Gateway to Relaxation

An irregular bluestone pathway flanked with pachysandra leads to an Asian-style gate with pergola. The gate draws the eye through to frame the rear yard and entice one to enter. Tip: You do not need a fence to have a gate. Simply tuck an arbor gate into the landscape, which will draw you into the garden to discover what lies ahead. Design by Barry Block

Outdoor Dining

This Japanese-style garden has a tatami room and a sunken dining area. A dry riverbed of crushed quartz and large quartz boulders is cut into the deck. Paper lanterns and a green-and-pink vase add to this outdoor dining area. Instead of standard chairs, guests are invited to sit on red cushions. Design by Jamie Durie

Naptime

This intimate space uses rich colors, lush textures and natural materials to inspire relaxation. The curved timber daybed is suspended over a blanket of Pieris japonica overlooking a reflection pond afloat with water lilies and lotus. Design by Jamie Durie

A Path of Tranquility

Dark-red plum trees and fiery Japanese maples contrast beautifully with lavender. Design by Jane Ellison

Private Retreat

This beautiful garden with its large pond, crane fountains, Buddha statue and tropical-style plants looks more like an arboretum than a private backyard. Design by Falling Water Design

Low Maintenance, High Style

The owners of this garden wanted a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance garden with no lawn at all. The blend of textures underfoot kept the space interesting and gave it an untamed, natural look. The freestanding fireplace is the focal point for outdoor gatherings and is incorporated into the design by extending the existing deck area into an organic shape and adding hand-rendered built-in seating in a mud-brick style. Design by Jamie Durie

A Getaway in the Back

Hedges enclose this tiny space, where a simple fountain and concrete bench coax you to sit, read or meditate.

Garden Guardian

A statue of the Chinese goddess Kwan Yin stands watch over a cluster of pretty coneflowers. Design by Virginia Rockwell

Water Garden

This garden takes advantage of the natural hillside by making it the backdrop for the tranquil courtyard.

A Balanced Approach

The almost yin-yang concrete pathway leads visitors to a quiet seating area

Elegant Entry and Beyond

Beyond this richly stained outdoor gate is a courtyard patio featuring a tranquil Japanese garden with a waterfall. Design by Evan Blewett

Moat to the Lounge Area

A koi pond with a small footbridge is a peaceful way to divide outdoor living spaces. Design by Scott Cohen

Zen Setting

A bamboo spigot feeds a basalt stone dish. A sand-set flagstone patio stretches out beyond and perennial beds surround it all. Design by Falling Water Designs

Happy Pond

Caladiums and bamboo surround a Buddha statue in this Asian-style garden. Sent in by Rate My Space contributor leylaj

A fountain brings the calming sound of running water to this meditation garden. Design by Patricia Wagner

Easy Peasy

Asian-inspired landscape design often includes a lot of rocks and boulders, which also means it can be very low maintenance.