Japanese Tea Garden

This ordinary backyard is transformed into a modern Japanese retreat.

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Filed under: Backyard, Asian Style, Gazebos, Tables, Design Style, Bamboo

Sandra Hernandez is a busy wife, mother, teacher's aide and recent college graduate. She has dreamed of creating a Japanese-style garden in her backyard, but she's been very busy and hasn't had much time to accomplish that goal. Her husband, Jose Dorado, would like to make her dream come true as a graduation present and has called on host Susie Coelho along with designer Jack Phelan to bring their barren backyard to life in a decidedly Japanese theme.

This yard is currently comprised of a new gazebo, dirt, broken sprinklers, a falling fence, patches of dry grass and tree stumps. Homeowner Sandra Hernandez dreams of the tranquility that a Japanese-style garden could bring to the space.

The existing gazebo's scrolled iron work and scalloped valance are very nice, but too ornate for a Japanese design plan so the homeowners are consulted about making some changes.

Jack Phelan's plan divides the yard into three areas: a Zen rock garden to add tranquility, a water feature for peace and to drown out urban noise and a new tea house. Color will be achieved through foliage and the various shapes of the chosen plants.

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