A design theme that is cropping up in many outdoor landscapes today is the design theme centered around Japanese principles. How far you want to go with this theme will depend on your personal preferences. Japanese principles in the outdoor space are becoming more common as they are well known to create stunning retreats that you can literally escape to. You can incorporate Japanese principles into every element of your outdoor design, or you can do so through simple accents such as Japanese garden statues for the same effect. Here are some tips on incorporating Japanese principles into your garden to accomplish that retreat like effect.
Running water is a common Japanese principle seen in outdoor spaces. Most commonly you will see this in outdoor garden water fountains in a Japanese designed garden. Water is a symbol of life, and running water through a fountain or garden brook will bring tranquility to your space almost instantly. Your fountain does not need to be Japan themed to incorporate this symbol of Japanese principles.
Religious outdoor statues are another way to incorporate Japanese elements into your outdoor design. Religious statues carry symbolic significance and the simple addition of an outdoor Buddha to your outdoor space can instantly provide an effect of harmony and balance into your garden.
Japanese monks would use their gardens are religious retreats to meditate and seek wisdom. You can use your garden for the same effect to seek tranquility in your desired way using these Japanese principles.