Gardening tips: style is the secret behind oriental gardens
Apr 04, 2008
THIS time round, let us have a look at an oriental garden style. I have on a number of occasions found places in Kampala, where people have tried to adopt such gardens, one of them being the Golden Lily, a massage parlour at Kanjokya Street in Bukoto.
By Winifred Rukidi
THIS time round, let us have a look at an oriental garden style. I have on a number of occasions found places in Kampala, where people have tried to adopt such gardens, one of them being the Golden Lily, a massage parlour at Kanjokya Street in Bukoto.
To start with, scale is the common theme that links the gardens of the East, because the typical oriental garden is not large. This is not to say that it should be styled with little bridges, lanterns and umbrellas like a scene from Madam Butterfly – the style is far more vigorous. Think of banana leaves sprouting from Tokyo gardens, of huge fan palms and lush undergrowth, of fishy pools and vibrant orchids.
The man-made aspect are deliberately restrained and immaculate with a conscious use of paving and gravel. In Japan they rake the gravel for maximum authenticity and indeed at this very place gravel is raked to form a delightful design.
But the overall effect is one of controlled calm and meticulous maintenance.
Textures are also important. Bamboo fences lashed with knots together with cool moss under pine trees are common. Then splashes of rich vibrant colours used occasionally with unswerving exactness is applied.
It is interesting to reflect at how the people in the East treat nature in a reflective way. The landscape is detailed. Minute and exact. Beautifully flawless. What I simply need to add is bravo brothers and sisters.
winnieruk@hotmail.com
THIS time round, let us have a look at an oriental garden style. I have on a number of occasions found places in Kampala, where people have tried to adopt such gardens, one of them being the Golden Lily, a massage parlour at Kanjokya Street in Bukoto.
To start with, scale is the common theme that links the gardens of the East, because the typical oriental garden is not large. This is not to say that it should be styled with little bridges, lanterns and umbrellas like a scene from Madam Butterfly – the style is far more vigorous. Think of banana leaves sprouting from Tokyo gardens, of huge fan palms and lush undergrowth, of fishy pools and vibrant orchids.
The man-made aspect are deliberately restrained and immaculate with a conscious use of paving and gravel. In Japan they rake the gravel for maximum authenticity and indeed at this very place gravel is raked to form a delightful design.
But the overall effect is one of controlled calm and meticulous maintenance.
Textures are also important. Bamboo fences lashed with knots together with cool moss under pine trees are common. Then splashes of rich vibrant colours used occasionally with unswerving exactness is applied.
It is interesting to reflect at how the people in the East treat nature in a reflective way. The landscape is detailed. Minute and exact. Beautifully flawless. What I simply need to add is bravo brothers and sisters.
winnieruk@hotmail.com