Landscaping
Japanese Style Garden Design

This design was created for a local restaurant with very high visibility. The small space and odd shape of the lot were a challenge on this one. (More on this design below)

Click here to see this landscape design completed

I actually created this landscape using a few principles of Japanese garden design. At the same time, I didn't want this to be completely Japanese. It wouldn't fit the theme of the restaurant.

The elements are simply rock and plantings. There are no flowers or color (besides green-green is a color) in this design. However, all the plantings are of an evergreen nature so the landscape keeps curb appeal all year long.

The plantings used are Japanese Boxwood, Mock Orange, Mexican Elder Trees, and Tall Fescue sod which keeps its color through Winter in our climate.

Lot shape poses a problem to a lot of people and this one was no exception. Usually, the challenge with landscaping odd shaped lots is coming up with a design shape to fit the lot. Balance can be a challenge. So, as with this one, we design with plants and simplicity.

Once again we used plantings in odd number groups to create balance. We also used the principle of simplicity by limiting our selection of plants to a few. Click here for more on planting ideas. We also created balance, unity, and symmetry using the six small trees evenly spaced.

To keep this design as low maintenance as possible and properly watered, an automated sprinkler and drip system is installed.

We designed on the angle of the lot and not the square of the building. After trying several different landscaping ideas it felt the only style to give this small landscape life, interest, and character. Give this a try if you're having trouble with an odd shaped lot.

The large boulder in the center of the main bed is very dramatic and creates a nice focal point. The dark boulder surrounded with white ground cover rock also creates a good contrast in color and texture. Don't forget texture as a tool to design with. But also remember that as a rule to use more finer textures and fewer coarser textures. As with all of our projects, the ground cover is under lain with quality landscape fabric to prevent unwanted grass and weeds.

The finishing touch on this project is a small, white split rail fence down the left side. Pay attention to finishing touches and fine detail. Try to envision the finished project with different elements like fences, arbors, trailing vines, boulders, etc. Use garden decor and garden statues when possible (and tasteful). It could make a big difference.

This Japanese style garden design was an extreme challenge. However, it did work exceptionally well due to the "synthetic" balance created with the elements involved.

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