A Japanese garden in Australia

Japanese-style gardens are among the most popular themed landscape designs in Australia, utlising natural materials such as timber, gravel and stone, along with plants in a manner that allows each element to have an impact, while at the same time providing a tranquil feel through the use of simple open spaces.

"The overall effect of Japanese gardens is one of serenity and a respect for nature," says Ken Lamb, head designer for Imperial Gardens, a Sydney-based design and construction firm specialising in Oriental gardens. "A well-crafted Japanese garden brings its elements together in a way that expresses the essence of each of those elements in a very simple, calm design."

But in this land, with its vast disparities in climate, topography and terrain, is the Japanese style of garden available to all of us?

"The skills inherent in designing a Japanese garden can be applied to gardens all over Australia," says Ken. "It's getting that balance between simplicity and spaciousness, and what we call 'active' elements such as plants and other design features. That philosophy can be transferred to any garden."

Types of Japanese plants

Plants commonly found in traditional Japanese gardens include the Japanese maple, Japanese black pine, azaleas, camellias, Japanese box, Mondo grass, junipers, Buddhist pines and water lilies. These plants grow well in many parts of Australia, although they tend to struggle in very hot and dry areas, and some tropical zones.

But the beauty of Japanese garden design is that it respects the individual characteristics of a site and a region, so you can utilise elements native to a particular area. 

Staying native with the garden landscape

Consider replacing traditional garden plants with natives. Ken says that Australian casuarinas (she-oaks) may replace junipers, while banksias may stand in place of pines. And also make use of local rocks, stones and pebbles, which can vary so much from region to region on this huge and ancient continent 

"The Japanese way is to allow those rocks or stones to express their own character," says Ken. "And the design has to fit in with its wider environment and not look artificial. So in some areas, Australian native plants work perfectly well in place of the traditional Japanese plants, and the garden can still be said to be adhering to Japanese design."

Talk to a specialist landscape designer today and discover how you can have a Japanese-style garden in your outdoor space: