Plant Longevity and Health
Looking After the Japanese Garden
A Japanese miniature garden requires a considerable amount of attention once it is created. Similar to human beings, plants need to be healthy and resist illness to look their best. The soil provides the plants with proper nourishment while the foliage enables them to breathe fresh air. Hence, these two elements need to be of the best quality. In natural conditions, this is taken care of by precipitation but when you transfer plants from natural to artificial habitats, it is essential to provide them with the natural conditions to which they are accustomed. Indoor gardens demand more attention as compared to those that grow outdoors in natural conditions. Plants need to be sprayed occasionally as dust, tobacco fumes or soot often covers them. In order to provide a long and healthy life, plants need exposure to natural light and sunshine. Keep the Japanese garden soil moist through regular watering. In normal circumstances dew and moisture provide water. However, in an artificial environment the Japanese garden requires more water in summer and in dry weather as compared to winter. Be careful while watering plants, as excess water can also stunt their growth. By far, the best way is to spray the foliage and offer gentle applications of water to the soil through a narrow spout around the plant. Additionally, add a little extra nourishment to the soil like "Liquinure."
In addition to setting the plants at proper distances in Japanese gardens, ensure that none of the plants grow beyond the space and size allotted. Pruning or cutting them regularly helps to control the size and growth of the plants. Dwarf trees might require pinching off of the extra growth in spring to retain their shape and size. The dead flower heads of flowering shrubs like roses should be cut to shape and pruned immediately after the flowering season. Immediately after the flowering season is also considered the best time to divide and “cut back” any flowering plant. Creeping and carpeting plants need to be kept in check, too. You can easily divide them with a table fork or your hands and remove that which is not required ensuring new growth in your Japanese Garden.
Often, plant disease occurs due to badly drained soil, stagnant water, soured soil or soil that has turned too acidic and even due to dry roots. Most of these problems can easily be avoided if the Japanese garden is in a good shape. Additionally, you can add a dash of lime and light mulch with moist horticultural peat to keep the plants healthy. The use of badly drained soil leads to the unnecessary growth of moss and the appearance of mildew on the plants. Remove and destroy the affected parts and spray the plants with sulphur-dust.