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JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN

Gardens rich with symbolism + restraint + deep cultural meaning

There’s something about Japanese gardens that quietly stays with you…their stillness, their simplicity, the way they seem to hold space for thought and feeling. But behind that calm beauty is a deep design language.

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This guide isn’t about replicating traditional Japanese gardens—it’s about learning from them. It invites you to explore the principles, concepts, and elements that give these spaces their depth and emotional resonance. Along the way, you’ll reflect on ideas like asymmetry, borrowed scenery, ma (meaningful space), wabi-sabi, and more…not as aesthetic trends, but as ways of seeing and shaping the world around you.

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You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t need to create a “perfect” Japanese garden. Instead, this guide encourages you to draw inspiration from the spirit behind the style—to borrow its quiet focus, its respect for impermanence, and its attention to detail. Whether you’re sketching a planting vignette, rethinking a path, or designing an entire space, this is your invitation to design with greater intention, awareness, and calm.

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Ready to be inspired? Let’s begin!

 GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH 

Below you will find several items to help you learn more about JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN. From written words to video to applied activities to our Design Library to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click on the images below to download a PDF of your Garden Design Guide and Activity. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, plus a live Monthly Meetup too!

VIDEO: Seven Zen Principles for Japanese Gardens

This video, by Joshua 'Gensetsu' Smith, PhD, explores seven zen principles of Japanese gardens so you can explore additional dimensions of this lovely style. Another video you may also enjoy is: The Importance of Spatial Design in Japanese Gardens

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Which principle stood out to you (from the video below) most and why?
Was it something familiar or did it challenge how you usually think about design?

RESOURCES in our DESIGN LIBRARY 

 The resources below are a wonderful way to help expand your knowledge of Japanese Garden Design concepts. 

OVERVIEW of DESIGN PRINCIPLES

A great foundation for organizing the elements in any garden is understanding the basic principles of design. This Garden Design Guide will give you an overview of the seven principles.

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MYSTERY

Mystery provides curiosity and encourages the visitor to explore a garden. When you set up outdoor rooms and think about the transition between each one, your garden becomes a magical place. 

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SIMPLICITY

In design, SIMPLICITY can showcase natural beauty and create elegance. Simple lines, forms, limited materials and colors, plus functionality are interesting and easy to understand. 

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OUR COMMUNITY 

Don't forget to hang out with us this month.

Check in to share your activity. Try it yourself and/or learn from the submissions of your peers. No need to stress. Just enjoy!

JAPANESE GARDEN ACTIVITIES

We have two activities this month. Choose one, both or simply learn from your peer submissions.

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ACTIVITY ONE: Reflection Prompt

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ACTIVITY TWO: Create a Concept Collage

Do you have a question?

Do you have a question on this month's topic or another design question?  Let's all learn together! 

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Click below to add it to our community.

Yes! I have a question!

Moved closer to a goal?

Share your win with us.
Tell us what you’ve done this month that got you one step closer to your dream...we’re ready to celebrate with you!

I have something cool to share!

LIVE SESSIONS

We have one this month: our normal Monthly MeetUp. This will be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Check out all UPCOMING MEETUPS here. 

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Have you had a chance to meet me in a smaller group? Please sign up for a slot by clicking on the link below.

Monthly MeetUp

Let's catch up on this month's topic, plus share our activities. I can't wait to see you!

Thursday, July 24

2 PM PT | 3 PM MT | 4 PM CT | 5 PM ET

London: 10 PM BST

Sydney: June 25 at 7 AM AEST

 

RSVP + GRAB LINK HERE

Let's Connect in a Small Group Session

I'm excited to invite you to a small group session where we can get to know each other better and foster connections among team members. Each session will last one hour and include up to four participants, along with myself.

Please sign up for one available time slot that suits your schedule (look ahead to August 6). This is a great opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.

Looking forward to our conversation!

RESERVE YOUR TIME HERE

I'd love your feedback once you've devoured all this goodness. 

Drop me a note at the email below and let me know what you loved and what could be improved. Thank you!

Please contact me at [email protected]

Return to the  Garden Design Collective headquarters

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