

"Think of your landscape as having positive and negative space. Chrysanthemums in any color have a similar meaning. White flowers are thought of as a funeral flower in many Asian countries.

"Softer and subtler Asian elements can set the scene without visually dominating the space." However, use pagoda towers and other overtly Asian sculptures sparingly. "Art makes an important focal point, and adds another layer of interest to the garden," explains Shepard. Do incorporate art pieces into the Asian garden.

Here, he shares his tips for creating an authentic Asian landscape. He's traveled extensively in Asia, so his knowledge of the culture informs his design sense. Stone and natural elements invite contemplation, while carefully-shaped plantings show our human interaction with the land.ĪJ Shepard, a landscape architect with over 35 years of experience, enjoys the influence of the Asian style because of its calming nature. The Asian landscape is known for a meditative feeling of serenity.
