These days, stress is an ever compiling thing; it comes at us from all directions. And, having a quiet place to retreat to, can help relieve or remove some of the daily stresses. There are many avenues to help relieve stress, some use gardening, others use video games, but I found having a quite place to slip away to works the best. Having a nice place, something like a Japanese garden could help.

Now, to obtain a successful Japanese garden design, there are a few fundamental principles that have to be followed. One of the most important principles is to always keep nature in your mindset. In other words don’t try to create something that nature itself couldn’t create.

Remember to maintain balance in your design of a Japanese garden, keep things in proportion to the area you are working on. For what looks good in a large yard, isn’t going to look as good in a smaller yard, so remember the old saying “less is more”.

Some typical features to include in your Japanese garden design are: water, rocks, a stone lantern, teahouse or pavilion, a bridge to an island or stepping stones. This brings us to another concept, enclosing your garden by the use of a hedge, fence, or some form of wall. For this to be a true retreat, it must be sealed away from the outside world.

One of the hardest steps will be choosing which style of Japanese garden you will design. And, a good place to begin with is taking a look at the architecture of your yard. Is it long, hilly, or flat and ask yourself which style best match my area?

Your style choices are:

• Kanshoh-style which is viewed from your residence
• Tea Garden
• Pond Garden
• Dry landscape style like a rock garden
• Strolling garden

As for the plants that you may want to use in your Japanese garden design, go with the more traditional plants that match the garden style you have chosen.

Now if you are looking to experience the quiet, stress free environment of a Japanese Zen Garden, but you haven't a clue where to begin. You may want to start out by taking a look at this book by Jayne Parr.

This book gives you everything you need to know to change your backyard into a paradise. You'll get easy step by step sample garden designs, learn how to choose the right plants and how to avoid the biggest mistake that most people make when designing their own garden. Plus so much more...

So are you ready to start your own Japanese Garden?

Plus, if you go there today you will also receive two additional free gifts.