Most people dream of having their own house, and outside the city, to be as close to nature as possible. Previously, it seemed that this was only the lot of people with great family we alth, and only they could even build a stone garden on their site. In fact, this statement is debatable. Even a small area can be beautifully decorated, if there is a desire.
Costs at the same time are minimal, since natural material is used for the arrangement, and after all, stone can be found almost anywhere and in unlimited quantities. In addition, it has a lot of advantages, including durability, strength. This will be the topic of the article.
What does the rock garden symbolize?
For many Russians, a rock garden is just a rock garden, nothing more and nothing less. However, Europeans are able to penetrate deeper into this philosophy. From the point of view of the teachings of Zen, such stone gardens are called "dry" and are the embodiment of the philosophy and aesthetics of the Zen Buddhism movement.
In the most famous temple of Reanji, which is located in Japan (city of Kyoto), there is a recognizable rock garden. Its uniqueness lies in the following. On a small area, which is covered with gravel, there are 15 stones. Moreover, everything is done in such a way that they seem to sprout from the ground like plants.
Now the bottom line: no matter where you choose to look, you can see all the stones except for one. The exact interpretation of such a riddle simply does not exist in nature, but it allows you to plunge into deep thought and reflect on the eternal.
Middle Ages
The rules for arranging rocky gardens were established in the Middle Ages, and for the entire time of their existence they have never undergone major changes. Yes, they are periodically updated and even interpreted in a slightly different way, but the basis always remains the same. The garden of stones in any case should remain a symbol of the eternal and the unknown. It can be supplemented with riddles, as well as all sorts of metaphors.
It can consist of several stones, or it can be a lonely standing tree, near which there is a large boulder. As for the size of the garden, from a very modest area of a few square meters, it can spread over several hectares.
During the same period of the Middle Ages, special advice was even developed, the text of which is given below.
How can you understandfrom the description, very intricate, but this instruction reflects the whole essence of the garden. There is no point in changing anything in nature, you must accept it as it is.
Classic performance
Traditionally, there are two types of stone garden:
- Tsukiyama - it is customary to break it on a hilly area.
- Hiraniva - equip on flat terrain in the absence of significant elevation changes.
In addition, gardens can be palace, temple, and also as a platform for a tea ceremony located near a residential building.
Basic rules
As they say in the East, a stone is the embodiment of the masculine principle. To contemplate a stone means to comprehend wisdom, to be imbued with harmony, to appreciate the perfection and beauty of nature, and also to feel all its power. This is what all thoughts should be directed to when forming a rock garden.
Each element fits in such a way that a certain mystery is created - it must become an inseparable part to create a complete picture. At the same time, the stones should not only be an ornament, but ideally and harmoniously fit into the overall landscape.
Usually, to create a stone garden with your own hands, you should choose material of volcanic origin:
- andesite;
- bas alt;
- chlorite;
- granite;
- tuff.
The most important element of any garden is stone paths. During their installation, all existing cracks, chips and cuts should be hidden from view. In this case, the longest edge is directed perpendicularlymovement.
Also, the garden can be supplemented with plants, or the stones can lie alone on a platform covered with fine gravel or sand.
Principles for creating a peaceful atmosphere
As you might guess, the basis of any garden is represented by large specimens, while small pebbles are mainly used for backfilling. For the proper arrangement of the garden, it is necessary to adhere to certain principles.
There are not many of them, but they are all very important:
- The most important principle is that the entire environment of the garden should be oriented with respect to only one point of contemplation. Such a place should be chosen depending on the time of day when it is more convenient for a person to be in the garden. In Japan, this is usually the north side, but there may be other options.
- Need to maintain the contrast between the empty area and the fill.
- Asymmetry should be visible in the concept of a stone garden in a country house. Indeed, in the surrounding space you can find irregular outlines that are beautiful in their own way. Japanese masters take into account the reflection of objects in the water, including their shadows.
- Another, no less important, principle is the use of an odd number of stones (3, 5, 7, etc.). The classic version is based on a regular heptagon.
- It is necessary to balance the horizontal and vertical lines. Moreover, there should be more stones laid in a horizontal plane than in a vertical one (there are so many similar objects on the site - a fence, trees, a house andoutbuildings).
