Japanese garden plants. The best plants for the Japanese garden. Japanese garden care

Plants in Japanese gardens

Plants are undoubtedly the most important element any garden. But with the placement of plants in a Japanese garden, one must be very careful. Any overkill can negatively affect the overall perception of the garden, and even completely negate all efforts to create it. However, this does not mean that we should plant one tree and surround it with stones. Although such an option on a small piece of land will look Japanese. If you plan to give a fairly large part of the site for a Japanese garden, you need to consider alternating “emptiness” and “thickets”.

In Japanese gardens, it is very rare to find variegated plants or brightly colored flowers. Much greater value have different shades of green, a combination of shapes and textures, a play of light and shadow. In addition, Japanese gardens should look attractive not only in summer, but also in other seasons, accents should change each other, creating a series of paintings. Think about how this or that corner will look like, for example, in winter, when there are no leaves on the trees, and leading role start playing coniferous trees and shrubs, gazebos and lanterns, picturesque graphics of branches covered with frost or snow? Where in the fall they will flare up bright colors maples or spindle trees? What in the garden will attract your attention at dawn or at night?

The choice of plants for corners in Japanese style not so small. But you should not get carried away with planting real "Japanese" trees and shrubs, since many of them are not winter-hardy enough for central Russia. And even if the plant does not die, then constant freezing-burning will spoil the look of the garden from year to year, and, as a result, we will never see the picture that we planned. Another argument in favor of winter-hardy plants is the need to shelter sissies. Many of us live in the garden all year round, and the sight of "white mummies" on the site will not add to its beauty in autumn-winter period. Plus, if you overdo it with shelter, the plant can rot in the winter, various fungal infections form on it.

So, the first group of plants that we will consider is woody. As a rule, spring in Japanese gardens is associated with sakura. This tree is the personification of purity, prosperity, perseverance, and even a symbol of Japan itself. Many Japanese gardens open during its flowering period, the short duration of which further enhances the effect. But sakura is not a specific tree, but rather a collective image that includes some types of cherries, plums, bird cherry. Those that grow in Japan itself are not suitable for Russia. However, the flowering of many of our species is in no way inferior in beauty to the Japanese. So, a worthy replacement for sakura in our climate can be Sakhalin cherry (quite tall tree), felt cherry (a small tree or bush), some varieties of ornamental apple trees (for example, Nedzwiecki's apple tree), louiseania, Ledebour's almond or even steppe almond. Magnolia would also look good as a replacement. Only varieties need to choose the most resistant for the middle band and with pink flowers.

In autumn, maples play the role of the first violin. Undoubtedly, Japanese maples are unusually good. Some of them are successfully grown in Russian gardens. But still, it is a certain risk. However, if you decide to stay at Japanese maple pick him a good place: warm, protected from the wind, preferably near a pond. The first years of Japanese maples for the winter is better to cover.

If you don't want to risk it, there are a few worthy replacements that can be suggested. First of all, it is a maple of false sibolds. Its foliage is so similar to the leaves of Japanese maples that it is easy to confuse them at a cursory glance.

True, the shape of this maple is not “Japanese”, which, however, can be corrected by proper pruning.

The Manchurian maple, on the other hand, has a very beautiful crown, but the leaves themselves differ in shape from the leaves of Japanese maples.

However, it is not noticeable from a distance.

Finally, silver maple can also be used as an alternative. But he has big disadvantage- it grows into a huge tree. Therefore, such a maple can be planted only with a certain amount of space.

In winter, the leading role shifts from maples to coniferous plants, first of all, to pines. Some types of Scots pine and mountain pine are suitable for the formation of garden niwaks. Of course, this can take years, but the formed plants can be bought in garden centers. They are usually not cheap, but you immediately get beautiful view. In addition, there should not be many nivaki on the site, one beautifully formed tree in a decent environment is enough.

Another "Japanese" plant is bamboo. Unfortunately, in our conditions it does not grow, with the exception of some species, as a rule, very low ones. For example, saza. Of course, in winter, the aerial part of it dies off, and in the spring you have to wait for new stems to grow. But if you choose for her good conditions, during the season saza can grow up to one and a half meters.

