The cultures of Far East Asia, due to their millennia-old civilizations and their well-developed design sensibilities, are known for their expertise with ornamental ponds. They have a knack for creating understated, yet highly impactful designs that incorporate the concepts of balance, minimalism, and harmony. Their designs often highlight the relaxing sound of water.
The Japanese are especially known for their Zen gardens, which are usually equipped with water features due to their traditional beliefs (rooted in Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism). Water is symbolic of renewal, continuity, tranquility, and spiritual purification. It is an essential element as it represents life-giving forces and change. The oriental pond is not simply an attractive focal point in a garden, it literally displays the philosophical notions of its creator!
It’s no wonder why the Japanese are revered throughout the world for their pond design techniques, with western cultures adopting many of their design elements. Moreover, as the source of the most valuable koi breeds and a wide array of spectacular pondside plants, they are simply the masters of their craft. Create an oriental-style water oasis by integrating the elements listed below.
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The waterfall is a famous and truly beloved addition to Japanese ponds because it symbolizes renewal and change. It serves as a multi-purpose focal point. First, it allows for the flow of water and creates a gentle current that promotes temperature regulation, oxygen flow, and nutrient cycling. Second, its ambient noise is unrivaled at creating a relaxing effect, proven to potentially reduce stress. Third, it is a visual spectacle that places movement and the rejuvenating power of water at the forefront of every design.
A single waterfall, such as the one shown here, considerably changes the overall finish of the pond. It pleasantly contrasts the relatively still water that surrounds the lantern and central stone features. It blurs the reflection of pondside plants as it creates mesmerizing ripples on the water’s surface.
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The waterfall serves as an energetic backdrop in this otherwise still pond. It almost blends into the stone base, only given away by its sound and by the whitish froth of its rapidly moving surface. Partly hidden by the colorful canopies of slender trees, it invites the viewer to approach closer.
A minimalist bridge that cuts through the pond, dividing it into the tranquil pool in the foreground and the gushing water in the background, serves as a perfect vantage point. The location of the waterfall exemplifies the contrast between the seemingly separate bodies of water, both therapeutic visions in their own right.
Harmonious Pagodas and Sculptures
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The Japanese pagoda makes an appearance in so many oriental ponds, not just because it is a stately fixture that draws the eye, but because of its symbolism. Its many tiers represent the journey to higher awareness and quality of perception. It is a symbol of wisdom and harmony that takes its roots from Buddhist beliefs.
As miniature pagodas are often cast in stone, those that are placed in ponds tend to bring an air of permanence and stillness. They definitely add vertical complexity, especially as their reflections may appear to be a continuation of the structure. Here, the pagoda is paired with beautiful sculptures of cranes, another auspicious image in Japanese culture. Cranes are symbolic of longevity, fidelity, and luck.
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Religion continues to play a vital role in Japanese culture. Many pond owners wish to instill a sense of sanctity and respect for their beliefs by installing sculptures of Shinto deities. Their deities are often represented by human forms that are dressed in traditional Heian court attire, such as an intricately carved robe.
Photographed here, sitting on a large stone slab in the pond itself, is a sculpture with the typical stout build and square face that distinguishes these deities. It was likely added to this pond to honor spiritual ancestors. Most of these figures were crafted in connection to that purpose and for aristocratic families that have made considerable cultural contributions.
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Apart from deities and pagodas, animal sculptures are common ornaments around oriental ponds. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they bring much character and uniqueness to any type of pond. Animal sculptures frequently come in the form of tortoises, fish, and a variety of birds. They are also available in a wide range of materials, such as stone, bronze, wood, and marble. Due to the superstitious nature of many Eastern cultures, they have assigned meaning to each of these animals too.
The tortoise sculpture on the edge of this pond is likely symbolic of longevity and support. In Japanese culture, tortoises are the physical form of Kompira, which is a deity that watches over seafarers.
Bridges for Continuity
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A bright red or orange arching bridge is one of the most unique features of the Japanese pond or garden. Apart from giving pond visitors a vantage point from which they can view the pond, it serves two other purposes. It literally leads from one side of the pond to another, or from one island to another, and can serve as a shortcut of sorts. Figuratively, it is symbolic of the journey from this physical realm into the afterlife. This significant representation is crucial to creating the most authentic of Japanese gardens.
The traditional Japanese bridge instills a meditative mindset in whoever engages with it. This pond’s bridge is painted with a unique red hue because this color is symbolic of spiritual transformation. It certainly stands out amidst the greenery, but it does manage to accentuate the red stalks of the palm trees around it.
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Red bridges need not always be arched – they can still hold their symbolic significance while being more user-friendly & accessible for disabled people. Often, construction budgets and space constraints may also place limits on the complexity of bridges, so a straight one is acceptable (though supposedly not as effective at warding off evil spirits) and can be just as aesthetically appealing with the right accents. Despite the red rails, the stone-clad base of the straight bridge gives it a pleasantly minimal finish. It is the perfect spot from which to soak in the sounds of the nearby waterfall and observe the koi swimming in the waters below.
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Though not your average bridge, the Yatsuhashi or zigzag bridge is meant to ward off evil. It literally translates to “eight bridges”. The planks of this unique structure create a totally different pond experience, allowing viewers to walk in between the emergent irises whilst basking in the pond’s gentle sounds and tranquility. The lovely, light brown finish brings out the color of the iris leaves and flowers. This truly unforgettable installation is a feast for the senses.
A more traditional, arching bridge, largely hidden from view by a deep-green canopy of fine leaves, peeks invitingly from the background! Note that, as it has the same wooden finish as the plank set-up, these separate elements create a harmonious effect. If visitors take a walk across the arching bridge in the distance first, they may find themselves feeling a sense of familiarity once they catch a glimpse of the zigzag bridge.
