Clueless about how to design a Japanese garden

Ever since I started working in our garden, I have been on a fascinating journey studying how to trim, cut, create mulch, and compost. These tasks are not only fine-tuning the garden but are also necessary to maintain its health and beauty.

But it’s not just about the day-to-day care; it’s about the artistry. What’s always intrigued me is how Japanese gardeners craft their designs when creating a new Japanese garden.

Recently, I delved into the methods of Japanese professional gardeners as they build gardens from scratch. There’s a profound depth to this art, but one of my most significant takeaways from my research is that Japanese gardeners are, in a way, like artists who imitate and reconstruct a particular landscape they’ve captured through photos or drawings.

What’s striking is that Japanese-style gardens have an innate sense of natural beauty, appearing less man-made compared to Western-style gardens, often marked by symmetry.

Furthermore, professional Japanese gardeners keenly embrace the beauty of seasonal changes. Their designs are meticulously crafted to shine in every season, making each visit a unique experience.

I also noticed that many Japanese temple gardens retain their allure under various weather conditions. Whether it’s a clear, sunny day or a cloudy, rainy one, these gardens exude a captivating charm.

Moreover, they transform with the passing hours, revealing different facets of their design as daylight changes. It’s a testament to the artistry and thoughtfulness that goes into these landscapes.

Gardening has become my gateway to appreciating the art and harmony that Japanese gardeners create, and I’m excited to share more of my discoveries with you.

Leave a comment

This blog is for thoughtful adults who are starting again โ€” in learning, creativity, or life โ€” and want to grow steadily without noise or pressure.

Here youโ€™ll find daily reflections and practical guides shaped by lived experience. The focus is on learning through doing: building consistency, adapting to change, and finding clarity in everyday practice.

The stories and guides here come from real processes โ€” creative experiments, hands-on projects, life in rural Japan, working with nature, and learning new skills step by step. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is polished for performance. The aim is steady progress, honest reflection, and practical insight you can actually use.

If youโ€™re curious about life in Japan, learning new skills at your own pace, or finding a calmer, more intentional way forward, youโ€™re in the right place.

Receive Daily Short Stories from Karl

You can unsubscribe anytime with a few button clicks.

Continue reading