The second option is fargesia. In winter, it must be covered, at least in the first years. But if you create suitable conditions for fargesia, some of its species can grow up to three meters (Fargesia nitida).

And yet it is not so easy to make dense thickets of high bamboo here. The way out in this situation can be planting a tree such as a willow. In some of its species, the leaves are very similar to bamboo leaves. For example, willow Schwerin improved. However, it must be borne in mind that this is a large tree, and only young shoots have similarities with bamboo. Therefore, if you choose Schwerin willow as a substitute for bamboo, it will have to be cut every season into a stump.

Bamboo trunks are also very similar to Sakhalin mountaineer trunks. You can cut off the lower leaves and get completely bamboo "thickets". But this is an aggressor, you have to be very careful with him. You can use the Sakhalin mountaineer only where its sprawl will not interfere with other plants and where enough space will be allotted to it.

A bit reminiscent of bamboo buckthorn Fine Line. Its thin long leaves and columnar crown from a distance give the plant a resemblance to bamboo, and high winter hardiness allows you not to suffer with shelter and quickly get the desired result. In autumn, the buckthorn turns into a beautiful yellow. The only nuance that needs to be considered is the undergrowth plant. Therefore, in full sun, buckthorn does not feel well: the leaves become smaller, often dry. Better put her in shady place sheltered from the winds and, ideally, where there is good humidity.

The second group of plants are shrubs. Here the choice is more varied.

First of all, these are rhododendrons and azaleas. The choice of suitable varieties and the choice of planting site must be approached very carefully. Not all rhododendrons tolerate our winters well (especially evergreen ones), but many have taken root well in our gardens and delight with their flowering even after rather harsh winters.

For Japanese gardens more suitable deciduous varieties. Their “poetic clumsiness”, more delicate and graceful, compared to evergreen rhododendrons, foliage is quite in the spirit of a Japanese garden. In addition, they hibernate better, and they do not need to be covered. But they better find a good place. All rhododendrons love wet air and do not tolerate drying out of the root system. Therefore, it is better to plant them near water bodies, and mulch the ground with either coniferous litter or pine bark. And, of course, water during dry periods. Responsibly, you need to approach directly the planting of rhododendrons itself. They love light and acidic soil. Therefore, if the site is solid clay, rhododendrons will not grow on it. It is necessary to find a place higher, and replace the earth with sour peat.

The "hilly" surfaces of azaleas look very attractive in Japan.

However, these plants are more tender compared to rhododendrons, and in middle lane In Russia, they need shelter for the winter. Covering one or two bushes is easy, but covering ten is already a problem. In addition, for six months a year we will have to admire the covering material. Therefore, it is not worth creating “shorn hills” from azaleas. Boxwood is not suitable for this role, although in more southern regions its use will come in handy. Many of us successfully grow boxwoods, but there is always a risk of losing plants.
Best suited for such purposes are low summer flowering spireas or barberries, from which you can form "pillows", "waves", "hills", cutting them under the hemispheres floating on each other. Spireas, among other things, will also delight you with a long and bright flowering.

Also for these purposes, Stefanander incised Crispa is suitable.

Unusually good is both the form and the autumn coloring of the euonymus. The winged euonymus stands out especially. You can also make nivaki out of it.

But the European one is very beautiful.

The next group of plants are perennials. In Japan, they are used quite limitedly, but an exception is made for some.

First of all, these are irises, the leaves of which symbolize the swords of the samurai. They look best in large groups, near water bodies or zigzag bridges. yatsuhashi. Japanese irises are grown in Japan, but in our conditions it is worth replacing them with Siberian irises, which are more resistant.

Sometimes bearded irises are also suitable.

The second most important plant among perennials is chrysanthemum. This flower decorates the garden in autumn, as if radiating the last rays of the sun of the past summer. The chrysanthemum is a symbol of the sun and can often be seen in Japanese prints.

In addition to irises and chrysanthemums, some hostas, astilbes, volzhankas and other shade-loving people will be quite appropriate in Japanese gardens. They are also best placed in groups near water bodies or in shady corners.

Mosses and ferns belong to a special group. Of course, such ideal conditions for them, as in Japan, it is very difficult to achieve, unless the site is located in the forest. But in any garden there is a shady, damp corner where these plants will feel comfortable.

