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Landscape Design Japanese Gardens Design Dilemma

Looking for a Japanese Garden designer for a private garden

4 years ago

I have a garden that has grown up sort of topsy turvy around my dedicated koi pond, stream and lily pond. It has some japanesque features, but I would like to morph it into a more Japanese garden. I live in Knoxville, Tn. So far, I have not been able to find someone with real expertise in Japanese gardening. This is a garden that I will be keeping up myself with monthly help from a gardener who does directed pruning, weeding and planting. any advice would be appreciated!

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PRO

Patricia Colwell Consulting

4 years ago

You probably are trying to post too many. Try 2 one at atime until each one is no longer grayed then submit and add the next ones to another comment it seems that you can’t add them to your original post for some reason.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
4 years ago
Post some pics of your current garden.
Gloria Lewis
Original Author
4 years ago
Hmmm, I thought I had posted 4 or 5! I will try again
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And your goals are ....?? If the garden is to be an artistic statement (interesting and pleasurable to look at and be in,) then I think you are way too wrapped up in the plants at this stage of the game. It would be better to work out the forms, arrangements, layout and then consult your list of plants to see what would be useful to you in making your dream come true. Trying to squeeze in all the favorites first creates the likelihood that the end result will be jumbled, crowded and possibly disorganized. Because of the blackness of the shadow areas, the limits of the garden can't quite be seen, but the arbor does not seem to be at the back. I would consider, first, how this would be placed since it's a major element and you are not using it as an entrance, but more like an altar ... which is OK, but maybe it would be better toward the back and less in the center of the garden. Wish you had a better picture that showed into the shadows. I hope you paint the arbor and make it look more refined. (I don't get the mass appeal of weathering barn wood in gardens!)
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What garden/gardener inspires your design in your garden?
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Comments (16)
So many interesting websites, to get inspired by, these days. I loved the Oudolf site as well. I wish I had room to put in a truly huge mass planting, and still be the plant collector I find myself to be. Maybe some day I`ll be able to do that. In the meantime, it is wonderful to live vicariously through others and their gardens. I agree, Gottagarden`s gardens are inspiring. The red garden she posted in 06 has always been a favourite of mine. I wish I had the space. Hmmm, I say that a lot. :) I just bought hot Papaya Echinacea and love it. I`m sure she`d approve. :) Gottagarden`s picasa site Yeona Here is a link that might be useful: Gottagarden`s red garden
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Comments (11)
Just saw your post here. There are a number of ways you can get the look of a Japanese Garden in central Texas. One big plus is that gravel for pathways and rocks are plentiful. Live Oaks provide character. If you don't mind a few non-natives, bamboo-like Nandina thrives in my yard. Japanese Maples do well here in morning light and afternoon shade. Mine are in containers by the front door. Metro Maples is a great place to start. They have all the scoop on growing Japanese Maples in Texas. Here is a link that might be useful: Metro Maples
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Comments (4)
Adding some length/thickness to the eaves might help too. Your question made me think of traditional shinto shrine architecture & I found this chart. Its about halfway down the page. Here is a link that might be useful: Japanese Tourism website with shrine models
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Gloria Lewis
Original Author
4 years ago
I tried again and nothing! What is the secret to posting photos here?
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Wait until the image becomes clear before hitting submit.
chiflipper
4 years ago
Internet search using the term "pond (builders / supplies / maintenance)" OR phone

http://knoxgarden.org/ (botanical garden) ask for a referral.
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
4 years ago
I can help you with Japanese garden design.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Do you want a real Japanese garden or just one with a Japanese/Asian inspired theme to it? If the latter, you can Google Japanese garden design principles or design elements to get a sense of what will increase the Asian flavor. Japanese gardens have 4 primary elements: rocks, water, ornaments and plants. They also make careful use of symbolism and the borrowed landscape. You also want asymmetry but with balance and a sense of enclosure. Open spaces are just as important as planted spaces. And always use natural materials. There is lots of information online to help you with this as I doubt many professionals skilled in Japanese garden designers are readily available in Kentucky :-) Wouldn't hurt to take a road trip to any public or botanical gardens nearby that include a Japanese garden as part of their display

Doug, using the discussion forums here for self or business promotion is not allowed. That is the entire point of the "pro" designation and one of the rules you agree to when joining this site. Any of the experienced, practicing professional designers that post here can do the same thing you offer however they all follow the rules about not flogging their services outside of their Pro profile page. Those that do not usually get their posts deleted and sometimes their membership cancelled if flagrant enough.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
@Soothing Company, please read the last paragraph of the previous post. What you are doing - promoting your business via your posts - is considered spam and is not allowed!! You have been reported and your posts will likely be deleted.

btw, nothing you posted by way of examples has anything to do with Japanese garden design anyway.

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