Japanese-Style Gardens

Japanese-inspired gardens—which distill the natural world so as to foster a sense of calm and promote reflection—have delighted Americans for more than a century. This magnificent guide from the world-famous Brooklyn Botanical Garden offers in-depth, beautifully photographed profiles of eight of the most iconic and best-regarded Japanese-style public gardens in the United States. Featuring commentary by the top names in the field, it contains practical information for home gardeners on how to create and care for a Japanese-inspired garden, and will enlighten those who want a deeper understanding of the intent behind the design.

Curator Brian Funk artfully maintains the balance between the man-made and natural elements found in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Japanese Garden, which he has overseen since 2000. He has studied gardening and bonsai techniques in Japan and the United States.

Sarah Schmidt is the managing editor of BBG’s Guides for a Green Planet handbook series. She also curates the Garden’s blog and writes interpretive material.