Mosses and ferns are not demanding on soils, but prefer a slightly acidic reaction. Therefore, if you want to “age” a stone by covering it with moss, water it sour milk or kefir. Mosses can give “aging” not only to a stone, but also to a certain corner, and even to the entire garden. They soften the contours of paths and stones, bring the aroma of the forest, you want to touch them - they look so much like a velvet carpet. But the fact that moss can be found in the forest, growing by itself, does not mean that in the garden it will not require care. Weeding, cleaning fallen leaves in the fall are vital for him. And, of course, the most important thing for moss is watering. If the place is shady, then it is necessary to water only during dry periods. If the sun gets there, especially midday, watering should be almost daily. You can often see a picture when the moss turns brown in summer and dries up. This is mainly due to dry weather. However, in autumn it is restored and again pleases us with emerald greenery, up to the establishment of snow cover.

There are times when a moss carpet is needed for sunny place. In this case, various ground cover plants: stonecrop, thyme, kotula, saxifrage, bryozoan, etc. You can plant and lawn grass, but in this case, the area should be large enough, the slopes (if it is hills) relatively gentle, and not too many plants or stones, so that mowing the lawn is not too difficult.

The flora and fauna of Japan is diverse, due to the favorable climate and large quantity moisture, and also has its own characteristics, which is associated with the island isolation of the territory. Endemics are common here - plants and animals that live only in this area. In Japan, there are 2750 species of plants, many animals and birds, rivers, lakes and seas are rich in fish. Forests cover about 60% of the entire territory.

The flora of Japan

The vegetation of Japan is diverse. Species that are characteristic of tropical, subtropical and temperate climatic zones grow here.

On the island of Kyushu, a tropical forest grows in the sea coast zone, and above - a subtropical one. Also, it is the subtropical forest that is characteristic of the island of Shikoku and the south of the island of Honshu. Here you can see the evergreen oak, endemic pine, cypress, thuja, cryptomeria and polycarp. The undergrowth is occupied by gardenia, azalea, aralia and magnolia. On the island of Honshu, you can see a unique laurel forest.

The most common trees are camphor laurels, castanopsis, oaks, star anises, camellias and symplokos, in some places there are bamboo and ginkgo.

The Ryukyu Islands are predominantly covered by wet tropical forests: various palm trees, tree ferns, cycads, podocarpus, banana trees, ficuses and other plants. Evergreen oak and tropical coniferous trees (Akamatsu pines, hemlock, fir, etc.) grow in mountainous areas. Epiphytes and creepers are also widespread here. On the island of Kakuyu, a natural forest grows, consisting of Japanese cryptomeria, in which there are trees whose age reaches 2 thousand years. The diameter of such rare specimens reaches 5 meters, and the height is 50.

The high part of the island of Hokkaido is covered with spruce and fir forests, in lower tier bamboo is found. On the mountain tops of Honshu, rhododendrons grow, cedar dwarfs, moorland, alpine and subalpine meadows. On the coast southern islands there are mangrove trees.

In the northern part of the island of Honshu and in the southern part of Hokkaido, a broad-leaved deciduous forest extends, dominated by beech, oak, chestnut, maple, ash, linden, elm, birch, hornbeam, hop hornbeam, zelkva and bagatoplydniki. The mountain slopes are covered with coniferous-deciduous forest (cryptomeria, cypress, hemlock, false suga, thousand, etc.).

The natural vegetation cover of this island nation badly damaged at the hands of people. So, a significant part of the forests was replaced by agricultural land.

Animal world of Japan

The fauna is not as diverse as the flora, which is due to the territorial isolation of the islands.

On Shikoku, you can see Japanese macaques, white-breasted bears, spotted deer, serows, wild boars, sables, raccoon dogs, foxes, otters, flying squirrels, squirrels, chipmunks, hares, pasyukov, mice, dormouse, shrews, shrews, as well as petrels and copper pheasants .

Japanese macaques, white-breasted bears, badgers, Japanese sables, raccoon dogs, spotted deer, pasyuki, foxes, Japanese sernau, wild boars, flying squirrels, chipmunks, squirrels, mice, dormice, voles, hares, shrews, shrews, moles and mogers. Of the birds, you can meet the copper pheasant, mandarin duck, grebe, shelduck, from reptiles - the Yakushima gecko.

