Wabi-Sabi Garden Design

Celebrate the simple beauty, forms and changing nature of the garden with the Japanese Wabi-Sabi design.

This design style comes out of the Buddhist philosophy of peace, serenity, goodness and respect for all living things. Wabi-Sabi is often defined as “beauty in imperfection”. These landscapes include plants, stones and manmade items that are allowed to change throughout the season and weather overtime.

Seasonal changes from flower to fall color to seed heads are celebrated and fallen leaves are left in place. You’ll enjoy the seasonal changes and the pollinators will enjoy this less-than-perfect habitat. Self-seeding plants are allowed to fill a corner, while moss and lichens cover rocks and stone artwork.

Interesting, usually asymmetrical forms and textures, such as tree bark provide additional interest.

A bit more information:  According to Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez “Wabi-sabi gardens can be a way of imitating natural environments in a cared-for garden”.  Learn more at Gardening Know How