Bonsais & Naturalized Margins
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Bonsai trees are a testament to Japanese creativity and patience. The products of centuries of research into plant manipulation techniques, they are basically miniature versions of larger trees that have been forced to grow in a restricted, yet aesthetically pleasing, manner.
Bonsai trees play an important role in Buddhist culture, which is why they are crucial components of Zen gardens and ponds. As a focal point for meditation and other types of contemplative activities, they represent peace, balance, and luck. Here, the bonsai tree sits on an island in the center of the pond. Its seemingly manicured canopy captures the sun’s rays and naturally urges spectators to contemplate its beauty.
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The neatness of the garden that surrounds this pond is contrasted by the organic appearance of the emergent grasses along its margins. The flowering shrubs are neatly pruned into orb-shaped bushes. The combination of grasses and bushes makes for a stunning reflection on the still pond water. The reflectiveness of ponds such as this is an element that the most dedicated of designers might play with to create a visual spectacle.
The illusion of a pondside reflection increases the vertical complexity of a pond. You can create the illusion of twice the number of flowers and double the texture! Next to the emergent grasses are stones that appear much larger than they are due to their reflection.
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The growth of large shrubs or small trees can also be maintained so that they appear as oversized bonsais. The trick is to create a multileveled canopy with clear gaps. These will understandably be heavier on maintenance as they’ll tend to grow quicker. However, the effort spent pruning can go a long way in terms of creating an aesthetically pleasing pond or garden. For a longer-lasting shape, some bonsai shaping techniques may be effective at redirecting branch growth and restricting spread.
A multi-level effect is achieved by cultivating increasingly shorter plants from the background to the foreground. The large tree is emphasized by the shorter, pond-edge shrubs and the emergent grasses. This combination of natural elements should effectively lure many beneficial animals and insects into the pond ecosystem.
Overhanging Trees
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Pondside trees can be quite tricky to cultivate due to their demand for space, root expansion, and their tendency to block out sunlight. Moreover, the accumulation of fallen leaves and debris can cause a pond filter to struggle and eventually become damaged. Nonetheless, the right trees, such as this Japanese conifer tree with mint/sage green leaves, might be easier to manage. Its overhanging canopy provides just the right amount of shade for the fish below. It aids in the maintenance of water temperature and the prevention of algal overgrowth, which can occur due to excess sun exposure and nutrient input.
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An overhanging tree can also be the perfect pondside accent for Japanese-style ornamental ponds. Pine trees come in many varieties and are able to grow into endlessly interesting shapes. The blue-green to greyish needles of this pine give it an almost whimsical and unreal appearance. It undeniably stands out in contrast to the bright green foliage of the emergent grasses and lichen-coated rocks. Plants with warm and cool green undertones are often placed next to one another in oriental gardens, so this tree plays its part perfectly. Moreover, it creates a small pocket of shade for underlying animals.
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There’s nothing quite like dappled shade from overhanging trees around a calm pond. It can create a sense of stillness and safety. Though not all pond plants favor partial shade conditions, those with large foliage (often sensitive to scorching) tend to benefit the most.
Still, it’s important to consider the trade-offs between having a partly shaded pond that accumulates fallen leaves and a fully exposed one. It is advisable for ponds with a shallow depth to have access to shade as they are more likely to warm up quickly. Some oriental-themed ponds, such as this one, are able to achieve a balance by having partly shaded and fully exposed areas.
Floating Plants for Water Clarity
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A great way to create shade, within the water column, without the use of overhanging trees is by cultivating floating plants. There are many species with attractive, heat-tolerant fronds. Note that free-floating species many have the tendency to spread quickly, however, as their free-floating offsets may attempt to colonize any exposed areas.
In many cases, floating plants are instrumental in maintaining the water clarity of oriental ponds. In this modern, indoor-outdoor pond space, they help naturalize the pond’s overall appearance by masking the tiled floor. Their organic distribution greatly complements the marginal symmetry of the pond’s edges.
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Sparsely distributed floating plants in an oriental, outdoor pond can emphasize the stillness of the water’s surface. Just a few fronds can provide the necessary shade for the prevention of algal blooms. As a bonus, many species produce seasonal flowers as well. These can look quite enchanting as they may seemingly float on or emerge weightlessly through the water’s surface.
In this pond design, the floating plants occur more densely along the margins of the pond, leaving the central area free to reflect the sunlit tree canopies above. Other decorations within the pond itself include rough stones and a legged-type lantern sculpture that perfectly blends in with the adjacent greens.
Textural Elements for Contrast
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A rock partition that looks much like a footpath roughly separates this oriental pond into several connecting pools. Its curved arrangement is quite similar to that of the central line in the yin-yang symbol. Winding paths, like this one, are quite common in Japanese culture.
The gaps in between the rocks allow the fish to move into other sections of the pond. Interestingly, the rocks along the center of the pond are arranged so that they create the illusion of a central island with emergent plants. The eye is subtly led to this area by the rocks in the foreground.
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Piles of stone slabs distinctively add complexity and vertical dimension to this minimalist pond. Fairly easy to maintain and friendly on the pocket, rough stone features make fine additions along the edges of just about any water feature due to their durability. In Japanese mythology, stones represent immutability. They can resist change, which is symbolized by water. The combination of stone and water, as contrasting elements, creates the perfect balance.
A lovely Rankei lantern with a heavy base is perched on one edge of the pond. Due to its curved pedestal, this granite sculpture is traditionally positioned right at the pond or stream’s bank. The lantern itself can then be reflected onto the water’s surface.
