garden design, traditional architecture, garden architect, landscapers, japanese woodwork, japanese stone

Large Karesansui Garden in Belgium - Landscaping (2019)

Inspired by the World Famous Temple Gardens of Kyoto
The owner of a beautiful house with a spacious garden in Loenhout, Belgium, asked us to enhance their Japan-inspired garden to a highly authentic Karesansui garden based on the Temple gardens of Kyoto that are famous all over the world.

Initially, a veranda made of Western Red Cedar wood was installed, with a few careful cuts to accommodate a Kutsunugi-ishi stone. This single large stone, commonly found in Japanese gardens, serves as the first step down from the veranda to the garden, used for putting on and taking off shoes. With the Kutsunugi-ishi stone embedded into the veranda, the team proceeded to the left part of the garden, transforming it into a full-fledged Karesansui garden. Various rock formations and solitary rocks were strategically placed according to ancient Japanese guidelines, followed by the addition of stepping stones. Apart from granite slabs, antique millstones were repurposed as stepping stones, providing a unique look commonly seen in Japanese gardens. Lastly, the garden was filled with authentic Shirakawa-suna gravel from Kyoto, a traditional choice used in most Japanese gardens. The yew hedge forms a beautiful natural border at the end of the garden and received additional care from our gardeners. Japanese Satsuki Azaleas were used as ground cover, creating a rolling, colorful landscape, especially during spring.