Brown bears, raccoon dogs, ermines, weasels, squirrels, chipmunks, sables, hares, Japanese macaques, deer and various rodents are common in Hokkaido. Among the birds, one can single out the Japanese three-toed woodpecker, beaded eagles, fish owls, grosbeaks, etc.

Honshu is inhabited by white-breasted bears, foxes, serows, macaques, deer, wild boars, badgers, ermines, raccoon dogs, sables, hares, and many species of rodents. There are also many birds here: golden eagles, pheasants, robins, swifts, nutcrackers, partridges, petrels, gulls, jays, crows, blackbirds, nuthatches, etc.

AT fresh waters Japan is found crucian carp and carp, crabs, crayfish and turtles. in coastal seas and pacific ocean There are many types of fish: salmon, cod, perch, tuna, eel, saury, etc.

Set up a garden suburban area possible for different purposes. Someone creates it for contemplation, and someone thinks over a place to relax with a perfectly even lawn, fruitful trees. Today, the traditions of other countries, in particular the cultural characteristics of Japan, are very popular.

When creating a Japanese garden, one must not forget that this style involves the use maximum number materials of natural origin. Except Japanese cuisine, entertainment and cinema, Japan is famous for its incredible gardens, the consistency and harmony of which never ceases to amaze.

If you are crazy about Japanese landscape design and want to enjoy the Japanese garden on your suburban area, you need to learn about the features of creation Japanese art, as well as plants that fit perfectly into it.

The layout of the Japanese garden and its design are not too different from the European traditions of arranging a suburban area. However, it is worth studying the stages of its creation in more detail. This will allow you to correctly place emphasis on each of the stages of arranging the site.

When creating a Japanese-style park, you first need to decide on the design, purpose, content and place where it will be located.

Japanese garden and its types

AT ancient japan gardens performed exclusively a landscape function. Over time, they became a place where you could immerse yourself in philosophical and religious reflections. This is what a garden in the Jodo style is considered to be, the design of which suggests the presence of a lake with a broken coastline, an island and a temple.

The scheme of creating a bowl for water in a Japanese garden.

Then came the design of Zen gardens, which were considered monastic and temple. In such parks, as a rule, there were no plants, and their replacement was stones, sand, pebbles. These gardens were no different large sizes. They provided a bench, a path, a tsukubai vessel (a vessel for washing hands), a stone lantern.

How to choose the right plants for creating a Japanese garden?

The choice of plants for the Japanese garden requires a special approach. The symbol of the variability of the universe in this case will be flowering, deciduous bushes and trees, and the symbol of permanence will be evergreens.

Filling the Japanese garden should be plants of the same color with green leaves. Big role plays the texture and form of the latter. In the Japanese-style park, there are no bright colours. The most original in the garden are topiary figures, molded plants, bonsai. Umbrella and weeping forms of plants look quite impressive. It is worth noting that getting involved in combining various forms should not be, as harmonious compositions are characteristic of Japanese gardens.

Choice of woody plants

The choice of shrub and woody forms of plants is quite large. Junipers, pines, spruces, evergreen azaleas, oriental varieties of maple are ideal for a Japanese garden. With the onset of spring, the Japanese-style park will be filled with the aroma of flowering fruit trees (cherry, apple, apricot). In addition to all these listed trees, small-fruited apple trees with an umbrella-shaped or weeping crown, trees with raspberry and pink flowers are also planted in the garden. In Japanese gardens, it is not customary for trees to grow freely without timely care. It is important that they are periodically trimmed and given a beautiful shape.

How to choose the right plants for flower decoration?

As for the design of the flower zone in the Japanese mini-garden, unlike European traditions, floral decor speaks independent element territory design. In a classic Japanese garden, flowers are considered an addition to something. Gardens in the style of a natural landscape are related to the historical-ancient type. As a rule, they have a large area on which shrubs and trees are planted for the most part. It is in such a garden that one can observe a Japanese perennial with large flowers.

Mini-gardens can accommodate different kinds plants. In abstract gardens, stones take on the role of a background, which is especially harmoniously combined with ground cover plants.

