Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that is meant to produce a scene that mimics nature as much as possible by using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water as art-forms. The Zen and Shinto traditions are both a large part of Japanese gardening and, because of this; the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind. Japanese gardening is much different than the Western style and most would say it is far more meditational and soul soothing.
In Japanese gardening there are three basic methods for scenery. The first of these is reduced scale. Reduced scale is the art of taking an actual scene from nature, mountains, rivers, trees, and all, and reproducing it on a smaller scale. Symbolization involves generalization and abstraction. An example of this would be using white sand to suggest the ocean. Borrowed views refers to artists that would use something like an ocean a forest as a background, but it would end up becoming an important part of the scene.
There are essentially two types of Japanese gardening: tsukiyami, which is a hill garden and mainly composed of hills and ponds. The other is hiraniwa, which is basically the exact opposite of tsukiyami: a flat garden without any hills or ponds.
The basic elements used in Japanese gardening include rocks, gravel, water, moss, stones, fences, and hedges. Rocks are most often used as centerpieces and bring a presence of spirituality to the garden. According to the Shinto tradition rocks embody the spirits of nature. Gravel is used as a sort of defining surface and is used to imitate the flow of water when arranged properly. Stones are used to create a boundary and are sculpted into the form of lanterns. Water, whether it be in the form of a pond, stream, or waterfall, is an essential part of a Japanese garden. It can be in the actual form of water or portrayed by gravel, but no matter what form water is in, it is crucial to a Japanese gardens balance.
There are several forms and types of plants that are signature of Japanese gardening, the main one being Bonsai. Bonsai is the art of training everyday, average plants, such as Pine, Cypress, Holly, Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and Beech, to look like large, old trees just in miniature form. These trees range from five centimeters to one meter and are kept small by pruning, re-potting, pinching of growth, and wiring the branches.
Japanese gardening is a tradition that has crossed the Muso Soseki, poet, said “Gardens are a root of transformation”. A Japanese garden is sure to bring about many different feelings and is definitely a transforming experience.
23.12.10
23.11.10
Decorative Garden Fountains of the Cistercians
The Cistercians, following in the footsteps of the Benedictines, did much to further the progress of horticulture and decorative gardens on the continent and in England. Their monasteries, lush with flowing water from large fountains and dramatic statuary, stood in contrast to those gardens as conspicuously bare of decoration as those of the Benedictines. These gardens were built in the hollows of valleys, where culture could fertilize the soil, and where there was an abundance of water to fill the fountains and irrigate the land.
St. Bernard founded the most famous of all Cistercian garden communities in the wild and gloomy valley of Clairvaux, beside a clear stream that provided plentiful water for the surrounding garden fountains. An ardent lover of nature, he wrote, "You will find more in woods than in books, trees and stones will teach you what you can never learn from school teachers." One of the most sacred spots in the monastery, now sadly deprived of all its ancient glory, was a little plot of ground whose cultivation was his special care. Centered around several beautiful garden statues, large gardens belonging to the community lay within the cloisters, and outside others surrounded giant water fountains, with jets spraying 20 feet into the air. The several divisions of ground were separated by intersecting canals, with water supplied to the fountains by the river Alba.
The Carthusians, belonging to an order founded by St. Bruno in 1084, dwelt in monasteries planned to isolate, as completely as possible, each member of the
community. This was to fulfill the rules peculiar to their order, obliging them to live in absolute silence and solitude, the only sounds coming from the small, ornate fountains found in the corners of the courtyard. Each of the brethren, like the Egyptian monks, occupied a detached cottage, to which was added in the twelfth century a small garden, decorated and cultivated by its tenant. Numbers of these cottages and gardens surrounded the cloisters with central water fountains for water supply which eliminated the necessity of having large centerpiece garden fountains for the grounds under cultivation.
Among the orders of friars were the Dominicans, founded by the Spanish Dominic, and the Franciscans, by St. Francis of Assisi, in the thirteenth century. Both lived according to different lights from the monks, despised all luxury, and their fountains were stark, plain, and functional. They also took less pride in owning beautiful buildings, statuary, and garden decor. Wanderers over the country, preaching and begging for food wherever they happened to stop, unlike the members of other orders, the friars required but small establishments, and few cultivated acres for their food supply, relying instead on natural streams rather than public fountains for their sustenance.
