Japanese style gardens by Dr. Stephen Dowbiggin, June's meeting

Dr Stephen Dowbiggin gave us a presentation on Japanese Styles of gardening. He
talked of the subtlety of Japanese gardens and watchwords are ‘harmony’, ‘tranquillity’ and
‘nature’, stemming from the Shinto religion’s reverence for nature and the influence of Chinese
garden design.
In the Heian period, 794 to 1185, Japanese aristocrats acquired large estates and created
large gardens of ‘natural landscapes’ for pleasure, including lakes, ponds and streams. From
the 14th century, Noh Theatre and Japanese gardens evolved together using the artificial
creation of ‘naturalism’ and symbolism. Buddhism’s idea of paradise often meant gardens
surrounded temples and shrines. Zen Buddhism inspired minimalist rock gardens. In the
16th century during the ‘Momoyama’ period, the rustic tea garden and the tea ceremony
emerged from Zen Buddhism, the Samurai ruling class and a reaction against Chinese
aesthetics and extravagance. In the Edo period from 1603 to 1868, the grand strolling garden
came into fashion.
Zen gardens – a dry landscape, Stroll gardens and Tea gardens can calm the mind and cause
reflection. Gardens are sacred spaces and before entering, you should purify by washing
hands and mouth. They ward off evil spirits and encourage goodness. Bamboo fencing can be
tied in 70 different ways to keep out evil. Evil spirits cannot cross water or turn corners, and
paths can signify the journey of life. Flying stones deliberately placed symbolise the balance of
life. A stone wrapped in rope in a particular knot placed at the triangle of the path can say
‘don’t take that path, consider which way to go’. Bridges, lanterns, tortoises, moss and fir trees
all are symbolic. Plants are the living soul of the garden and there is beauty in imperfection and
aging. Views out of the garden are integral to the design. The Tea Ceremony is to purify
yourself and look at your life to learn how you have changed.
Dr Dowbiggin gave us a glimpse of this world including the importance of how a gift of trees
must be placed when planting them out!