In a good environment, all attention is focused on the stone elements themselves - their contemplation should create a feeling of unshakable power of nature and amazing beauty. Plants growing on the plot will be a good addition, but not a must.
Basic of the basics
The main thing in arranging a rock garden is in no case to ignore the ancient traditions. According to legend, the wrong location of boulders leads to many troubles and suffering, loss of strength.
Thinking about creating a Japanese stone garden with your own hands, it is not recommended to be in a hurry, as this will fundamentally ruin the whole composition.
In addition, paints and boulders of different shapes and types cannot be mixed - they must be in harmony with each other and belong to the same species. Traditionalism does not welcome experiments.
Stones can be set arbitrarily - just put on the ground, put on the edge or partially immersed in the ground (you will get the effect of growth from the ground). When placing several copies side by side, you should try to avoid straight lines. They are contrary to natural conditions. To do this, the stones must be placed diagonally in relation to the human eye, no matter how difficult it may be.
In addition, care must be taken to ensure that the stones are not perpendicular to other objects on the site. The corners of the base of the boulders can be directed in any direction.
Plants
In the rock garden, all attention is mainlyfocused specifically on boulders of various sizes. Therefore, there should be fewer plants than stones, and bright colors and a riot of vegetation are not welcome.
Recognized masters prefer mosses and lichens for landscaping the Japanese stone garden. This can be called a whole art, and quite complex. Finding different types of moss, as well as creating all the necessary conditions for them, is not so simple. They grow no more than a millimeter per year, and you can’t wait for their full bloom. Otherwise, you can pay attention to sakura and bonsai - a classic for all time.
In natural conditions, trees can grow to huge sizes, but in the garden they cut their roots and crown in a special way, because of which the plant develops differently. As a result, it grows low, and its branches are fancifully bent. However, this does not contradict the philosophy of harmony.
In addition, you can plant a plum or rhododendron to decorate your garden. When purchasing certain seedlings, you need to make sure that they are able to tolerate local climatic conditions. Representatives from conifers usually take root well:
- Chinese juniper;
- Japanese pine;
- cedar;
- yew;
- cypress.
Hardwood and more:
- evergreen boxwood;
- Japanese Maple;
- camellia;
- euonymus;
- holly;
- spirea;
- bamboo.
True, not everyone endures our harsh winter. Some species may even freeze with the arrivalfirst frosts. This should be taken into account when creating a stone garden with your own hands.
Water element
If the stone symbolizes the masculine principle - yang, then the water, no doubt, represents the feminine - yin. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to arrange some kind of reservoir in your garden, depending on your own imagination. A small pond, and even a whole waterfall, would be appropriate. The main thing is that the water element is combined with stones and is as close to natural conditions as possible.
The Japanese themselves simply love to equip waterfalls - they even come up with different names. There are 10 forms in total, each with its own meaning:
- Teku-ochi - water falls freely from the top to the bottom.
- Kasane-ochi - several barriers are built in the way of the water flow.
- Kachi-ochi - two streams, noticeably different in width.
- Ito-ochi - a few thin streams.
- Saiu-ochi - an obstacle divides the stream into two equal parts, which makes it fall from both sides.
- Nuno-ochi is a solid and thin stream through which everything can be seen, it resembles a thin canvas.
- Tsutai-ochi – “water sliding over rocks.”
- Mukai-ochi - two jets facing each other.
- Hanare-ochi ("water falling rejected") - the flow from below is away from the ledge.
- Eko-ochi - water runs down only one side of the boulder.
If the garden plot is located in an area with large elevation differences, then a stone garden in the landscape can successfullyharmonize with the waterfall. Moreover, you can create a large cascade with stone steps, bridges and other decorative elements that can give a special touch to the garden.
Only first you should take into account all the features - the relief of the site, the properties of the soil and its chemical composition, which plants can take root in such an environment, the possibilities of care. Well, in fact, financial savings will also be the main factor in the implementation of the idea.
Garden Styles
By style, rock gardens are divided into the following types:
- Forest is an actual option for garden plots located in the shade. From plants, you can choose between ferns and violets. Natural driftwood will also be appropriate, as if they were nailed by a wave.
