Design of a Japanese garden is based on the principles of simplicity and harmony. The main purpose of its landscape composition – to create a picture pleasant for contemplation. Sometimes it is enough to put a few sprigs of bamboo surrounded by picturesque stone – and this landscape has rightfully be called a Japanese garden; the main thing that the location of these elements were harmonious and pleased the eyes.

In this regard, the Japanese garden is not accepted to make such a large-scale, as classical European gardens. Realizing that it is not for walking, and for admiring, just select a few square meters. Another important feature – the maximum commitment to naturalness, lack of bright colors. Organizing the planting, it is important to provide the largest possible number of evergreens.

There are two types of Japanese gardens: kare sansui (in translation – “dry landscape”) and tsukiyama (or hilly garden).

Garden design kare sansui suggests absence of trees, flowers and water features. Normally for its creation is used only gravel, stones and sand. The soil is covered with fine white gravel, on which subsequently is applied a certain pattern.

For garden tsukiyama is typical is the idea of reproduction of some landscape in miniature form. Small trees symbolize the forest here, stones – the majestic mountains and pond – the ocean. An important part of such garden – presence of the waterfall: it is believed that the splash of water brings a special harmony in the overall picture.

In contrast to the peaceful Japanese garden, Mediterranean gardens are accepted to create colorful, cheerful, “summer”. Their design reflects the landscape culture of countries such as Italy, Cyprus, Greece.

 

Key elements of a Mediterranean garden:

  • presence of courtyard – patio;
  • abundance of bright colors;
  • using only natural materials (usually limestone and clay);
  • Handmade;
  • lack of lawns and water objects (exception – small fountains);
  • furniture of garden design and garden walls;
  • winding paths.

Also for Mediterranean gardens are typical plants, planted in pots and placed in a small clearing, sprinkled with white gravel. Areas of the garden separated by partitions, and all sorts of tapestries, often made of wood. Fountain is placed in the center of courtyard.
Basic colors of a Mediterranean garden: white, beige, sand, red. There is absolutely no black, gray or any other dark shades.

In such a garden are usually planted ornamental fruit trees and shrubs. Very popular are pear, cherry, Saskatoon, arborvitae west, apricot, chestnut. The greatest attention is paid to colors; here dominate morning glory, clematis, irises, dahlias, echinacea, ageratum, marigolds, salvia, gladiolus, petunia, zinnia, coreopsis.

Do not forget that special charm to the Mediterranean garden design gives curly cut plants.