of only three or five.
Garden style and purpose
At first glance, it may seem that boulders and various minerals in the street composition are randomly located. In fact, the place to install items is selected according to certain rules. First of all, they indicate the main point of contemplation. It is on it that the garden will be oriented. The hours of probable observation are taken into account so as not to spoil the pleasure of contemplation by the scorching sun and excessive shadow.
Japanese rock gardens are always asymmetric, filled with elements of different sizes and shapes. Decor is never placed in parallel. All objects should be well visible at any viewing angle and create a heptagonal geometric network of lines. If there is a reservoir in the area, you should consider the effect of the reflection of stones in the water.
The main task of the rock garden is to help you tune in and relax. If you observe the entire composition completely, you can see the enchanting islands with waves emanating from them in a certain direction.
Basic rules for creating your own hands
For many, a rock garden causes a feeling of emptiness. But in fact, the achievement of the effect of infinity occurs according to certain rules. With the independent creation of such a landscape design, it is necessary to choose only stable cobblestones and miniature pebbles. They should not just look scattered. To do this, you must initially consider the idea of drawing. Compare with a ready-made photo or picture. The depth of digging is chosen depending on the shape of the stones and the features of the terrain.
Feng shui rules
A Feng Shui rock garden is created for relaxation and restoration of strength. All elements there are considered sources of life and symbolize the earth. They should be located as naturally as possible. A necessary part of the decor is any water element in the form of a stream or lake. Stones located near the reservoir will complement each other's energy.
The main way to organize a garden in Feng Shui is to designate functional zones along the Bagua grid. Running water is placed in the grid of the quarry, a playground in the child’s zone, in the place of friendship and partnership, a gazebo, benches, benches are installed. Flat stones, paths with smooth outlines and bends in the Feng Shui garden are not allowed.
Only real unprocessed objects are suitable as filling elements, since only primordial materials will help to truly appreciate the natural beauty. Any imitations and other garden decor are excluded.
Preparation: site selection and site arrangement
Any rockery, regardless of size, should be located as naturally as possible, in harmony with the relief of the site and other decorative elements. Irregularities will be an ideal platform to place the composition. Even the most unprepossessing hollow or hill can be turned into an original design element. If the site is absolutely flat, the differences are created artificially in different ways.
When choosing a place, one should take into account the peculiarity of the materials and the purpose of the composition. None of the elements of the rock garden should be located in the corner or at the fence. It will look dull and tasteless, resembling just a dumped pile of waste after construction. If such placement is necessary, the site should be well-decorated. It can be climbing plants, beautiful flowers, shrubs in the theme of a stone layout.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a Japanese stone garden, you don’t need to buy new materials or order design elements of a certain shape. All details of the decorative composition can be found in your yard. When planning independently, it is important to follow strictly step-by-step instructions in order to get a truly attractive composition that favorably affects your consciousness. The original landscape will be created from the following materials and tools:
Small stones, bricks, pebbles;
Wooden boards for fencing;
Geotextile;
Boulders, parts of rock;
Gravel, sand;
Equipment for leveling the base (wooden, metal rake).
Selection of key elements
The choice of stones, as well as all additional elements must be approached thoroughly. You need to pick them up right away in the right amount so that they do not differ in color and structure, are ideally combined in a single composition. It is desirable that they be from the same locality, since each element has its own personality.
First of all, it is necessary to study each stone well, to select the most successful structure, to group several pieces of similar subjects in one specific place. Then you need to determine the side by which it will be turned towards the light, and make a stable foundation.
When choosing stones, it is worth considering that each element is responsible for a certain symbol. Fine sand, gravel, pebbles - symbolize water.Flat cobblestones - mean the earth, tall - the sky, a pile of massive decor - mountains or islands.
Rules for composing compositions and arranging stones
The location of the stones on the site must be performed according to certain rules. Professional creators of rockeries are guided by the sute-isi technique. You can use only an odd number of parts to create a composition. They should not just lie on the surface. You should create the effect of their live growth from the soil, deepening enough.
To create a composition of several elements, stones of different sizes are used. All items are selected in the correct ratio. To balance the energy of Yin-Yang, there should be more horizontal stones than vertical ones. Horizontal rocky décor smoothes the influence of vertical objects such as trees, fences, brick buildings.
The stone garden area is completely covered with sand or gravel. To determine the exact distance using a heptagonal geometric network. Elements are positioned exactly at the intersection of the network. In small areas, only part of it is used.
Additional elements of the garden
Japanese compositions are filled not only with bare stones. An important role is played by the correct drawings in the sand, precisely located paths, fences, fountains, waterfalls. Patterns are made with a special rake, after carefully thinking through the theme of the picture. Lines, circles should be smooth, symmetrical, in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Opaque materials are used for fencing. It is installed on one or two sides of the garden and is given the task of creating an atmosphere of privacy. Often apply a low wall of stone, concrete, bamboo. To bring a dynamic element to the composition will help Tsukubai. Water enters the small stone barrels through pipes, which brings movement without disturbing the tranquility of the rock garden.
