In this project, we were faced with the task of making a garden that would be in harmony with a modern house and would be associated with a Japanese garden that we created earlier on this site. The Japanese garden itself was isolated from the rest of the space, but other parts of the site were adjacent to the house. Therefore, it would be wrong to continue the theme of the classic Japanese garden. But at the same time it was necessary to preserve the integrity of the object. Therefore, we decided to create a modern Japanese garden which could be both Japanese and Western, without focusing on Japanese elements.
Winding Path Garden
The first part of this garden was a narrow area a little less than fifty meters long.
Here we wanted to create a garden based on the idea of a winding path (similar to a winding stream kyokusui) winding between hills. There is a dry waterfall on the hill, from where water flows, represented by light gray pebbles. It passes under the path and spills on the opposite side.
We took a shungite stone for the paving. In dry weather, it appears blue-gray, and when it rains, it turns black. Small inclusions of pink pebbles revived the path.
In one place, warm air blows from the hatch of the house, and in winter the snow always melts. Therefore, it is not advisable to plant any plants there. So we made a "sandbank" of pebbles with small "rocks" here.
On the other side, cutting through a long hill, lies a dry waterfall.
On the left bank, on an elongated hill, we planted massifs of juniper. We will form them into a single shape, bending around stones and maples. The maples will create a spectacular accent in the fall, when they are painted in scarlet colors.
On the right bank, there is an island with shrubs that bloom in late spring and early summer, making the garden interesting all year round. In spring, lilacs and rhododendrons will bloom, maples will flare up with bright colors in autumn, at other times you can admire the forms of sheared junipers. However, the garden is especially beautiful during the rain, when the stones and pebbles become bright, the foliage is juicy, and the path resembles a real stream from afar..
Meditation garden
Around the bend, the garden with a dry stream smoothly passes into the entrance area. Previously, it was a small piece of land in the form of an irregular trapezoid.
We decided to create a recreation area here, where it would be convenient to sit, waiting for a taxi, guests or hosts, and at the same time to look at the beautiful garden.
Along the mesh fence, behind which is the thuja hedge, we made a retaining wall in the form of a wave.
The wall is made of small pieces of basalt. First of all, we liked the color, which combines shades of gray, reddish brown and black, with veins. We deliberately chose a rough stones so that the structure looks natural and resembles rocks.
This part is the most sunny, so here we planted pines and junipers, which later grow and will hang from the wall.
There is a bench in the center adjacent to the wall. A path made of basalt slabs leads to it.
The lower part of the garden is covered with pebbles. Here we used beige color to contrast with the dark stones. To the left of the path is an island with rhododendrons. On the right is a large stone. From here, a hill originates, which belongs to a dry stream around the corner.
On a small piece, on the other side of the gate, a smooth line of thuya continues, it is emphasized by a low bushes hedge. This line connects both parts, creating a single space.
The garden is beautiful at any time of the year. Rhododendrons bloom here in spring, then lilacs take over. In the summer, we enjoy the rich green color of the pines, and in the fall, cotoneaster foliage turns orange-red.
In winter, conifers again come to the fore. And, of course, stones, their beauty is timeless and seasonless. Even in snowy winters, they rise above the snowdrifts, delighting with their facets and shades.
The garden is also interesting at night, when decorative lighting comes on. Lanterns capture interesting details from the darkness, changing the look of the garden and creating a special atmosphere.