St. Bernard founded the most famous of all Cistercian garden communities in the wild and gloomy valley of Clairvaux, beside a clear stream that provided plentiful water for the surrounding garden fountains. An ardent lover of nature, he wrote, "You will find more in woods than in books, trees and stones will teach you what you can never learn from school teachers." One of the most sacred spots in the monastery, now sadly deprived of all its ancient glory, was a little plot of ground whose cultivation was his special care. Centered around several beautiful garden statues, large gardens belonging to the community lay within the cloisters, and outside others surrounded giant water fountains, with jets spraying 20 feet into the air. The several divisions of ground were separated by intersecting canals, with water supplied to the fountains by the river Alba.
The Carthusians, belonging to an order founded by St. Bruno in 1084, dwelt in monasteries planned to isolate, as completely as possible, each member of the
community. This was to fulfill the rules peculiar to their order, obliging them to live in absolute silence and solitude, the only sounds coming from the small, ornate fountains found in the corners of the courtyard. Each of the brethren, like the Egyptian monks, occupied a detached cottage, to which was added in the twelfth century a small garden, decorated and cultivated by its tenant. Numbers of these cottages and gardens surrounded the cloisters with central water fountains for water supply which eliminated the necessity of having large centerpiece garden fountains for the grounds under cultivation.
Among the orders of friars were the Dominicans, founded by the Spanish Dominic, and the Franciscans, by St. Francis of Assisi, in the thirteenth century. Both lived according to different lights from the monks, despised all luxury, and their fountains were stark, plain, and functional. They also took less pride in owning beautiful buildings, statuary, and garden decor. Wanderers over the country, preaching and begging for food wherever they happened to stop, unlike the members of other orders, the friars required but small establishments, and few cultivated acres for their food supply, relying instead on natural streams rather than public fountains for their sustenance.
23.10.10
Gardening English Monastic Gardens: Fountains and Statuary
Few exact records of English monastic gardens have been preserved. A twelfth-century plan of Canterbury, showing the cloisters containing a herbarium, garden fountain, and a conduit; with a garden pond, orchard, and vineyard outside the walls, gives only a rough idea of the planting and arrangement. But there is no other document even this complete belonging to this early period.
Since, however, the various parts of all monasteries of the same order were as uniform as circumstances permitted, the general scheme of the English monastic gardens can be gathered from the plans and descriptions of those on the continent. The plan of the ancient monastery of St. Gall, in Switzerland, still exists, and supplies much information about the arrangement of a large religious establishment belonging to the Benedictines in the ninth century.
The monastery was placed in a valley, and the cultivated grounds within the walls consisted of four divisions: the cloister-garth, the fountains, statuary, and adornments, the vegetable garden, and a combination of orchard and burial ground. The cloister-garth was a square, planted with grass and shrubs, divided by two intersecting paths into four equal quarters. In the centre was a savina, a type of decorative outdoor garden fountain suitable for supplying water for drinking and washing purposes. These cloisters were south of the church, and surrounded by the large garden statuary, and other more important communal buildings.
Logically, the fountains and garden statuary was placed close to the center of activity. The fountains provided moisture for growing many of the lesser plants, including peppermint, rosemary, white lilies, sage, rue, corn-flag, pennyroyal, fenugreek, roses, watercress, cumin, lovage, tansy, kidney bean, fennel, or savory. All of these were regarded as herbs useful for medicinal purposes.
The kitchen garden was necessarily on a larger scale and contained eighteen oblong beds of identical shape, each planted with a different kind of vegetable or pot-herb: onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, chervil, dill, lettuce, poppy, savory, radish, parsnip, carrot, cabbage, beet, leek, shallot, celery, or corn-cockle. Nearby was the house of the head gardener or hortulanus.
In the burial ground, honorary statues, trees and shrubs were placed in the spaces between the graves, and must have produced the ornamental effect which in this connection we are apt to consider as modern. Mentioned as growing there, in circles around a large garden fountain, were apple, pear, plum, service medlar, fig, quince, peach, hazelnut, almond, chestnut, walnut, laurel, and pine trees. Amidst such a luxuriance of foliage, fountains, and statuary, the graves must have been almost hidden from view.
Since, however, the various parts of all monasteries of the same order were as uniform as circumstances permitted, the general scheme of the English monastic gardens can be gathered from the plans and descriptions of those on the continent. The plan of the ancient monastery of St. Gall, in Switzerland, still exists, and supplies much information about the arrangement of a large religious establishment belonging to the Benedictines in the ninth century.
