Hello ffrom central CT!

[GardenGuyZone6a]

Hello everyone.

I live in central Connecticut, just east of Hartford.
My family and I have a good size rectangular backyard
that we would like to transform into a Japanese Garden.
We are looking for a a serene location for contemplation.
As effortlessly harmonious as they look, I know it takes
much thought and effort to create such a tranquil space. 
Of course, learning about the characteristics of a Japanese
garden design and implementing the plan is a journey in
and of itself.

I am hoping that by joining, I will receive some direction
and guidance down this path.

Thanks,
Jeff

[tdg]

Jeff
Welcome to the forum.  We have several professional garden builders in the membership who sometimes will give advice.  My own garden is 13 yrs old now and was designed by a Japanese garden professional.  My feelings are that this is the best way to go if you can do it.  Some of them will do a design for a fee and you install as you are able.  Best is to do a design install and learn the maintenance yourself.  At this point my designer still comes 1 or 2 days per year and we work together for the day and I still learn a lot from him. If you do not subscribe to Sukiya Living you should do this as much information is made available.  I have lived in my home for 40 years now and the 1st 27 yrs, I tried to makeover my landscape in the Japanese manner and just made a great many mistakes.
Your shed could use vertical Japanese  screen made of 1 X 1's over the windows.  Add a short "underroof" with a shallow pitch over the door and brackets back to the walls to help with support.  Add a bamboo gutter and maybe a rainchain or just allow water to fall free.  Look at photos of Sukiya homes with the matching pitch roof on the end gables.
Just my opinion.  I am an amateur japanese gardener so not really qualified to give much help.
Terry

[Bruce S.]

Hello back, and yokoso, from SouthWestern Connecticut!

I mostly lurk & learn, but am enjoying the evolution of my own garden, and look forward to seeing your creation!

~Bruce

[JBaymore]

Hi Jeff.  I'm in southwern NH....... so not too far away. 

My garden is "in progress"....and likely will be for the rest of my life  .

Trying to find time to get some new work done in the early summer.... lots of projects to attend to.

Also have to get more pictures up here.

Keep us posted on your progress.

best,

...................john

[michaels]

Hi, just joined myself from over in NY state.  Have you been to the Stanley gardens, they have a small Japanese garden there.