Most people dream of having their own house, and out of town, to be as close to nature as possible. Previously, it seemed that this was only the lot of people with great family wealth, and even they could build a stone garden on their site. In fact, this statement can be argued. Even a small area can be perfectly designed, it would be a desire.
At the same time , the costs are minimal, because natural materials are used for the arrangement, and after all, stone can be found practically anywhere and in unlimited quantities. In addition, he has a lot of advantages, including longevity, strength. This will be the topic of the article.
What does a rock garden symbolize?
For many Russians, a stone garden is just a stone garden, no more and no less. However, Europeans are able to penetrate deeper into this philosophy. From the point of view of Zen doctrine, such stone gardens are called “dry” and are the embodiment of the philosophy and aesthetics of the course of Zen Buddhism.
In the most famous temple of Reanji, which is located in Japan (Kyoto city), there is a recognizable rock garden by everyone. Its uniqueness is as follows. In a small area that is covered with gravel, 15 stones are located. Moreover, everything is done so that they seem to sprout from the earth like plants.
Now the bottom line: no matter what place is chosen for contemplation, you can see all the stones except one. An exact interpretation of such a riddle simply does not exist in nature, but it allows you to plunge into deep thought and reflect on the eternal.
Middle Ages
The rules for the arrangement of stony gardens developed in the Middle Ages, and for the entire time of their existence, they have never undergone major changes. Yes, they are periodically updated and even interpreted a little differently, but the foundation always remains constant. A stone garden in any case should remain a symbol of the eternal and the unknown. It can be supplemented with riddles, as well as all kinds of metaphors.
It can consist of several stones or it is a lonely standing tree, near which a large boulder is located. As for the size of the garden, from a very modest plot of several square meters, it can spread over several hectares.
In the same period of the Middle Ages, special councils were even developed, the text of which is given below.
As can be understood from the description, it is very intricate, but the whole essence of the garden is reflected in this instruction. It makes no sense to change anything in nature, it is necessary to accept it for what it is.
Classic performance
Traditionally, two types of stone gardens can be distinguished:
- Tsukiyama - it is customary to smash it on a hilly area.
- Hiraniva - equip on a flat area in the absence of significant differences in height.
In addition, the gardens can be palace, temple, and also as a site for a tea ceremony are located at the apartment building.
Basic Rules
According to the East, stone is the embodiment of the masculine principle. To contemplate a stone means to comprehend wisdom, to be imbued with harmony, to appreciate the perfection and beauty of nature, and also to feel all its strength. It is precisely on this that all thoughts should be directed when forming a stone garden.
Each element is stacked in such a way as to create a certain secret - it should become an inseparable part to create a full-fledged picture. At the same time, the stones should not only be an adornment, but ideally and harmoniously fit into the general landscape.
Usually, to create a stone garden with your own hands, you should choose material of volcanic origin:
- andesite;
- basalt;
- chlorite;
- granite;
- tuff.
The most important element of any garden is the stone-lined paths. During their installation, all existing cracks, chips and cuts should be hidden from view. In this case, the longest face is directed perpendicular to the movement.
In addition, the garden can be supplemented with plants or the stones can lie alone on a site covered with fine gravel or sand.
Principles for creating a peaceful atmosphere
As you might guess, the foundation of any garden is represented by large specimens, while small pebbles are mainly used for backfilling. For proper arrangement of the garden, you must adhere to certain principles.
There are not many of them, but they are all very important:
- The most important principle is that the entire environment of the garden should be oriented with respect to only one point of contemplation. A similar place should be chosen depending on the time of day, when it is more convenient for a person to be in the garden. This is usually the north side in Japan, but there may be other options.
- The contrast between the empty zone and the filling must be maintained.
- In the concept of a stone garden in the country, asymmetry should be visible. Indeed, in the surrounding space you can find irregular shapes that are beautiful in their own way. Japanese craftsmen take into account the reflection of objects in the water, including their shadows.
- Another, no less important, principle is the use of an odd number of stones (3, 5, 7, etc.). The classic version is based on a regular heptagon.
- It is necessary to balance between horizontal and vertical lines. Moreover, there should be more stones laid in the horizontal plane than in the vertical one (there are so many similar objects on the site - a fence, trees, a house and outbuildings).