The monastery was placed in a valley, and the cultivated grounds within the walls consisted of four divisions: the cloister-garth, the fountains, statuary, and adornments, the vegetable garden, and a combination of orchard and burial ground. The cloister-garth was a square, planted with grass and shrubs, divided by two intersecting paths into four equal quarters. In the centre was a savina, a type of decorative outdoor garden fountain suitable for supplying water for drinking and washing purposes. These cloisters were south of the church, and surrounded by the large garden statuary, and other more important communal buildings.
Logically, the fountains and garden statuary was placed close to the center of activity. The fountains provided moisture for growing many of the lesser plants, including peppermint, rosemary, white lilies, sage, rue, corn-flag, pennyroyal, fenugreek, roses, watercress, cumin, lovage, tansy, kidney bean, fennel, or savory. All of these were regarded as herbs useful for medicinal purposes.
The kitchen garden was necessarily on a larger scale and contained eighteen oblong beds of identical shape, each planted with a different kind of vegetable or pot-herb: onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, chervil, dill, lettuce, poppy, savory, radish, parsnip, carrot, cabbage, beet, leek, shallot, celery, or corn-cockle. Nearby was the house of the head gardener or hortulanus.
In the burial ground, honorary statues, trees and shrubs were placed in the spaces between the graves, and must have produced the ornamental effect which in this connection we are apt to consider as modern. Mentioned as growing there, in circles around a large garden fountain, were apple, pear, plum, service medlar, fig, quince, peach, hazelnut, almond, chestnut, walnut, laurel, and pine trees. Amidst such a luxuriance of foliage, fountains, and statuary, the graves must have been almost hidden from view.
23.9.10
Fountains in the Dark Ages
In the tenth century, the darkest of the Dark Ages, a period of great industrial depression reached its lowest ebb in Europe. Monasticism, for the previous two centuries on the decline, almost ceased to exist, and horticulture, as early in the Christian era, practically became a lost art. Lush gardens, elegant statuary, and decorative water fountains were no longer to be found in good repair.
In the eleventh century, however, a revival of religious zeal, in England as elsewhere, brought about an improvement in the condition of these outdoor areas. Europe was under either religious or military rule, and the common people turned to the former for security. As a result, the monasteries acquired more influence and more riches than the castles. Religious houses were the place of refuge for sick souls, for great repentances, for hopes deceived, for work and meditation, for feebleness and poverty, at a time when the first condition of earthly existence was a strong arm and a shoulder capable of carrying a coat of mail.
William the Conqueror and his followers brought new styles in architecture for the castles, gardens, and monasteries they established to subjugate England. The rage for founding monasteries, then at its height in Normandy, spread across the conquered nation. William himself began this movement by erecting and richly endowing several superb abbeys with large and lush gardens, adorned with fountains and large statues, and many of his subjects of means followed his example.
The Benedictine order was the first to flourish in this new wave of artistic garden expression. In order to avoid unnecessary contact with the outside world, its rule prescribed that each community contain all the essentials of life within its precincts. Since the flesh of no four-footed animal could be eaten, the raising of fish and fowl was customary, while that of vegetables was indispensable. Large garden planters filled with vegetables, fountains full of fish and duck garden ponds, poultry yards, orchards, and vineyards were connected with every religious foundation, and were often its greatest pride and glory. Manual labor was obligatory, and the monks adopted the building of lush gardens, complete with classic statuary and dramatic fountains as their favorite pursuits.
In the eleventh century, however, a revival of religious zeal, in England as elsewhere, brought about an improvement in the condition of these outdoor areas. Europe was under either religious or military rule, and the common people turned to the former for security. As a result, the monasteries acquired more influence and more riches than the castles. Religious houses were the place of refuge for sick souls, for great repentances, for hopes deceived, for work and meditation, for feebleness and poverty, at a time when the first condition of earthly existence was a strong arm and a shoulder capable of carrying a coat of mail.
William the Conqueror and his followers brought new styles in architecture for the castles, gardens, and monasteries they established to subjugate England. The rage for founding monasteries, then at its height in Normandy, spread across the conquered nation. William himself began this movement by erecting and richly endowing several superb abbeys with large and lush gardens, adorned with fountains and large statues, and many of his subjects of means followed his example.
