Japanese Tea Garden

Before: 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.

After: Rolls of bamboo fencing quickly hide the concrete wall and fence. Once a piece of bamboo is cut, the pump hose is snaked through it and the pump is placed inside a decorative urn, which is then filled with water.

Before: 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.

After: Instead of permanently altering the gazebo, the iron work is camouflaged with bamboo shades and the valance is simply tucked under to create simpler, cleaner lines. Lightweight screens add more privacy, while hanging lanterns and a floor mat provides the perfect backdrop for a low table ready to serve tea.

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.

Once a weed barrier is arranged, two large rocks are carefully set in position to make the rock garden (the tall one represents a crane and the shorter one a tortoise to indicate long life, meditation and peace). Two inches of small gravel fills in the area and a rake creates a downward stream. A circle around the rocks indicates a ripple effect and one's resistance to time.

A sign post that says welcome in Kanji (Japanese characters that can be traced from books or online) is made by covering a wooden post with gray paint mixed with course sand. Black paint is then dabbed over the top before allowing it to dry. Black and off-white paint pens form the characters so they look carved.

This table is low so that guests can enjoy their tea in the traditional manner, with feet off while sitting on floor pillows. Natural tones of brown and green lend to the serene and tranquil setting.