In a good environment, all attention is focused on the elements of stone themselves - their contemplation should create a sense of the unshakable power of nature and amazing beauty. Plants growing on the plot will be a good, but not necessary addition.
Foundation basis
The main thing in arranging a stone garden is by no means to ignore the ancient traditions. According to legend, the improper arrangement of boulders leads to many troubles and suffering, a loss of strength.
Thinking about creating a Japanese stone garden with your own hands, it is not recommended to be in a hurry, since this will fundamentally ruin the whole composition.
In addition, you cannot mix paints and boulders of different shapes and types - they must be in harmony with each other and belong to a single species. Tradition does not welcome experimentation.
Stones can be installed arbitrarily - simply put on the ground, put on an edge or partially immersed in the ground (you get the growth effect from the ground). When placing several copies side by side, try to avoid straight lines. They are contrary to natural conditions. To do this, stones must be placed diagonally in relation to the human gaze, however difficult it may be.
In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the stones are not perpendicular to other objects in the area. The corners of the base of the boulders can be directed in any direction.
Plants
In the rock garden, all attention is mainly focused on boulders of various sizes. Therefore, plants should be smaller than stones, and bright colors and riot of vegetation is not welcome.
For landscaping the Japanese stone garden, recognized masters prefer mosses and lichens. This can be called a whole art, and quite complex. Finding different types of moss, as well as creating all the necessary conditions for them, is not so simple. They grow no more than a millimeter in a year, and after all they can not be fully blossomed at all. Otherwise, you can pay attention to sakura and bonsai - a classic for all time.
Under natural conditions, trees can grow to enormous size, but in the garden they are pruned in a special way by the roots and crown, which is why the plant develops differently. As a result, it grows low, and its branches curiously bend. However, this does not contradict the philosophy of harmony.
In addition, to decorate your garden, you can plant a plum or rhododendron. When purchasing certain seedlings, you need to make sure that they are able to tolerate local climatic conditions. Coniferous representatives usually take root well:
- Chinese juniper;
- Japanese pine;
- cedar;
- yew;
- cypress.
Hardwood plants and even more:
- evergreen boxwood;
- Japanese maple;
- camellia;
- euonymus;
- holly;
- spirea;
- bamboo.
True, not everyone suffers our harsh winter. Some species may even freeze with the advent of the first frosts. This should be considered when creating a stone garden with your own hands.
Water element
If the stone symbolizes the masculine principle - yang, then the water, without a doubt, personifies the female - yin. Therefore, it will not be amiss to arrange some kind of pond in your garden, depending on your own imagination. A small pond and even a whole waterfall will be appropriate. The main thing is that the water element is combined with stones and as close as possible to natural conditions.
The Japanese themselves simply love to equip waterfalls - they even come up with various names. There are 10 forms in total, each of which has its own semantic load:
- Teku-oti - water freely falls from the upper edge to the lower level.
- Kasane-oti - several barriers are arranged on the path of the water flow.
- Kati-oti are two streams that differ markedly in width.
- Ito-oti - a few thin streams.
- Sayu-oti - an obstacle divides the stream into two equal parts, which causes it to fall from two sides.
- Nuno-oti - a continuous and thin stream through which everything can be seen, resembles a thin canvas.
- Tsutai-oti - "water sliding on the rocks."
- Mukai-oti - two jets facing each other.
- Hanare-oti ("water falling torn away") - the stream below is located far from the ledge.
- Eco-oti - water flows only from one side of the boulder.
If the garden is located in an area with large differences in height, then the stone garden in the landscape can successfully harmonize with the waterfall. Moreover, you can create a large cascade with stone steps, bridges and other decorative elements that can give a special flavor to the garden.
Only preliminary should take into account all the features - the relief of the site, the properties of the soil and its chemical composition, which plants can take root in such an environment, the possibility of care. Well, actually, financial savings will also be the main factor in the implementation of the idea.
Garden Styles
By style, stone gardens are divided into the following types:
- Forest - this is an actual option for garden plots located in the shade. From plants, you can choose between fern and violets. Natural snags will also be appropriate, as if they were nailed by a wave.