The Benedictine order was the first to flourish in this new wave of artistic garden expression. In order to avoid unnecessary contact with the outside world, its rule prescribed that each community contain all the essentials of life within its precincts. Since the flesh of no four-footed animal could be eaten, the raising of fish and fowl was customary, while that of vegetables was indispensable. Large garden planters filled with vegetables, fountains full of fish and duck garden ponds, poultry yards, orchards, and vineyards were connected with every religious foundation, and were often its greatest pride and glory. Manual labor was obligatory, and the monks adopted the building of lush gardens, complete with classic statuary and dramatic fountains as their favorite pursuits.
25.7.10
Garden Statues and Fountains in Monasteries
Monasteries with spectacular gardens, adorned with statues of the garden and water sources, flourished throughout Europe in the first half of the first millennium, and with the cross, the monks carried the plow. Hard work, which had fallen into disgrace, was raised from the dust by the monks. "It was the special glory of San Benito [the founder of the Order of St. Augustine, which belonged] to teach men of his time working in the garden, hallowed by prayer, is the best thing a man can do, and This lesson was never lost sight of since his time, as reflected in the beauty of the grounds of the garden. "
Within the walls of the Benedictine monasteries, therefore, were spectacular gardens with statues, fountains and wall hanging gardens cultivated source for all the resident monks, often with smaller ones assigned to the abbot and head chaplain community. Previously neglected by the early Christians as a symbol of paganism, the flowers were now grown to decorate the church. The roses are often grown in large planters, stone garden and held in high esteem. Subiaco is still preserved in the Roseto, a little rose garden set with a large stone statue of San Benito. The roses it contains are said to be the same as for its beauty delighted his senses, and whose thorns that was used to mortify the flesh.
The arrival of St Augustine to Canterbury in 597 AD was the beginning of a new era in the gardens of the British Isles. Civilization, the arts and letters, who fled before the sword of the conquest of English in Roman times after he returned to the Christian faith. In England, the revival of horticultural and ornamental gardens and the introduction of several new vegetables and fruits was caused by the Benedictine of St. Augustine and his disciples. The gardens looked blooming water sources, whose design is clearly inspired on the sources of Italy.
On the continent, monks incorporated fragments of Roman villas in their monasteries, and restored the old gardens, and added garden statuary. But not in England. There is little or no connection between the classical and convent grounds. And although during the two centuries following the arrival of the saint, gardening certainly flourished in the monasteries of new creation. And today, their influence remains.
Within the walls of the Benedictine monasteries, therefore, were spectacular gardens with statues, fountains and wall hanging gardens cultivated source for all the resident monks, often with smaller ones assigned to the abbot and head chaplain community. Previously neglected by the early Christians as a symbol of paganism, the flowers were now grown to decorate the church. The roses are often grown in large planters, stone garden and held in high esteem. Subiaco is still preserved in the Roseto, a little rose garden set with a large stone statue of San Benito. The roses it contains are said to be the same as for its beauty delighted his senses, and whose thorns that was used to mortify the flesh.
The arrival of St Augustine to Canterbury in 597 AD was the beginning of a new era in the gardens of the British Isles. Civilization, the arts and letters, who fled before the sword of the conquest of English in Roman times after he returned to the Christian faith. In England, the revival of horticultural and ornamental gardens and the introduction of several new vegetables and fruits was caused by the Benedictine of St. Augustine and his disciples. The gardens looked blooming water sources, whose design is clearly inspired on the sources of Italy.
On the continent, monks incorporated fragments of Roman villas in their monasteries, and restored the old gardens, and added garden statuary. But not in England. There is little or no connection between the classical and convent grounds. And although during the two centuries following the arrival of the saint, gardening certainly flourished in the monasteries of new creation. And today, their influence remains.
25.6.10
Garden Fountains: The Fountain at Campidoglio in Rome
If you visit the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, you'll find three sources of interest in this stunning plaza. These sources each have a particularly interesting story. They have been in force in its present form for so long but each has been a source of rich and varied background. In fact, the sculptures you see on these three sources can trace its roots in the early days of Christian Rome.
The first of the three fountains on the square you'll probably notice is the central source that leads to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he presented the designs for the plaza, the fountain was built only in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply of the Acqua Felice that could then provide a source. Original plans had decreed that this source may contain the figure of Zeus as its centerpiece, but was built around the figure of Minerva, which stands in the figure of Rome. Minerva statue has been partly restored in modern times, but the torso was taken to Rome from Cori so in reality is of great historical significance.
