Chinese courtyards, classic Japanese tea gardens, Oriental rock gardens, or any landscape inspired by the exotic Far East can benefit from the vast array of garden props and ornaments available today. The subsequent text discusses a comprehensive array of features for any style Oriental garden and landscape.

Chozubachi (tall basin) and tsukubai (low basin) are two basic types of Japanese water features. Chozubachi come in many styles today but one traditional style for the large basin involves a tall cylinder-shaped stone with a hollowed out basin on its top where water collects. The low basins were once features of classical tea gardens where guests were able to use them much like outdoor sinks for rinsing the mouth and hands. Today, both add the rustic serenity and beauty of water to any patio or landscape.

Other Oriental water features are generally as rustic but might better be described as fountains. For instance, a simple stone basin might be accompanied by a soft trickle of water emanating from a slim strip of bamboo. While some purists might prefer rustic ornamentation in order to mimic the role of nature in the garden, others might take advantage of pieces with more decorative flair. For instance, rather than a stone basin, consider a resin option heavily carved or painted with Oriental images.

For both China and Japan, essential features of their landscapes include mountains and water. Both of these elements required bridges for people to get from place to place. For this reason, Oriental bridges are frequently used in eastern gardens even when their main function is for enjoying a scenic view. If your landscape has a stream or creek, consider the popular Chinese-style camelback bridge. For a truly ornate look, consider a Japanese style bridge covered with red paint and heavily lacquered for a dramatic focal point.

Of course, platforms may be even more functional for your garden as they can be places to add furniture or potted plants. Frequently a zigzag pattern for planks would be set beside a pond. Few features denote Japanese garden beauty the way simple platforms beside clear blue water do.

Bamboo fences not only provide your yard with privacy and pose as barriers, but few elements convey an Oriental look quite like them. There are many styles to consider. Kennin-ji fences may be formal or rustic in design. Nightingale fences are reminiscent of country landscapes with their characteristic brush tops—these are perfect for transforming a simple setting into a romantic garden inspired by the ancient Orient.

Depending on the need for privacy, any bamboo fence may feature open work or be constructed more like a wall to create a true outdoor room so typical of Chinese courtyard gardens. However, when it comes to adding a gate, consider an Oriental roofed gate or a pair of heavy square cedar gates.

While western style gardens might feature a gazebo, Oriental gardens might instead feature an open-air pavilion or some other simple open-air structure. Ideally these might be installed beside a water feature like a pond, but they can be placed near any idyllic view. Four posts topped by an Oriental-style umbrella can serve as an open-air shelter. Add a Shoji screen to your pavilion to create a greater sense of privacy or to divide the space for entertaining.

Traditional Japanese stone lanterns come in a myriad of styles and will add classic beauty to any place in the landscape or garden. However, for the patio, consider something more dramatic like showy red paper lanterns or contemporary style done with Oriental flavor. There are also many attractive bamboo and paper tabletop lanterns that will help light up the patio.

Some Oriental gardens might feature statuary to ornament their setting. Tranquil stone Buddhas, painted pagodas or resin-designed Geisha can add exotic beauty to any area of the landscape. Dragons, typical symbols of Chinese emperors, may also be placed to provide a sense of the Orient. Or, consider a lucky three-legged toad placed in a nook out in the garden.

Even something as simple and functional as a pot can become a dramatic addition to the space. A large ginger jar holding bamboo or a smaller painted fish bowl might easily keep a bouquet of chrysanthemums—both provide the perfect accent to a patio or porch. Look for a trellis in an eastern style such as a wide fan-shaped trellis to hold an Oriental climbing plant.

Other items that will be delightful accents for the courtyard garden, patio or porch include bamboo wind chimes, Chinese gongs, temple bells, incense burners, woven mats, brass rain chains, bamboo benches, garden parasols, bonsai, and more. Plant choice is also a great way to add Oriental drama to a space. From peonies to cherry trees, there are many wonderful Oriental plants that will happily grow in a wide variety of climates.

With the wide array of props and ornaments available, it will be no problem to outfit the garden. Even adding just one or two props will add a subtle touch of the exotic Far East.

By J. A. Young