Design ideas
Designer Ula Maria explores how the Japanese philosophy of wabisabi can inform garden design
In this second feature of the series, RHS Young Designer of the Year Ula Maria encourages us to embrace imperfection in the garden, in the spirit of wabi-sabi
Some days I walk into my garden after having been away for a while, to be greeted by overgrown grasses, a few lifeless flowers and a couple of weeds, proudly poking their heads above the rest of the planting. It’s almost as if they are laughing at me, saying: “We are in charge now!” On such days my garden doesn’t look as though it could ever belong on the pages of a magazine such as this, and it is certainly a far cry from the flawless gardens on the Main Avenue of an RHS Flower Show. But once I start to notice how much the gnarled pine has grown since I last saw it, or that a grass has flowered for the first time, or I smell the delicious aroma of freshly sprouting herbs that have self-seeded, the garden’s imperfections begin to fade. The silent magnificence of the garden that has been patiently waiting to be noticed, exceeds all. Like every form of life, gardens are everchanging. They grow and decay, developing their unique marks and cracks throughout time. Impeccable, flawless, clear-cut nature doesn’t exist, and the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi is a celebration of that. Instead, it focuses on finding beauty in imperfection, celebrates the passing of time, and demonstrates how to create a garden that will look just as serene and beautiful in winter as it does in summer.
WHAT IS WABI-SABI?
Wabi-sabi is an art form and for many it is a way of life. It means to be humble and to be truly oneself without any pretence. Directly, wabi translates to ‘being modest’ and sabi to ‘the bloom of time’. But these two short words have so much more depth and meaning hidden behind them than what their direct translation first tells us. Wabisabi is the appreciation of the natural processes that are inevitable over time. It may come through the crack in the aged timber sleeper, the rust on the vintage chair, or the moss overgrowing the stone water feature. It is nature’s manifestation of the ability to reclaim all that is immersed in it. Wabi-sabi is also an appreciation of craftsmanship and a rejection of mass production, where each element of the garden is carefully considered and realised as a piece of art in itself. However, it isn’t about making a statement, but rather finding the balance where everything works harmoniously together.
CRAFTSMANSHIP OVER MASS PRODUCTION
Wabi-sabi is the celebration of beautifully crafted clay pots, handmade tiles, carefully sculpted stone features and carved timber elements and doesn’t leave room for uniform plastic or fibreglass. Primarily, all naturally occurring materials that can be formed into beautiful and purposeful pieces are favoured over the massproduced ones. These are materials destined to wear and age gracefully, developing in character and therefore value, rather than simply becoming unusable. Every material we borrow from nature, nature eventually claims back (unlike the plastics that have slowly sneaked into our gardens, which are easily replaceable but not biodegradable). With its principles of consuming less, and appreciating imperfections more, wabi-sabi is more relevant to our lives now than ever before.
Asymmetry, simplicity and irregularity are all inseparable parts of wabi-sabi. Each element should be meaningful, rather than artificial, and should represent its own story. It reminds us that nature isn’t perfect, nor should it be. The asymmetrical tree
WABI-SABI IS THE APPRECIATION OF NATURAL PROCESSES THAT ARE INEVITABLE OVER TIME
might tell us that it didn’t get enough sunlight where it was planted, which has resulted in it being this particular authentic shape. The moss reclaiming the stepping stones and colouring them in shades of green, represents ageing and the garden becoming a part of a wider landscape. In a way, it is nature accepting the elements that we propose to it, by turning them into a sustainable landscape. Materials that have been artificially treated and massproduced don’t fit, as they don’t tell us the story of the particular space they have occupied and become a part of.
NOTHING LASTS, NOTHING IS PERFECT
The mantra of wabi-sabi is: ‘Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.’ These three principles are often in contradiction and contrast to many of the gardens we see at flower shows. The absence of bare ground, wilting flowers or muddy stepping stones can give us a false sense of what gardens should look like all year round. Following the principles of wabi-sabi frees us from such expectations and allows freedom for change, evolution and meaningfulness. When creating a wabi-sabi space, either within your garden, home, or workplace, ask yourself the questions: ‘Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Is it meaningful?’
There are other principles that embody the spirit of wabi-sabi, such as taking inspiration from and working in sync with the wider landscape that surrounds, or once surrounded, the garden, which will result in a more harmonious, balanced space. Allowing nature to reclaim man-made elements within the garden, such as climbers growing up walls or moss overgrowing paving, is also in the spirit of wabi-sabi, as is finding and embracing the most characterful features of the garden, which will bring authenticity and uniqueness to the space.
Asymmetrical and gnarled trees or those with peeling bark trees will still offer interest and sculptural form when their leaves have fallen. Allowing native and informal plants to self-seed will provide a naturalistic and sustainable base that can evolve and alter over time. One of the advantages of this approach is that it won’t demand excessive care and pruning, unlike the extravagant flowers often seen in traditional English gardens. Dashing, flamboyant plants are rarely, if ever, used in wabi-sabi gardens as they distract from the aim of creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere.
Seedheads are valued for the structure they provide to the late summer garden and are viewed as symbols of time passing, demonstrating that nothing lasts forever. Likewise, natural materials that showcase the ‘bloom of time’ and age beautifully, and help to embrace the sense of place.
ALLOWING TIME TO DO ITS WORK
More than anything, wabi-sabi requires patience, attention to detail and time. It cannot be rushed. It entails true craftsmanship, understanding of materials and appreciation of the imperfections in all the living forms that surround us. Most importantly, it teaches us to listen to and embrace our innate connection with nature, and reveres authenticity above all. Human efforts to achieve perfection will always fall short of nature’s magnificence, no matter how hard we try, but through the principles of wabi-sabi we can get a little bit closer to working in one with it. NEXT MONTH Finding balance in the garden.
ALLOWING NATURE TO RECLAIM MAN-MADE ELEMENTS WITHIN THE GARDEN IS WABI-SABI