Product Description

A thousand years of tradition comes to life in the contemporary gardens showcased in these pages. The New Zen Garden introduces the contemplative Japanese space in all its varied forms, then guides you through the basics of theory, design, and construction, blending age-old techniques with modern innovation.

After a brief history of the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Japanese garden, author Joseph Cali reveals the underpinnings of the gardener's art. In simple and straightforward terms, he shows you how to conceive a small- to medium-size garden for your home, townhouse, or apartment balcony, then how to add the final elegant touches of your choice, including stone lanterns, bamboo fences, cobbled pathways, and sculpted plantings.

Superb examples of contemporary gardens abound, many never before published in English. Works from some of the foremost experts in the field today complement the text. Dozens of carefully conceived line drawings by the author--as well as additional instruction by top professionals--further illuminate the finer points of garden-making. When all is said and done, The New Zen Garden offers an abundance of ideas to transform your backyard, patio, terrace, courtyard, or other expanse into a space steeped in a quiet joy you'll cherish for years to come.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #126613 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 88 pages

Review
"Just looking at the gorgeous photos alone will help calm the bewildered mind." -- Asian Week

"THE NEW ZEN GARDEN will help you design a Japanese garden perfect enough to make all your neighbors jealous." -- Water Gardening Magazine

"When the chaos overwhelms you, find a moment to pick up Japan-based designer Joseph Cali's excellent book on Zen gardens." -- The Los Angeles Times

Review

"When the chaos overwhelms you, find a moment to pick up Japan-based designer Joseph Cali's excellent book on Zen gardens. Photos of classic and contemporary designs-modest sand-and-stone courtyards and green gardens with waterfalls and ponds-exude tranquility. -Los Angeles Times
"Just looking at the gorgeous photos alone will help calm the bewildered mind... What a perfect corner from which to read my ever-growing pile of books!" -Asian Week
"The New Zen Garden will help you design a Japanese garden perfect enough to make all your neighbors jealous." ?Water Gardening Magazine

About the Author
Joseph Cali was born and raised in New York City and graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Fine Art and Painting. He has lived and worked in Japan as an interior designer, graphic designer, copywriter, and illustrator for over twenty years. His work has appeared in numerous books and publications. He is the coauthor, with Azby Brown, of The Japanese Dream House.

Customer Reviews

A wonderful book!
This book is itself a work of art, the best I've ever seen in the field. The photographs convey the quiet, peaceful, beauty of small Zen gardens so well, that it is a joy to look at. Mr. Cali's text clearly introduces and explains both the historical background and the philosophical/aesthetic concepts behind Zen gardens. The traditional techniques to create your own garden space, large or small, are explained clearly enough to give anyone the confidence to create even a tiny oasis of natural peace within their home environment. This is best book on zen gardens to come out in a long time. Highly recommended.

A fine addition to your Japanese garden collection
"Early to pre-modern Japanese civilization was shaped in part by Chinese culture through direct contact or as filtered through the Korean Peninsula. Garden design arrived in Japan between the sixth and seventh century A.D., in the first wave of cultural influences from China that affected the arts, government, architecture, city planning and the written language..." Joseph Cali writes, he continues to describe the history of spiritual and cultural aspects of Japanese garden, and the underpinnings of the garden's art. He also shows you how to use Japanese garden principle to design you own small to medium garden, adding finish touches with stone lanterns, bamboo fences, sculpted plantings and cobbled pathways.

"The New Zen Garden: Designing Quiet Spaces" includes five chapters: The Roots of Japanese Garden, Layout and Enclosure, Stone and Gardens, Water and Related Garden Fixtures, and Planting and Other Garden Features.

"The New Zen Garden: Designing Quiet Spaces" has 88 pages and many beautiful interior color photos. It is a fine addition to your Japanese garden collection.

Gang Chen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Author of "LEED GA Exam Guide," "Planting Design Illustrated," and other books on Architecture, LEED and Landscape Architecture

Excellent book
I ended up buying a number of books on this subject when I decided to create a zen garden in my backyard. This was my favorite, and it provided a number of ideas. It also is a good source of providing instructions on how to do it yourself. I also liked the modern twist on traditional gardens that were featured in here.