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Real Japanese Gardens Full Book Review

"I really like that this book does not promise you to turn your garden Japanese but stating from the beginning to give tips on how to add Japanese touches.

So, when I started to read the book, I was quickly convinced that Nigel Spaven had done his research and wrote every chapter in an easy-to-understand way. The many illustrations and pictures help you to visualize what he is describing in his texts".

Add a Touch of Japanese Style to Your Garden – 30 Simple Ideas

Ms Yin & Mr Yang’s Garden Design Book

By Nigel Spaven

Published by Niggles Publishing (2023)

978-1-3999-6076-2

The first thing one notices about this book is the overall design! One then realises that it was designed to be online and the file has, really, just been generated as a hard copy. But, after the initial surprise, I realised how well it has worked and how lovely the hard copy is.

Now to the book itself. In the Introduction we learn of Nigel Spaven’s belief (which I totally agree with) that “...we can’t replicate a Japanese garden here in western gardens…” and learn that the book’s role is “…to provide you with some ideas to draw on and inspire you to incorporate into your own gardens whether that’s just adding a small feature or designing a whole garden. We then have a section which runs us through the history and various types of Japanese Gardens before we move into the main element of the book – the thirty simple ideas:

·       Design Principles  

Start Pruning (Basic Shrubs, Basic Trees, Interesting Trees, Cloud Pruning);

·       Add Trees

(Multi-Stems, Japanese Maples, Bamboo, Pine, Cherry);

·       Paths

(Paths, Stepping-Stones);

·       Ground Cover

(Gravel, Moss, Islands,

Hills & Bankings);

·       Details Matter (Details);

·       Water and Stone

(Water, Koi, Bridges, Stone);

·       Shelters

(Tea Houses and Shelters);

·       Features

(Lanterns, Pagodas, Gates and Fences, Bonsai, Accessories).

Then, after these “30 Ideas” the book finishes with some Sample Designs (Front Gardens, Small Corners, Back Gardens); Plants (Ground Cover, Small Plants, Flowering Plants, Shrubs, Trees) and a final section on Resources (Japanese Gardens around the World, A Glossary, the Index). And all a really good read with excellent text. However, equally enjoyable are the superb illustrations – especially the many that are full page (a function, I presume, of the book originating online).

So, do I recommend this book? Most certainly. If you are planning your first Japanese-style garden build, it would be ideal. It would also be a fine read for those who already have many JG books as you will learn something new. Finally, it reminded me of one reason why one should always acquire new books, in that it is in new books that one learns new “things”! And for me, what I discovered that I had not learned of before is on page 120, the Kei Truck Garden Contest. This annual event in Japan started a few years ago and comprises mini Japanese Gardens constructed in the back of a small truck. Fascinating. So, I trust all really enjoy this book as much as I have.

One last little query I have – are the mini-dolls Yin and Yang available to buy?!

Dr Ian L CHRYSTIE TD, PhD

Nigel has written a really nice little book about the obvious health benefits that ‘authentic’ sauna bathing can bring you.

There is so much misinformation and unsubstantiated claims in the sauna industry, that it’s nice to read sensible, well researched information from a true enthusiast. Regular sauna bathing is primarily about relaxation and self-indulgence, but when used correctly and to it’s full potential, it can bring additional health benefits as this book shows.

Eero Kilpi

Ph.D. President

The North American Sauna Society