In gardens intended for tea ceremonies, it is important to emphasize natural beauty. The color effect is due to plants that change the color of the leaves throughout the season.

Flowers. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire carefully monitor nature. In general, the East is characterized by attachment to everything fresh, real, to the miracle of nascent life.

Praise the natural

Many botanists are of the opinion that the flora of the Middle Kingdom is one of the richest and most colorful on the planet. An indicator is a Japanese flower park called "Ashikaga", located on the island of Honshu. Tender wisteria grows here different shades, broom and plum, daffodils and muscari. Tulips, azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as roses, hydrangeas, petunias, irises and clematis amaze visitors with a colorful palette. In addition, you can see the delightful riot of nature by heading to Tokyo, where the Kawachi Fuji Garden is located, or to Hatachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City.

If you find yourself in this wonderful state, then you will see how nature is valued and protected on its territory.

Most residents are fond of floriculture; on their beds you can see a flower unusual for Europeans. The Japanese mentality has positive features: since childhood, these people are instilled with a desire to protect the environment. In other states, many of the local plants cannot be found.

The country has a mild climate, which favors the growth of many types of flora. There is also enough moisture and sun, due to which such natural masterpieces are born. Local botanists are trying to improve natural plants, experimenting, creating new shades, making the buds more lush.

National traditions

Many people know about such a hobby as ikebana. This art was born just on the territory of Japan, where lovers first began to beautifully arrange flowers. Careful attention is paid in China to the so-called art of flora. It includes the beliefs of the local inhabitants, bordering on mysticism. There are special cults, the center of which is a flower.

A Japanese person lives with the knowledge that admiring flowers should be an integral part of his life, because such a pastime helps to feel delight, enjoy the moments of the blossoming of nature. This process has its own name - khanami. It is combined with a meal. Traditional Japanese flowers are placed on the tables during lunch.

exotic close

Repeatedly, each of us saw Japanese flowers in local latitudes. The names of some are also very well known, such as the chrysanthemum, which is loved all over the world. If we have a flower growing in summer and autumn, then in his homeland exotic beauty pleases the eyes already in the first months of spring.

There are many species of this plant, which sometimes outshine even roses in their beauty. There are many authors who sing about this flower. The Japanese language conveys all the tenderness and awe with which people relate to this miracle of nature. You can not only admire them, but also make them an element of dishes and teas that the flower perfectly complements. Interesting exhibitions are held in honor of this plant, where you can just look at the beautiful compositions that amaze the imagination of an inexperienced connoisseur of art.

garden beauty

Chrysanthemum can be kept at home. It has a compact size due to the fact that flowers are planted in flowerpots, taken from greenhouses, where they grow from seeds. To stop growth, special preparations are administered. Also, thanks to them, the plant acquires a decorative appearance.

When buying a cutting, you can end up with a fairly large process, which is more suitable for a garden setting. In order to avoid this, you need to know the subtleties of care. They reproduce in different ways: cuttings, dividing the bush, true lovers of these plants take Japanese flower seeds.

The first two methods are very simple. It is necessary to take 3-5 cuttings and plant in one pot. Branches should be pruned after flowering. Wintering should be temperature conditions close to zero. It is best to put the pot in the cellar. escapes will appear. This is a great time to change new land. If the flower is old, you can do without it, although a fresh environment is always will go to the plant to the benefit. If the chrysanthemum has developed well, you can start collecting cuttings that will be used to grow new bushes. It's lovely and unpretentious flower giving joy to everyone who decorates their home with it.

Refined beauty

Sakura also deserves admiration - the most popular japanese tree. Its flower has an unusually delicate color. Hanami, as a rule, is dedicated to him. On television, you can see forecasts for the flowering time of trees in individual cities. Thus, citizens are preparing for admiration, as if for a ceremony.

There is great amount parks and gardens planted with these plants. They look truly fabulous, give admiration and peace. Sakura is either sharp-sawed. The tree can reach a height of 25 meters, has big leaves, which in autumn acquire a dark purple or even brown color. Each brush, which is 5 cm long, contains about 8 flowers.

