AusBonsai

Hi everyone, i'm looking to get some plants for the creation of a Japanese garden in my backyard, I have already planted two Japanese maples and two Tridents, but now i'm looking to get a few junipers and black pines, other than these do you know of any other species that can be added for the theme? and were do i get them from? thanks Simo

I think its best to think of Japanese gardens in terms of design rather than plant species, one of the best examples of a Japanese garden I have seen in Australia is in Cowra where a lot of the plant material used is Australian natives.
Craigw

Pratia Puberula makes a really nice dense ground cover and is commonly used in Japanese Gardens.

I wish i had my own back yard (renting) so i could create my own Japanese inspired Garden.....

An easy and obvious option is.........azalea

Buxus and Lilly Lilly...bonus if you redesign the garden you'll have bonsai material!!!

oh yeah! hehe i plan to get some good material out of it it the long run. thanks

craigw60 wrote:I think its best to think of Japanese gardens in terms of design rather than plant species, one of the best examples of a Japanese garden I have seen in Australia is in Cowra where a lot of the plant material used is Australian natives.
Craigw

Design is critical. Absolutely no doubt.

But there are certain elements that are as Japanese as roses & lawns are emblematic of an English country garden.

Thing of the three friends of winter - Pine, Bamboo and Plum. Plus maples and cherries. And azaleas and moss.

But as Craig pointed out, you don't need the originals - you can substitute to suit your soil and seasons. Almonds for cherries, liquid amber for maples and Callitris for Pinus where I live - except P. Radiata & P. Pinaster. (With the odd Acer tucked away in a protected damp corner)

A quick trip to the local library (or your local search engine) will find a lot of publications on the Japanese garden and it's plants. Like bonsai, as a whole, it's more about the feelings evoked than the actual species (vs., for example, a hindu temple garden). Having said that, there are plenty with a special place - see the quote from Bruce A. Coats half way down http://www.japanesegardensonline.com/Si ... flora.html

I'm surprised no one has suggested camellia yet. I also think crepe myrtle would give your garden a lot of character year round with its delicate branch structure, the colour of the flaky bark and deep red autumn foliage.

EDIT: Crepe Myrtles are also rather drought tolerant once established, so a good substitute for other species that might be used in Japan.

thanks heaps everyone!

G'day mate, not sure if you would go a Poinciana tree but they grow everywhere in our area and i have seen some in roadside islands that the council have trimmed to in my opinion perfect trees for a japanese garden.
Cheers Mark

Hi Simo, I am also looking to create something in the lines of japanese gardens on a small area of wasted space . Somore ideas are magnolias is another. what about the wisteria on an abour or trellis would be nice. Theres pines and flowering cherry trees out atm in nursery sections. bamboo and panda grass, tall grasses and native irisestoo. look on line under japanese gardens for ideas and styles.good luck & look forward to your progress.

Kyushu Danji wrote:I'm surprised no one has suggested camellia yet. I also think crepe myrtle would give your garden a lot of character year round with its delicate branch structure, the colour of the flaky bark and deep red autumn foliage.

EDIT: Crepe Myrtles are also rather drought tolerant once established, so a good substitute for other species that might be used in Japan.

Quoted for truth. I am also surprised these hadn't been suggested already.

Thanks petra, yeah looking at japanese gardens online is a big help. il keep everyone posted

something from the Prunus spp sound like a good choice.