IT is safe to assert that no other country has such a distinctive form of landscape gardening as Japan. In English, French, Italian, and Dutch gardens, however original in their way, there are certain things they seem all to possess in common: terraces, which originally belonged to Italian gardens, were soon introduced into France; clipped trees, which were a distinctive feature of Dutch gardens, were copied by the English; the fashion of decorating gardens with flights of stone steps, balustrades, fountains, and statues at one time spread from Italy throughout Europe; and possibly the over-decoration of gardens led to a change in taste in England and a return to a more natural style.

First Published in 2005. Japan is often called the land of flowers. This book gives an account of those flowers that occur in the country that are most remarkable for their beauty and profusion and that are most typically Japanese. There are also pages on landscape gardening.

Discover how to recreate Japanese garden design and detail in either urban or country settings, with practical advice and stunning color photography.

Sumptuously illustrated, this books explores the entire palette of plants cultivated in Japan, carefully noting which are native and which have been introduced.

This book offers detailed step-by-step advice on how to design and construct Japanese gardens in various environments, using only materials widely available in the West.

100 Japanese Gardens is an ambitious attempt to profile the finest gardens in Japan, while also highlighting lesser known, but equally accomplished landscapes in less-visited parts of the country. A celebration of Japanese landscape design, this book features gardens from Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as from the sub-arctic island of Hokkaido and the semi-tropical islands of Okinawa. Author Stephen Mansfield traveled the length and breadth of Japan on a quest to identify the most impressive gardens in this vast and culturally varied archipelago. His erudition and love of the Japanese garden shines through on every page, making this the perfect primer for travel to Japan or an enjoyable armchair read for gardening enthusiasts. Mansfield's insightful descriptions of each garden examine design concepts and principles, space management, compositional elements, and the iconographic and metaphysical role of Shinto and Buddhist influences. Through his exquisite visuals and engaging stories, we experience Japanese garden designs not merely as landscapes, but as large-scale art installations.

'The Flowers and Gardens of Japan' by Florence Du Cane is a must-read for all flower enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese culture. Although many books have been written about Japan, this unique volume focuses on the country's flora, providing a short account of the flowers that are most closely associated with Japan. From plum blossoms to cherry blossoms and irises to lotuses, each chapter highlights the beauty and profusion of a different flower. The author also provides a condensed yet informative overview of landscape gardening in Japan.

An in-depth exploration spanning 800 years of the art, essence, and enduring impact of the Japanese garden. The most comprehensive exploration of the art of the Japanese garden published to date, this book covers more than eight centuries of the history of this important genre. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. Leading artists, architects, and other cultural practitioners offer personal perspectives in newly commissioned essays.