Saien: A Contemporary Japanese Garden Design

Reflecting the Essence of Shizuoka Prefecture

Traditional Japanese garden design methods are layered beneath a modern grassy planting style inspired by Western countries. To avoid a literal portrayal of popular landscape features such as mountains, rivers, lakes, sea, tea plantations, and tangerine orchards, elements were stylized and carefully chosen materials were used. This creates a strong contrast in soft texture and solid form, giving the garden a contemporary aesthetic. Additionally, all materials used in the garden are easy to take apart and reusable, emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendliness.

In terms of realization, the garden features grown tangerine trees and tea shrubs in pots, along with marguerite daisies that are particular to Shizuoka Prefecture. Fast-growing, long-lasting flowering species and grasses were chosen to ensure a vibrant display throughout the exhibition. The plants were all planted at once, saving costs in labor. The garden measures approximately 13.0m wide and 10.0m deep, with a lawn hill reaching a height of about 1.6m.

The design of the garden took into consideration the existing trees, lawn, and surrounding view to work within a tight budget. Large gravel and angled paving stones were used to represent rivers and express the movement of water. The lawn hill is a western type of lawn that performs well in cooler seasons and stays green in winter, unlike the Japanese equivalent. This choice was made to ensure the garden looked its best from the opening of the exposition.

The Saien garden was exhibited at The Lake Hamana Flower Exposition 2014 at Hamanako Garden Park in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The design competition for the garden was held in September 2013, and construction began in January 2014, continuing intermittently until the opening of the exposition. The garden received the Silver A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category in 2015, recognizing its outstanding expertise, innovation, and excellence.

Tamako Ogura, the designer behind Saien, drew inspiration from her research and experiences working and training around the world. She was particularly impressed by the work of European designers who played with texture and form in garden materials. In her design, she aimed to harmonize both Eastern and Western garden design methodologies, introducing visitors to the modern movement of garden design in Japan.

With its unique blend of traditional Japanese garden design and contemporary aesthetics, Saien showcases the beauty and essence of Shizuoka Prefecture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating and preserving our surrounding landscapes.