Here’s how to infuse your outdoor space with the elegance of Japanese garden aesthetics and overcome local challenges.
1. Plant Hardiness and Beauty
Japanese gardens are renowned for their beauty, scenic arrangements, and meticulous tree pruning. Calgary falls within Hardiness Zones 2 and 3 (with temperatures ranging from -46°C to -34°C), making it crucial to choose hardy plants. Consider these Japanese and native varieties:
Amur Maple is resilient and better suited for Calgary’s severe winters than the more delicate Japanese Maples. It can endure the cold and offers stunning foliage with minimal winter care.
Japanese Tree Lilac is also hardy and produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, adding elegance to your garden.
For vibrant color and durability, include Rosy Lights Azaleas, Rose Glow Barberry, Dwarf Broom, Makamik Crabapple, Golden Currant, Annabelle Hydrangea, Dwarf Korean Lilac, Miss Kim Lilac, and Wild Rose of Alberta.
2. Growing Season with Elegance
Calgary’s short growing season demands plants that can make the most of this period. Japanese gardens often feature plants that bloom early or for extended periods:
Japanese Anemone blooms beautifully in late summer and fall. Combine it with Japanese Iris, which thrives in moist soil and offers vibrant blooms during Calgary’s limited growing season. Utilize high tunnels or cloches to extend the growing period.
For added color, consider Shirobana Spirea, Little Princess Spirea, Magic Carpet Spirea, PJM Rhododendron, and Saskatoon Berry.
3. Face Calgary’s Water Restrictions
Calgary’s water restrictions require efficient irrigation methods. Japanese garden techniques offer practical solutions:
Dry (Rock) Gardens: Create a dry garden using gravel, rocks, and boulders to mimic water flow. This approach conserves water and provides a tranquil focal point, reflecting Japanese minimalism and harmony.
Dry Stream Beds: Incorporate dry stream beds or gravel gardens to manage water runoff and enhance visual appeal. These features are functional and align with traditional Japanese design principles.
Rainwater Harvesting: Implement rain barrels to collect and store rainwater. This method aligns with Japanese garden principles of resourcefulness and reduces dependency on municipal water supplies.
4. Focus on Your Garden Health
Japanese gardens emphasize high soil quality. Enhance your Calgary garden’s soil by adding compost for improved texture and drainage. Raised garden beds can support Japanese plants like Japanese Blood Grass (Red Baron), which thrives in well-drained soil and adds vibrant color.
Additional options include Calgary Carpet Juniper, Gold Coast Juniper, Blue Fox Willow, Cutleaf Smooth Sumac, and Abbotswood Potentilla.
5. Strategies for Calgary’s Gusts
Calgary’s strong winds can be challenging, but Japanese gardening offers effective strategies:
Use wooden or bamboo fences or stone walls as windbreaks. Hardy plants like Colorado Blue Spruce and Cottonwood can act as wind barriers and complement Japanese aesthetics.
Consider Swedish Aspen, Little Giant Cedar, Alpine Fir, Mountain Pine, and Swiss Stone Pine for additional wind resistance.
6. Adapt to High Altitude
Calgary’s high altitude requires plants that can handle increased UV exposure and temperature swings. Opt for Rocky Mountain Juniper, known for its adaptability. Use UV-blocking row covers for more sensitive plants to ensure their survival in challenging conditions. Mugo Pine and Bristlecone Pine are also suitable choices.
7. Manage Temperature Swings
Temperature fluctuations in Calgary can stress plants. Use traditional Japanese structures like koi ponds with insulating covers to help regulate temperatures. Incorporate heat-tolerant varieties such as Sunflowers to add vibrant color and withstand temperature extremes.