Japanese Garden Fountains

Another example of a bamboo spout that spills into a stone basin, this fountain harmonizes well with nature. Instead of having a refined basin, the stone has jagged edges and appears to have been naturally worn by the water. Creating harmony and balance with the natural world is very important in Japanese landscape design

Japanese fountains are always very simple in design - the focus is more on the water than on the vessel. This fountain consists of a shallow stone basin nestled amongst rocks and boulders with a small metal pipe for a spout. Ferns and other evergreen plants grow near the water feature.

PHOTO: Paradise Restored Landscaping in Portland, OR.

This tall stone and bamboo fountain sits in a bed of gravel and is surrounding by rocks and living bamboo, creating a mixture of shade and light that adds to the intrigue of the fountain. As years go by, moss will grow on the fountain causing it to become an integral part of the landscape.

PHOTO: Grace Design Associates in Santa Barbara, CA.

If you have the space, a bigger water feature is an option. A stream, pond or waterfall is a common feature in Asian gardens. Remember, Japanese garden design is all about mimicking nature, so create meandering natural shapes for streams or ponds. Adding koi or goldfish to a pond is an option. Koi ponds feature aquatic plants and ornamental fish.

PHOTO: Photo used under Creative Commons from zetrules.

Not all Japanese style gardens feature actual water; many simply represent water with stones, gravel or sand. Flat river stones can be laid tightly together to symbolize a rushing stream. Gravel or sand can be raked in patterns to represent waves in the sea.

PHOTO: Photo used under Creative Commons from Sébastien Bertrand.