Saturday, April 21, 2007

Japanese Tea Gardens


Is it me, or are japanese tea gardens one of the most peaceful and beautiful types of gardens I have ever encountered? If you haven't ever been to a japanese tea garden, and there is one around you, even a small one, you should definitely check it out. There are many types of japanese tea gardens, including pond gardens, sitting gardens, tea gardens (which usually include a tea hut of some kind), and strolling gardens to name a few. Some of the more common plants you will be fortunate enough to see will include bamboos, evergreens, ferns, mosses, but these are only naming a few of countless types of absolutely beautiful plants. Often, the use of stones and water is significant in the japanese tea gardens. Traditional gardens do not contain fountains, however, and you are more likely to see natural based water. Lanterns are often placed beside some of the most prominent water basins to represent the female and male elements of water and fire, which is really interesting! This is part of the Taoist tradition (yin, and yang). Again, if you have the chance to check out these beautiful gardens, please do so! I guarantee you that you will love it.

2 comments:

Lizard boy said...

Japanese tea gardens? I'll have to check it out. They sound very nice and relaxing. Have you been to a Japanese tea garden? If you have, do you have any recommendations?

Anonymous said...

just beautiful! i love japanese tea gardens