Flashlights will help illuminate the stone composition in the evening and at night.They are made only from natural materials (wood, stone, pumice). Dimmed light, the atmosphere of mystery allows you to look at familiar things in a new way.
Selection of plants for a stone garden
The created landscape in the first place should imitate the mountainous terrain, but look as natural as possible. All plants should be combined with each other in color, shape and size. Also, the flowers should have the same soil requirements and be picky about the neighborhood on a rocky site. At the planning stage, before landing, all agro-technical conditions should be taken into account. The choice of vegetation for a rocky kindergarten follows the following rules:
It is better to plant flowers of several types. In large groups, they will look more harmonious;
Observe the rules of color. It is necessary to smoothly soften the transition from one group to another in a neutral color;
Symmetrical planting in a rocky garden is not used. The chaotically located groups will look better;
Plants with the longest flowering are suitable for rockeries.
Rock Garden Care
The rocky garden does not need special care. It is enough to maintain its appearance, adhering to some recommendations. The biggest problem is fast-growing weeds, so even at the stage of preparation, you should get rid of all deep-growing roots. Then the earth is treated with herbicides and laid geotextiles. After some time, unwanted vegetation may reappear. In order not to spoil the appearance of the garden, it should be removed in a timely manner.
Garbage and fallen foliage can spoil the appearance of stony compositions. In order to freely carry out cleaning, you should consider access to any part of the rockery at the planning stage. It is better to remove pollution with a wire rake. If plants are planted on the site, you need to consider the irrigation system and the possibility of periodic fertilizer.To refresh the appearance of the stone garden, the foundation must be updated at least once every three years.
Famous Rock Gardens
One of the most famous rock gardens is considered a large composition in Kyoto. It consists of 15 stones on white gravel, decorated with green moss. The uniqueness of the composition lies in its amazing visual effect. Whatever side you look at it, one element will always be hidden from view. According to legend, only an enlightened and spiritually purified person can fully see the garden.
An equally famous rocky garden is located in Vietnam in the city of Nha Trang. On a picturesque cape there are natural stones of various funny shapes. It is the level of polishing and natural originality that attract many tourists to this garden. The arboretum park in the Krasnodar Territory can also boast of a similar masterpiece of park art.
Conclusion
Everyone can independently introduce a new area of landscape design at his home site. Depending on the size of the territory, you can organize a large park or a miniature composition near the house. In addition to stones of an interesting form, they often use any improvised materials, for example, baskets, old troughs, a table.
An interesting element of decor, like a rock garden, is part of Buddhist art. This is not found in any other culture. Unusual philosophical gardens for Europeans are endowed with grace and attractive simplicity. Stone composition is a great option for decorating a summer cottage. Modern designers offer many ways to implement such an idea. In the homeland of stunning decor, in Japan, only masters can install it. In our regions, anyone can install an unusual decoration in the country at home.
Content
The history of stone gardens
In the Japanese garden, cobblestones of various sizes and shapes symbolize mountains. They were first used in the 14th century. The monk and master of gardening, Muso Soseki, became the progenitor of unique compositions. Scattered stones on the earth in a certain order symbolize the opposition to adversity, a long life, because for centuries they remain unchanged. Previously, they were created only at temples and monasteries, and their main purpose was only the delivery of aesthetic pleasure.
According to legend, one sailor saved a turtle from death. And she, in gratitude, showed him one of the five islands where the immortals lived. Since then, people began to decorate their sites with stony decor according to certain rules. The elements themselves must be strictly an odd number, and their number can be a multiple of only three or five.
Garden style and purpose
At first glance, it may seem that boulders and various minerals in the street composition are randomly located. In fact, the place to install items is selected according to certain rules. First of all, they indicate the main point of contemplation. It is on it that the garden will be oriented. The hours of probable observation are taken into account so as not to spoil the pleasure of contemplation by the scorching sun and excessive shadow.
Japanese rock gardens are always asymmetric, filled with elements of different sizes and shapes. Decor is never placed in parallel. All objects should be well visible at any viewing angle and create a heptagonal geometric network of lines. If there is a reservoir in the area, you should consider the effect of the reflection of stones in the water.
The main task of the rock garden is to help you tune in and relax. If you observe the entire composition completely, you can see the enchanting islands with waves emanating from them in a certain direction.
Basic rules for creating your own hands
For many, a rock garden causes a feeling of emptiness. But in fact, the achievement of the effect of infinity occurs according to certain rules. With the independent creation of such a landscape design, it is necessary to choose only stable cobblestones and miniature pebbles. They should not just look scattered. To do this, you must initially consider the idea of drawing. Compare with a ready-made photo or picture. The depth of digging is chosen depending on the shape of the stones and the features of the terrain.
Feng shui rules
A Feng Shui rock garden is created for relaxation and restoration of strength. All elements there are considered sources of life and symbolize the earth. They should be located as naturally as possible. A necessary part of the decor is any water element in the form of a stream or lake. Stones located near the reservoir will complement each other's energy.
The main way to organize a garden in Feng Shui is to designate functional zones along the Bagua grid. Running water is placed in the grid of the quarry, a playground in the child’s zone, in the place of friendship and partnership, a gazebo, benches, benches are installed. Flat stones, paths with smooth outlines and bends in the Feng Shui garden are not allowed.
