Japanese Garden Edge Stonework

February 28, 2012

Japanese Garden Path Edge Stonework

More and more people are looking to Japanese garden for inspiration, or to create an authentic Japanese garden of their own. In addition to a well thought out plan good stone work is the back bone of the garden. Many publications write about 3 and 5 stone arrangements known as ishi-gumi and iwa-gumi. Although these stone grouping can make wonderful focal, they are not the most important. The most important stones are the key or functional stones (yaku-ishi). These stones include the overlook stone, bridge stones, bridge anchor stones, shoe stones and edge stones.

So if good stonework is the backbone of the Japanese garden, what is the most import technique applied to the use of stones within Japanese gardens? It is the “gogan pattern”. The gogan pattern is applied to edge stones used for pond edges, path edges and sometimes retaining applications. In fact the term gogan refers to any anti-erosion structure.

The gogan pattern is created by carefully installing stones in an artist and natural way that employs a horizontal up and down and a vertical in and out rhythm. This mean there is a vertical and horizontal stagger pattern. In additional to this it is also important to use stones that vary in size, with the larger ones set where focal points are desired. These stones are always partial buried creating a natural look. Achieving a well executed gogan edge in a Japanese garden is not easy, and learning how to do it well is the goal of many Japanese garden builders.

When selecting the stone for your project remember that it is important to have a good mix between large, medium and even small stones. Large stones are important and should be set at key locations to anchor various points of the garden and should also be used within edge treatments. These stones should be hand selected for a desired shape, color and patina. Weathered granite is a great stone choice. We are lucky that granite boulders are easy to find here in Minnesota. When possible try to use materials that are natural and close to your project.

We recommend that you take your time when installing edge stones and apply the gogan technique using quality materials. When finished the installed stones should all work together providing a consistent and natural look.

If you are interested in hiring a company for this type of work can contact us, Niwa Design Studio, at 952-470-1882.

Posted in Asian Gardens, Garden Types, Japanese Garden Design, Landscape, Stonework