From the Ground Up: Create your own Japanese garden

Q: I'm interested in Japanese gardens. I don't want a whole garden, but maybe just a 'touch of Japanese.” Where do I start?

A: There are lots of ways to add a 'touch” of Japanese to a garden. One way to do this is to set aside an area and start with a feature plant, tree, or shrub. Then add a couple of typical Japanese garden elements. Think: minimal, asymmetrical, simple, natural, symbolism, tranquillity.

Japanese gardens include several key elements. All of these elements don't have to be in every garden, but consider adding water, stones, a small bridge, an arbor or pergola, a bench, or an ornament, like a stone or metal lantern or a statue. Water can be running or still, depending on the mood you are trying to create, and you can use rocks or gravel to represent water.

A feature of many Japanese gardens is the idea of incorporating landscapes. Look around to see what you can 'borrow” from neighboring vistas to frame your small garden area.

Japanese gardens seldom use perennials, but more often they are based on texture and color variety of shrubs, trees, and plants. Some plantings you might want for your feature area:

' Japanese maple. When people think of Japanese gardens, they often think of these lovely trees (Acer palmatum). There are over 300 common varieties, hardiness varies so you will want to choose one that is the most hardy (Zone 5) for our area. They are susceptible to sun scald, so plant them on the north side of your home near the house or a sheltered area.

' Ornamental trees. Incorporate an ornamental cherry or dogwood into your small space to bring it alive in spring.

' Viburnum. If you want something smaller, try one of the many varieties of viburnum. Most are hardy, and they offer three-season interest, with pastel blooms in spring, nice greens in summer, and brilliant fall coloring.

' Hydrangea. These lovely plants come in several varieties and can be found in most local garden centers. 'Hydra” means water, so you will need to keep them from drying out, and they can be fickle bloomers.

' Dwarf conifers. Add variety and texture to your area with one or more small conifers. Look for interesting needles and colors.

' Hostas. For additional interest, add a couple of hostas in various colorings.

' Ground covers. Many Japanese gardens use ground covers in pathways and surrounding lawns, to increase the visual interest of the area.

Armed with your imagination and a few key plants and features, you can create a place of quiet and solitude with a 'touch” of Japanese in your yard. Learn more about different gardens at one of the Linn County Master Gardener Garden talks. See the schedule here.