Only real unprocessed objects are suitable as filling elements, since only primordial materials will help to truly appreciate the natural beauty. Any imitations and other garden decor are excluded.
Preparation: site selection and site arrangement
Any rockery, regardless of size, should be located as naturally as possible, in harmony with the relief of the site and other decorative elements. Irregularities will be an ideal platform to place the composition. Even the most unprepossessing hollow or hill can be turned into an original design element. If the site is absolutely flat, the differences are created artificially in different ways.
When choosing a place, one should take into account the peculiarity of the materials and the purpose of the composition. None of the elements of the rock garden should be located in the corner or at the fence. It will look dull and tasteless, resembling just a dumped pile of waste after construction. If such placement is necessary, the site should be well-decorated. It can be climbing plants, beautiful flowers, shrubs in the theme of a stone layout.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a Japanese stone garden, you don’t need to buy new materials or order design elements of a certain shape. All details of the decorative composition can be found in your yard. When planning independently, it is important to follow strictly step-by-step instructions in order to get a truly attractive composition that favorably affects your consciousness. The original landscape will be created from the following materials and tools:
Selection of key elements
The choice of stones, as well as all additional elements must be approached thoroughly. You need to pick them up right away in the right amount so that they do not differ in color and structure, are ideally combined in a single composition. It is desirable that they be from the same locality, since each element has its own personality.
First of all, it is necessary to study each stone well, to select the most successful structure, to group several pieces of similar subjects in one specific place. Then you need to determine the side by which it will be turned towards the light, and make a stable foundation.
Rules for composing compositions and arranging stones
The location of the stones on the site must be performed according to certain rules. Professional creators of rockeries are guided by the sute-isi technique. You can use only an odd number of parts to create a composition. They should not just lie on the surface. You should create the effect of their live growth from the soil, deepening enough.
To create a composition of several elements, stones of different sizes are used. All items are selected in the correct ratio. To balance the energy of Yin-Yang, there should be more horizontal stones than vertical ones. Horizontal rocky décor smoothes the influence of vertical objects such as trees, fences, brick buildings.
The stone garden area is completely covered with sand or gravel. To determine the exact distance using a heptagonal geometric network. Elements are positioned exactly at the intersection of the network. In small areas, only part of it is used.
Additional elements of the garden
Japanese compositions are filled not only with bare stones. An important role is played by the correct drawings in the sand, precisely located paths, fences, fountains, waterfalls. Patterns are made with a special rake, after carefully thinking through the theme of the picture. Lines, circles should be smooth, symmetrical, in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Opaque materials are used for fencing. It is installed on one or two sides of the garden and is given the task of creating an atmosphere of privacy. Often apply a low wall of stone, concrete, bamboo. To bring a dynamic element to the composition will help Tsukubai. Water enters the small stone barrels through pipes, which brings movement without disturbing the tranquility of the rock garden.
Flashlights will help illuminate the stone composition in the evening and at night.They are made only from natural materials (wood, stone, pumice). Dimmed light, the atmosphere of mystery allows you to look at familiar things in a new way.
Selection of plants for a stone garden
The created landscape in the first place should imitate the mountainous terrain, but look as natural as possible. All plants should be combined with each other in color, shape and size. Also, the flowers should have the same soil requirements and be picky about the neighborhood on a rocky site. At the planning stage, before landing, all agro-technical conditions should be taken into account. The choice of vegetation for a rocky kindergarten follows the following rules:
Rock Garden Care
The rocky garden does not need special care. It is enough to maintain its appearance, adhering to some recommendations. The biggest problem is fast-growing weeds, so even at the stage of preparation, you should get rid of all deep-growing roots. Then the earth is treated with herbicides and laid geotextiles. After some time, unwanted vegetation may reappear. In order not to spoil the appearance of the garden, it should be removed in a timely manner.
Garbage and fallen foliage can spoil the appearance of stony compositions. In order to freely carry out cleaning, you should consider access to any part of the rockery at the planning stage. It is better to remove pollution with a wire rake. If plants are planted on the site, you need to consider the irrigation system and the possibility of periodic fertilizer.To refresh the appearance of the stone garden, the foundation must be updated at least once every three years.
Famous Rock Gardens
One of the most famous rock gardens is considered a large composition in Kyoto. It consists of 15 stones on white gravel, decorated with green moss. The uniqueness of the composition lies in its amazing visual effect. Whatever side you look at it, one element will always be hidden from view. According to legend, only an enlightened and spiritually purified person can fully see the garden.
An equally famous rocky garden is located in Vietnam in the city of Nha Trang. On a picturesque cape there are natural stones of various funny shapes. It is the level of polishing and natural originality that attract many tourists to this garden. The arboretum park in the Krasnodar Territory can also boast of a similar masterpiece of park art.
Conclusion
Everyone can independently introduce a new area of landscape design at his home site. Depending on the size of the territory, you can organize a large park or a miniature composition near the house. In addition to stones of an interesting form, they often use any improvised materials, for example, baskets, old troughs, a table.