Subtleties of treatment

Flowering is observed in March-June. Often formed pink flowers, although in Japan you can meet not only them. There are parks in which there are several dozen species of this tree. It is able to withstand cold weather, grows gradually. When buds appear, it is better to water the roots additionally, especially if there is little rain.

The earth sometimes lacks potassium and nitrogen, organic-type substances, which can make growth difficult. To solve this problem, manure and humus, organic and mineral fertilizers. In addition, it is worth trimming the branches that have dried up and burden the crown. This is best done in the spring, before the juice begins to move along the trunk. This operation should be carried out by a specialist so as not to harm the sakura.

To get new trees, you need to carry out reproduction using seeds or processes of roots. Cuttings and grafting are also suitable when it comes to varietal sakura.

Beautiful children of the earth

Benibana is another unusual and interesting flower. The Japanese people love her for her bright scarlet color. When it blooms in summer, it seems as if a red carpet has covered the mountains, like poppies in our fields. The plant belongs to the chrysanthemum, and in appearance it looks like a thistle.

Another wonderful flower is the orchid, which is often depicted in the paintings of Japanese masters. It is interesting that she came to the Celestial Empire from South America. The climate here is quite suitable for her. Japanese scientists set up experiments during which the color, shape of the petals changes, or reproduction occurs in a new way.

Secrets of a successful gardener

For an orchid to grow well, you need to work on it correctly. organized lighting. It must be scattered. The direct rays of the sun will only hurt. If everything is done correctly, then you can regularly see the beautiful flowers of this plant. When mistakes are made, the leaves take on a yellow tint and an elongated shape. In summer, you should not leave the orchid on the windowsill, it is better to put it in a light shade, otherwise a burn may appear. It adapts very slowly to bright light after winter cold. You can use plastic or film.

In autumn, blackout should be eliminated, since natural light is no longer so strong. At this time, a period begins when the orchid experiences peace, shoots and buds are poured for future flowers. It is also important not only the strength, but also the duration of the lighting. This plant should be under the rays of light for at least half a day. Can't leave it in the shade long time. To solve this problem, it is worth using artificial light.

Quality care

You always want more beauty, so gardeners are asking questions about the reproduction of this beautiful flower. To do everything right, you need to have a solid stock of knowledge. Can share more large plant. Some detach the shoots that have grown on the sides. Cuttings from above are also good for transplanting. Bulbs are also suitable for this purpose.

Or you can go the more complicated route and grow a flower from a seed. When the soil ball collapses, the plant can be damaged, so you need to act with extreme care so as not to hurt the hairs of the roots, because it is thanks to them that the orchid feeds.

Sometimes you can cut open the pot to get it right, but root system will remain unharmed. Jewelry work is cutting off old parts. The top is not covered with substrate. When it comes to trimming the peduncle, you can get rid of it completely or partially in the part where the flower grew. The plant has buds that are dormant. Lateral peduncles and offspring appear from them.

You really need to love nature in order to study all the subtleties of dealing with it and ensure mutual understanding with man. environment. It works well with the Japanese, from whom we borrowed a large number of beautiful plants, giving pleasure and peace of mind at the mere sight of them. The Celestial Empire is the land of spiritual development and close interaction with nature.

How good
When you wake up at dawn
Look out into the garden
And you will suddenly see that the buds
turned into cherry blossoms.
Tachibana Akemi

Peonies are more suitable not traditional in our gardens - large-flowered terry varieties, but wild species or varieties Japanese selection. Fine-leaved peony, Veitch's peony, Delaway peony and, of course, tree-like peonies will successfully fit in.

Speaking of plants for the Japanese garden, one cannot fail to mention, of course, the traditional Japanese wild cherry. Of the flowering tree and shrub plants, magnolias are also suitable, Japanese quince, felt cherry, forsythia.

In addition to the listed groups of plants, the eastern corner can be decorated with many cereal, tree-shrub and herbaceous plants that have successfully taken root in Russian latitudes. So, in the shade you can plant various ferns, mosses and hostas.

For creating Japanese garden it is important to feel it, to feel the harmony of the changing seasons and the subtle symbolism of each of the elements used in such compositions. And then concrete solutions will come by themselves. Will these plants come from Japanese islands or trees and grasses more traditional in our latitudes are not so important.

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