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The Art of Japanese Gardens
by Herb Gustafson
If you've been inspired by Japanese-style gardens then you'll find this book will help you choose those Japanese elements that will enhance your garden in general and your pond in particular.
The sub-title says it all: 'Designing and making your own peaceful space'. Written for readers with no prior knowledge of the Japanese style, there are plenty of photographs to illustrate the author's points. He's well qualified to make them too, having worked and studied in Japan and China.
The book's layout, text and photographs reflect the style that he describes, clearly guiding readers from one vital aspect to the next without cluttering up the pages or your mind.
The explanations and ideas move logically from boundaries, so often ignored by gardeners and so often spoiling the effect, to the use of rocks large and small, water, structures and ornaments.
The chapter on water concentrates on construction and design, with some pertinent observations from a USA viewpoint. Fortunately, we don't face the problem of attracting apparently undesirable raccoons and opossums, to name a few.
Having covered the detail, the author turns his thoughts to the different styles of garden possible, gives tips on training trees, and lists plants in groups according to use. The plant list includes botanical names, which is useful since the common names are those of North America and don't always ring a bell with us British.
With his explanations of why certain elements are included, instead of just listing what, interspersed with practical tips, this book will help you to adopt the Japanese style to suit your site and your pocket.
Ordering details:
Published in hardback by David & Charles (ISBN: 0715309862); paperback by Sterling (ISBN 0806917784).
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