- Desert landscape - for its arrangement it is better to give preference to basalt, marble, granite. Succulents and desert annuals will be a wonderful plant addition.
- Alpine is the most popular variety of rockeries, for which the use of limestone, slate, sandstone, tuff is relevant. Porous rock is able to absorb moisture, which will provide it with all the available vegetation. It is desirable to equip such a garden on the open northern or eastern slopes.
The choice of garden styling largely depends on the soil on the site, which is confirmed by many photos of stone gardens.
It is impossible to grow alpine plants on fertile black soil. However, this soil is indispensable for cereal crops.
Garden Compositions
As for the design, here are also distinguished several areas:
- Hillside - relevant for areas with a slope or slope.
- Rocky environment - imitates a cliff or rock outcrop. Such a garden can be created on a site with large elevations (hills, cliffs).
- Stone scree - the form is relevant for areas with a steep slope.
- Mountain plateau - such a garden can be created on a flat site with slight changes in relief.
- Valley near the mountain - in this case, the theme of the alpine hill will be harmoniously completed.
At the same time, one should not forget that the garden should be as close as possible to natural conditions, as already mentioned.
Creating a simple rock garden
On a summer cottage, the garden can be spread anywhere with an interesting relief. It will also look good between the fence and the house, which will create a smooth transition from the yard to the building. In addition, you can ennoble deaf and closed areas on the site, and they are usually always available. In Japan, stone gardens are formed by masters of their craft, taking into account all factors.
But since for Russians the rock garden is a purely decorative structure, its creation is noticeably simplified.
- The first step is to prepare the foundation. To do this, outline the contours of the garden using a rope and pegs. Do not make too much shape.
- Now you can remove the soil layer (80-100 mm).
- All weeds should be removed from it, and if necessary, the land should be treated with special means (herbicides).
- The resulting recess should be covered with agrofibre, and then covered with pebbles, gravel, sand - to choose from.
- Now you can begin to create the garden itself. As previously mentioned, it is possible to arrange one of the largest and most picturesque specimen or several boulders of different sizes. It is advisable to make a recess for them larger than their base. The bottom is also covered with fine gravel and only then establish a block. The resulting space is filled with soil, pebbles and rammed.
- As previously noted, a stone garden can successfully harmonize with plants. At the same time, one should not lose sight of any trifle - tall representatives look great against the background of large boulders. Low flowers will be in harmony with small pebbles. The main thing is not to abuse the vegetation, because it is a rock garden!
- The final stage is decoration. You can arrange garden furniture, lights, pave paths.
Gardeners, if desired, can build an entrance arch into the contemplation zone, equip a fountain or put figurines, sundials.
Care Rules
Any special care for the stone garden is not required, however, attention should be paid to it.
If plants grow in the garden, they should be watered periodically to develop the root system. Some time after planting, the frequency of watering should be reduced and carried out as necessary. Small pebbles retain moisture from evaporation, which allows the soil not to dry out. Therefore, as soon as the vegetation has taken root, it is possible for a long time to do without watering at all.
Weeds are the main problem of any garden, not just a stone one. Removing them from under a layer of gravel is very difficult. For this reason, the bottom of the garden is covered with agrofiber, and the soil itself must first be cleaned of roots. In any case, emerging weeds must be removed immediately.
It is not enough to make a stone garden, it is still necessary to remove garbage, which is also included in the list of tasks for caring for it. It is worth arming yourself with a wire rake and a stiff brush. Tools should be used to remove all rubbish from masonry, with loose backfill, garbage is removed manually.
Backing under the garden should be periodically updated with gravel or the material that was originally used. Subject to these simple recommendations, a stone garden will always have an attractive and welcoming appearance.
Total
Setting up a rock garden on your own can seem like a difficult and painstaking job, which will take a lot of time. But if you follow the instructions, connect your imagination and take responsibility for the matter, and at each stage, then time will pass unnoticed.
Do not rush, if everything is thought out to the smallest detail, then you can create a truly unique place in which all Eastern wisdom will be reflected. But here you can not only philosophize and dive deep into thought, but also arrange a tea ceremony in the family circle.
Making a stone garden with your own hands (the photos posted in the article is a visual aid), in principle, is not so difficult. Before starting work, preliminary preparation and the necessary measurements should be made.