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

Large Japanese Roji Tea Garden - Landscaping (2020)

Authentic Tea Garden, Complete with Traditional Architecture
Yokoso Japanese Gardens was the entrusted partner for designing and constructing a high-level Japanese Roji tea garden in the suburbs of Holland. Before Yokoso was assigned to improve the garden there were already some Japanese influences present, the base of a Japanese garden was there. We by improving the dry river. Additionally, various new trees were planted and present trees were relocated to a more fitting spot in the garden. There are multiple characteristic and philosophical elements used in the design of the garden. For example, the San-zon-seki arrangement of three special Shikoku stones. The big stone in the middle represents Buddha and is supported by a stone on each side that symbolizes monks. Yokoso also placed a magnificent antique stone bridge of Kikko-seki stone over the dry river. The garden bridge is a symbol of a gateway to a tranquil and peaceful paradise according to Japanese philosophy.

We were also assigned to craft a Japanese style garden shed and a Koshikake of cedar wood by hand in order to elevate the garden even more. A Koshikake is a garden bench with a roof which offers a beautiful view of the garden. According to Japanese tradition, a Koshikake is used as a waiting spot for the tea ceremony. The Japanese style garden shed can be used as a storage for wood, tools and other garden equipment. The roof of the shed is covered by authentic Japanese ceramic roof tiles. The entrance of the shed features sliding doors with small windows of double glazing finished with Washi paper. Washi literally means Japanese paper and can serve many different purposes like the use in Shoji, Japanese room deviders. The exact type of wood used for the Japanese style garden shed and the Koshikake is Western Red Cedar.

The final step of this project was the development of a cozy Japanese Chashitsu tea house for the garden. The construction is completely insulated which makes the house perfect for recreational activities. A full-fledged interior featuring a Tokonoma was installed in the house which is an elevated spot whereupon arts such as Bonsai, Ikebana, or Suiseki can be displayed.