Lawncare and Landscaping Traditions Worldwide
Owning a lawn is certainly an American tradition. It is one that stems from upper-class European history and is an interesting subject to explore. However, that does not mean that different techniques, accessories, and ideas did not spring from it. Each country, after all, has its own cultural roots, tools, terrain, and weather patterns. All of these factors are the reason why lawn care in Decatur, Alabama would differ to lawn care in Austin, Tx. So, we are going to look at the interesting lawn care and gardening techniques around the world. Today, we are going to the eastern part of the globe past Europe, Africa, and China to land squarely in Japan. So, let’s talk about…
Japanese Landscaping and Gardening
The interesting thing behind Japanese landscaping and gardening is the philosophy, as well as the different elements they use. If you want a lawn with mostly water, then you can do it. If you want one made entirely of rock, you can. You could tailor everything based on aesthetics if you so chose, or you can make it perfectly practical. Some of these gardens and landscapes have their own religious significance, depending on location and purpose. The most advantageous thing about a Japanese lawn and garden is that it is versatile. But, what is the reasoning behind the versatility of these lawn care practices? Why does it look so natural but still have an orderly fashion to the design?
It all boils down to the religious practices and logic behind their lawn care and gardening style.
Shinto, Kami, and Fung Shui
The island of Japan in its early formation, during the Asuka Period, got most of their cultural practices and inspiration from China and combined it with their own way of life. The main driving force behind their lifestyle that shaped the concept of their lawn care and landscaping practices is the practice of Shinto. Shinto, in a nutshell, is the practice of ancestral worship and the main belief that parts of nature were the personification of kami, divine spirits. This, in turn, eventually evolved into the idea of creating and adjusting living space to allow for the positive energy to flow for perfect balance or Fung Shui.
When Did They First Appear?
The first appearance of these lawns or gardens, much like their European counterparts, stem from the concept of nobility. Various Emporers and Empresses would arrange their own personal landscape to reflect a lot of the Chinese Buddhist teachings. Mainly, about the importance of visual and spiritual harmony. These arrangements would have significance and often would be representations of the divine forces that created the islands of Japan, as well as an homage to the importance of nature.
Pleasure gardens were initially only for the Emporer and his palace from 64 AD until almost 800 AD when the Imperial court moved to their first attempt at a capital, Kyoto. ” During this period, there were three different kinds of gardens: palace gardens and the gardens of nobles in the capital, the gardens of villas at the edge of the city, and the gardens of temples.”
From the Heian Period onward, the concept of Japanese landscaping and lawn care would change over the years according to what influences that were either present or absent in the nation.
Elements of Japanese Lawncare and Landscaping
- Water – This was the first element to be introduced to the concept of Japanese gardening. The presence of water is not only conducive to natural life, but it is also great for sound. The trickling of a stream or the plopping of water can bring tranquility in your front or backyard.
- Rocks – Whether you want a pathway, or just want something to sit on top of a bed of moss, it can add extra dimension and a level of sturdiness to the lawn as a whole. As long as they are not too rigid or unnatural looking, then you are on the right track.
- Grass – The type of grass that is common in a lot of Japanese lawns and gardens is Zoishiya. This type of grass is green in the summer and goes yellow in the winter. This is a foundation of the principle that all seasons have their own beauty and merit. Winter, like everything else, has its own beauty and can make people more appreciative in the beginnings of spring.
- Trees – Trees that change throughout the seasons, as well as a few that stay constant, are something to appreciate. Sometimes there is contrast, and other times there is not. It depends on what kind of lawn you want to go for.
- Ornaments – Shrines, lamps, and an entrance are part of the mystery and allure of Japanese lawns and gardens. It allows for the reverence of kami for practitioners of Shinto. It can serve as markers to prevent people from getting lost in larger gardens.