Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87131 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Review
Kawaguchi (or her publisher) claims that this book will show western gardeners how to recreate Japanese garden design and detail, though to me the many colour photographs which illustrate the text all look as though they were taken in Japan, as every detail of how effective her methods are. And who knows, if you follow the zen principles fatihfully enough, perhaps your little corner of Kingston or Keswick could look like Kyoto. Kawaguchi first explains the traditional Japanese garden styles, including the dry garden and the courtyard garden, then goes on the examine the elements that make up these perfectly-balanced and harmonious environments: plants, rocks and water being the main ones. A helpful plant directory (with non-traditional alternatives) and suppliers' directory will give you more help towards horticultural serenity. (Kirkus UK)

From the Publisher
From earliest times, the formal gardens of Japan have represented the mountains and waterfalls, lakes and streams of the natural world. In their reverence for the landscape and the seasons, Japanese gardeners have always made exquisite use of natural materials, such as bamboo, rocks, and pebbles. Having explored the traditional Japanese approach to garden design ‹ from hill and pond gardens with their islands and bridges, and tea gardens with their stone lanterns and water features, to Zen dry gardens with their use of moss and pebbles ‹ Yoko Kawaguchi shows Western gardeners how to recreate Japanese garden design and detail, whether in a tiny urban setting or a large country plot. Throughout, there is an abundance of practical suggestions for locally available plants and materials, and stunning views of gardens in America, Japan, and Europe are complemented by close-up details. An extensive directory offers suggestions for selecting plants to create the desired effect, and climate zone maps offer additional detail on their hardiness. No matter how small your outdoor space, Serene Gardens offers endless ideas for creating your own natural haven of peace and tranquility.

About the Author
Yoko Kawaguchi is bilingual in English and Japanese, having been brought up in the USA, Canada and Japan. A keen gardener, she has lived in Britain for the past decade and contributes regular articles to horticultural magazines including The Garden, the journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. This is her first book. Her current home is in Cardiff, Wales.

Customer Reviews

Serene Gardens - exquisitely presented!
Kawaguchi captures the essential elements of serenity and beauty in near perfect balance with the `how-to' hinted at in the subtitle.

The author succeeds in creating a book that is first and foremost a beautiful book, but also raises awareness as to the deeper consciousness of Japanese garden design. This is not a Readers Digest Gardening Guide, with silly pictures and numbered steps. Instead she takes you on journey, leading you to discover and to appreciate, as she unfolds the finer art with sensitivity. The book is beautifully illustrated, well designed and well constructed.

Serene Gardens first introduces the reader to the traditional Japanese garden, and then proceeds to demonstrate how plants, rocks, water and sand should be used in the garden. She discusses paths, bridges, and constructions like pergolas en fences - and provides clear instructions on how to construct these. In conclusion, the book ends with a brief plant directory, listing suitable plants, ranging from trees, grasses/bamboos, berries and aquatic plants. The list includes alternative, non-traditional plants.

'Serene Gardens' works on the coffee table as well as in the garden. It is a book that can be enjoyed, as the garden itself is enjoyed.

Exceptional photos, great text
I have checked out many books on Japanese gardening in the past ten years and this is my favorite. Includes design details and plant lists and the photos are gorgeous. You won't be sorry.

Helpful ideas
In trying to find inspiration for a japanese-style garden, this book is incredible. It has varied ideas and helpful hints. It has the most information on moss than others I've used.