- Desert landscape - for its arrangement it is better to give preference to bas alt, marble, granite. Succulents and desert annuals make great planting additions.
- Alpine - the most popular type of rockery, for which the actual use of limestone, shale, sandstone, tuff. The porous rock is able to absorb moisture, which will provide it with all existing vegetation. It is desirable to equip such a garden on open northern or eastern slopes.
The choice of garden style largely depends on the soil on the site, which is confirmed by many photos of stone gardens.
It is impossible to grow alpine plants on fertile black soil. However, such soil is indispensable for cereal crops.
Garden arrangements
As for the design,then there are also several directions:
- Mountain slope - relevant for areas with a slope or slope.
- Rock environment - imitates a cliff or rock outcrop. Such a garden can be created on a site with large elevation differences (hills, cliffs).
- Scree - the shape is relevant for areas with a steep slope.
- Mountain plateau - such a garden can be created on a flat area with slight differences in relief.
- Valley near the mountain - in this case, the theme of the alpine slide will be harmoniously completed.
At the same time, do not forget that the garden should be as close to natural conditions as possible, as already mentioned.
Creating a simple rock garden
At their summer cottage, a garden can be spread anywhere with an interesting relief. It will also look good between the fence and the house, which will create a smooth transition from the yard to the building. In addition, it is possible to ennoble deaf and closed areas on the site, and they are usually always available. In Japan, stone gardens are formed by masters of their craft, taking into account all factors.
But since for Russians a rock garden is a purely decorative structure, its creation is noticeably simplified.
- The first step is to prepare the foundation. To do this, mark the contours of the garden using a rope and pegs. Don't over-form.
- Now you can remove the soil layer (80-100 mm).
- All weeds should be removed from it, and if necessary, cultivate the landspecial means (herbicides).
- The resulting recess should be covered with agrofibre, and then covered with pebbles, gravel, sand - to choose from.
- Now you can start creating the garden itself. As previously mentioned, you can place one of the largest and most picturesque specimens or several boulders of different sizes. It is advisable to make a recess for them larger than their base. The bottom is also covered with fine gravel and only then the block is installed. The resulting space is filled with soil, pebbles and compacted.
- As previously noted, a stone garden can successfully harmonize with plants. At the same time, one should not lose sight of any trifle - tall representatives look great against the background of large boulders. Low-growing flowers will be in harmony with small pebbles. The main thing is not to abuse the vegetation, because this is a rock garden!
- The final stage is decoration. You can arrange garden furniture, lighting lanterns, pave paths.
Gardeners, if desired, can build an entrance arch to the contemplation zone, equip a fountain or put figurines, a sundial.
Rules of care
No special care is required for a rock garden, but attention should be paid to it.
If plants grow in the garden, they should be watered periodically to develop the root system. Some time after planting, the frequency of watering should be reduced and carried out as needed. Small pebbles retain moisture fromevaporation to keep the soil from drying out. Therefore, as soon as the vegetation takes root, you can do without watering for a long time.
Weeds are the main problem of any garden, not just a stone one. It is very difficult to remove them from under the gravel layer. It is for this reason that the bottom of the garden is covered with agrofibre, and the soil itself must first be cleaned of roots. In any case, emerging weeds must be removed immediately.
It is not enough to make a stone garden, you also need to remove the garbage, which is also included in the list of tasks for caring for it. It is worth arming yourself with a wire rake and a stiff brush. Tools should be used to remove all rubbish from the masonry; debris is removed manually from loose backfill.
Garden bedding should be periodically updated with gravel or the material that was originally used. By following these simple guidelines, a rock garden will always look attractive and welcoming.
Result
Building a rock garden on your own can seem like a difficult and painstaking job that will take a lot of time. But if you follow the instructions, connect your imagination and take a responsible attitude to the matter, and at each stage, then time will pass unnoticed.
Don't rush, if everything is thought out to the smallest detail, you can create a truly unique place that will reflect all the oriental wisdom. But here you can not only philosophize and immerse yourself in thoughts, but also arrange a tea ceremony in the family circle.
To equip a stone garden with your own hands (the photo posted in the article is a visual aid), in principle, is not so difficult. Before starting work, you should make preliminary preparations and take the necessary measurements.
