Creating Japanese Gardens

This book has a lot of nice pictures. It did not have the how-to information I really wanted. Buy it if you are still looking for ideas, but not if you need help implementing them.

This is a great introduction to the art of the Japanese garden, the various styles, the plants, and designs. The photos are excellent quality and numerous, and the book is sure to provide a wealth of inspiration that certainly helped us during our design phase. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

Inspired by Ryoanji and armed with this book (checked out from the library), I created a large Japanese raked garden (20' x 100') in my back yard. This was my first attempt at such a garden and the results were sublime. Of all the books I read on the subject, this one was the most practical in terms of explaining the history and principles behind such a garden as well as the techniques needed to build one. I referred often to the many illustrative photographs and schematic sketches as I executed my project. Unfortunately, I had to sell my home, but the garden did a lot to increase its marketability. Now that I've bought a new home, I'm adding this book to my permanent collection as reference for my next Zen garden project.

I was curious as to how to go about creating a Japanese garden, and this book not only answered my questions, it gave me inspiration with its pages of gorgeous photographs. A must have for any aspiring Japanese gardener, or just for anyone interested in Japan.

I always had an interest in Japanese gardens and always wantes to have one and if not experiance them. The book helped with both accounts. I am now seriously thinking of establishing a small garden and want to know more.