In front of the Minerva fountain you'll find a fountain decorated with sculptures of two river gods. These statues are really important historical interest - unlike many lost treasures that have survived without burial in all the troubled times since the fall of Rome. At first they were against the Sun Temple of Aureliano and have since moved around various settings in Rome before moving to its current location. Like the Palace of the Senate before the adjournment, much of this source is built of travertine and source it blend into the magnificent building with no problems.
You will find the third fountain in Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palace of the Conservatives. This source has barely earned its name as it is actually more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which was added to the plaza in 1903, shows a lion party in a horse that has hunted. Although this may not seem significant source of the sculpture itself is real historical importance. If you look closely at most will notice that appears to show the effects of exposure to water for long periods - in fact discovered in the River Almo more than a thousand years, although its history before that remains a mystery.
The first of the three fountains on the square you'll probably notice is the central source that leads to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he presented the designs for the plaza, the fountain was built only in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply of the Acqua Felice that could then provide a source. Original plans had decreed that this source may contain the figure of Zeus as its centerpiece, but was built around the figure of Minerva, which stands in the figure of Rome. Minerva statue has been partly restored in modern times, but the torso was taken to Rome from Cori so in reality is of great historical significance.
In front of the Minerva fountain you'll find a fountain decorated with sculptures of two river gods. These statues are really important historical interest - unlike many lost treasures that have survived without burial in all the troubled times since the fall of Rome. At first they were against the Sun Temple of Aureliano and have since moved around various settings in Rome before moving to its current location. Like the Palace of the Senate before the adjournment, much of this source is built of travertine and source it blend into the magnificent building with no problems.
You will find the third fountain in Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palace of the Conservatives. This source has barely earned its name as it is actually more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which was added to the plaza in 1903, shows a lion party in a horse that has hunted. Although this may not seem significant source of the sculpture itself is real historical importance. If you look closely at most will notice that appears to show the effects of exposure to water for long periods - in fact discovered in the River Almo more than a thousand years, although its history before that remains a mystery.
25.5.10
Water Fountains as a gateway for relaxation
That the AM to be honest, AI Life at times can be very stressful. There are several ways you can try to relax, but they often require a fair amount of time. Why not look into something that can help relax while Aore the race? We thought you might be interested, that is why, Äôll be discussing indoor water sources as a means to ease during a stressful day.
As many of you know, indoor water sources and use water to recirculate on decorative stones and other things. The sound of water, in itself, has proven time and again to be relaxing for many. If water is not sufficient administrative officers to relieve stress, just watching the beauty of water flowing over the stones should help stress levels plummet.
You might be thinking that there is, the AM there's no room in your home for a source. There, the administrative officers without worrying, indoor water fountains come in many sizes, allowing almost everyone to buy one to use. If you, Ehud like to have a more than just a room, why not consider buying two? "No, AOT need huge sources for every room in your home. You can choose to purchase a larger font for your living room and a picture of a superior to his bedroom. The choice remains yours.
As you shop for a domestic water source, be sure to pay attention to the size and quantity of water from the source you are interested in specific applications. The larger the source, the stronger is likely to be. For some people, a larger font can be more irritating than enjoyable. To see if the particular source that interests you is on display and in operation. This allows you to get an idea of the amount of noise that makes the source.
indoor water fountains can be very relaxing and in general terms, a very good investment. Yes, am not for their aesthetic appeal, get an indoor water source so that, years features both relaxing and meditating.
As many of you know, indoor water sources and use water to recirculate on decorative stones and other things. The sound of water, in itself, has proven time and again to be relaxing for many. If water is not sufficient administrative officers to relieve stress, just watching the beauty of water flowing over the stones should help stress levels plummet.
You might be thinking that there is, the AM there's no room in your home for a source. There, the administrative officers without worrying, indoor water fountains come in many sizes, allowing almost everyone to buy one to use. If you, Ehud like to have a more than just a room, why not consider buying two? "No, AOT need huge sources for every room in your home. You can choose to purchase a larger font for your living room and a picture of a superior to his bedroom. The choice remains yours.
As you shop for a domestic water source, be sure to pay attention to the size and quantity of water from the source you are interested in specific applications. The larger the source, the stronger is likely to be. For some people, a larger font can be more irritating than enjoyable. To see if the particular source that interests you is on display and in operation. This allows you to get an idea of the amount of noise that makes the source.
indoor water fountains can be very relaxing and in general terms, a very good investment. Yes, am not for their aesthetic appeal, get an indoor water source so that, years features both relaxing and meditating.
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