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Bonsai is just one of many aspects of Japanese gardening. The simple, yet expressive gardens of Japan are not to be missed. The books below show this very intricate art form in detail, combining the ideals of Zen Buddhism with the beauty of horticulture
Review : A beautifully photographed and comprehensively-written book that creates in the reader "a longing for total silence". It includes photographs of tranquil bridges, intricate Japanese maple leaves, and shimmering ponds. Gustafson's notion of a Japanese garden is a hybrid of styles, some ancient, some modern and he provides a multitude of ideas and suggestions for creating such a garden. There are many chapters in this book which work to look at variety of things: boundaries (i.e. fences, walls, gates), the use of water features and how to incorporate rocks. This is a practical book that also looks at the philosophical aspects of Japanese gardens. If the reader is ambitious enough, this book would most certainly put them on the right track to creating their very own 'peaceful space'.
Review : 'Japanese Garden Design' is a rich resource, combining stunning photography with beautifully written descriptions in order to give the reader a true insight into Japan's aesthetic sensibilities and philosophical underpinnings and gain an appreciation of Japan's traditional gardens. Information on historical development, religious and societal associations, and relationships between garden design and other Japanese arts comes together well to give the best perspective on this ancient artform.
Review : A truly inspirational book. This book conists almost solely of photographs of immaculately cared for Japanese gardens, unsurpassed by anything you may have seen before, bar a trip to Japan itself. It is an excellent source for ideas for your Japanese garden and a good coffee-table book for those who may not feel up to the task of re-designing their garden, but appreciate the beauty and serenity of Japanese gardens.
Review : This is a clear and concise book, looking at the history and philosophy of rocks in Japanese gardens, with detailed advice on how to create designs and tips on selection, composition, and setting. Rocks have long played a magical and mysterious role in Oriental gardens.
Review : 'Creating Japanese Gardens' looks in detail at Japanese garden design since 784 AD and examines the effects that Japanese gardeners have tried to achieve, whilst also providing a practical viewpoint on their composition. The religious meanings inherent in Japanese gardens are also discussed, such as how Zen Buddhism defined the layout of paradise gardens, zen gardens and tea gardens. Design principles are explained such as enclosure, viewpoints, composition and balance as well as design elements like rocks, gravel, ponds, bridges and lanterns. Any gardener can discover adaptable planning and construction ideas in this excellent book.
Review : An easy-to-follow guide which acts as a practical introduction to Japanese gardening, discussing tools, materials, and explaining how to display plants and rocks, create fences, hedges, and more. It includes visual examples of gardens, lanterns, water basins, stepping stones and materials and tools for use in building a garden. Includes a large section on bamboo fence construction
Review : This book makes it easy for any slightly-handy person to design and create their very own piece of Asia through this clear guide to adding a Japanese touch to your garden. The basic components of a Japanese garden are examined in detail, and illustrated in full color with 130 full-color photos. Both theory and practice are discussed, looking at some of the key elements in Japanese gardens such as stepping stones, statues, waterfalls, ponds and bamboo fences.
Review : Although slightly off the topic of Japanese Gardening, this book looks at bringing the Japanese touch into your own home using attractive Japanese-inspired motifs and accessories. Profusely illustrated with over 120 color plates and more than 200 black-and-white sketches, a section on do-it-yourself projects, and a list of useful organisations.
If you have any queries, you can email The Bonsai Site . 
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