Creating a Japanese Garden

by Peter Chan

This illustrated volume looks at the history and philosophy of Japanese gardening explaining, without technical jargon, the reasons behind the aesthetic, as well as showing how to create a courtyard garden, a strolling garden and a Zen garden.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Richard T · Rating 3 out of 5]

More an overview of Americans recreating Japanese gardens than a study of actual Japanese gardens

[Deodand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been doing a lot of reading on this subject and I choose this book as the best for Japanese garden novices. Chan doesn't overwhelm the reader by parsing schools of Japanese thought or reciting thousands of years of history. This topic could make an enthusiastic reader disappear down a rabbit-hole for several years, but if you are looking for an overview, this is a tidy one.

[Lee (of Shalott) · Rating 3 out of 5]

These designs are suited to a larger scale plot rather than the average back yard garden (check out The Japanese Tea Garden). An extensive plant list is included.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice rock photos