Japanese garden style is just perfect for small gardens. The tiniest space can fit a small Japanese garden. Japanese houses make the most of every bit of garden space, and often have small gardens squeezed a long a narow pathway, or between two buildings.

A space of just a few feet across is big enough for a tsukubai - an arrangement of stone basin, bamboo pipes, and rocks, where visitors can wash their hands before entering the house.Tsukubai are common in small Japanese gardens.

Slightly larger spaces could fit a dry garden, with boulders and sand or gravel. Japanese gardens often have standing boulders surrounded by mossy ground, but if your area is too dry for moss, you could substitute a low creeping plant such as dwarf thyme for ground cover.

Japanese gardens even make the most of narrow paths, walkways and entrances. You could lay a narrow strip of gravel alongside a path - curve the edge as if it were a riverbank or sea shore - and plant a few shoots of bamboo and a small Japanese stone lantern or other Japanese garden ornament.

For inspiration, see the photos and videos at the bottom of the page.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete novice, Creating Your Own Authentic Japanese Garden will give you everything you need to transform your own backyard.

It contains easy plans and designs, all the background information you need, and helps you avoid common mistakes.