Your own "Heaven On Earth"
Been a long time...
The Japanese were the ones who promoted the art of gardening to the same
level as for example poetry. Going back to the 6th century A.C., we can see a lot Buddhist
aspects blending into the Chinese and Japanese culture. People began to realize how
important it is to worship not only the spirituality of our beings, but also what we are
made of along with our surroundings. This was a significant break in understanding what was
important, and that all that surrounds us including our own bodies was a part of our selves.
to beat its beauty and glamour. Not only with the palaces and other architecture but also
their surroundings - the gardens. So the creation began. All of us are more or less aware of
Japanese diligence and devotion to their aims, so we are not surprised that Japanese garden
soon became an institution. This influence later spread to Europe, and we, too, can be proud
of our French gardens, English gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
Let your heart work.
To make a garden is certainly an ambitious task, but it does not mean you
always need a garden architect to put it together. It is just and only your decision as to
whether you feel confident enough to do it yourself or if you'd rather call on a
professional to do it for you. In either case, watch out for the number one rule: DON'T BE
AFRAID. And rule number two (perhaps even more important) says: LET YOUR HEART WORK. When we
look after our appearance, our home or our car because we believe that people judge us by
that, just realize that a garden is also a part of ourselves. Maybe a more telling one. You
do not have to know all the Latin names, you do not even have to do all the labour needed to
create the garden, but what you should is to be at its birth. Just say what you like, what
suits you, what thrills you, simply what makes you happy. If you ask a gardener to do your
garden, a wise one will listen carefully to you and offer the best possible option that will
also work technically. And you can do the final touches then. If you decide to do it
yourself, study the plants and the instructions as to how to look after them thoroughly, and
enjoy every little step you make. It is the best part of the job. Believe us.
Garden style.
Who says that your garden has to have a firm style? How many of us would,
for instance, want to make a Japanese garden with all its rules (there are a lots of them!).
Your garden is for YOU and YOU have to feel comfortable there. Forget the rules and when
your neighbour asks you about the style, whether it is Japanese, Mediterranean or English,
just say it is Smith garden, or Dougles garden, or even John-and-Mary style garden. All you
have to be careful about is what each plant needs and how they will work together. And when
your knowledge about that runs thin, ask a professional. He will tell you the distance
required, type of soil or winter protection if needed.
Choosing the right plants
Probably the most significant is to separate the plants by
their hardiness. Divide your garden to places with fully hardy plants, and the other where
you will have plants that will need a certain level of winter protection, respectively
moving them indoors to keep them away from frosts. We often use a trick - see picture on the
left - we put together a group of hardy plants and their center is enhanced with something a
bit more exotic in a container, like a palm tree or some other tender plant that will
overwinter indoors. This will bring a more attractive look of your garden. Our plants have
care instructions on the labels so you do not have to chase further information in
encyclopedias and other garden books. We will be happy if you share your gardening
experience with us by sending us e-mail or a picture at zahrada@havlis.cz.
