Garden Bridges - A Touch of the Orient
Oriental themes and structures are exotic and singular in their appeal and design.
The oriental theme adds a mystifying touch to our living space and also lends an
aura of peace and tranquility that most of us would covet. Your garden footbridge
could be an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation amid the turmoil of modern life.
The oriental design of an outdoor landscape centers on the function and form of
the garden and the elegance of the architecture. Garden bridges are typically oriental
in nature. You can choose to incorporate a slice of the orient in your garden with
the addition of quaint garden footbridge. It could be the perfect getaway for indulging
in some quality time with your inner self.
Oriental origins of the garden bridge
Garden bridges originated in the imperial gardens of Japan and China. Garden bridges
flourished in the oriental setting and the concept was subsequently imported to
the west.
- Garden bridges in imperial Japan: It was the decorative bridges
that served as an inspiration to the designs of garden bridges in Japan. The Japanese
garden bridges typically boasted of carved trestles and latticework balustrades
and were often manufactured in vivid and bold colors. The garden bridges of Japan
had an interesting feature. The mid section of these bridges often had a point that
was used for the purpose of viewing the surroundings or to take a rest after some
extensive walking. The decorative bridges employed a natural look since they were
made mostly from stone or unpainted wood. This would lend an untarnished and innate
look to the landscape. The garden bridges of ancient Japan were often of a zig zag
style.
- Chinese garden bridges: The Chinese garden bridges are in use even
in contemporary days exemplified by the 'camel back' garden bridge which was one
of the first of the Chinese designs. The garden bridges in the imperial gardens
of china were made mostly of wood and stone and were tall enough to facilitate the
comfortable passage of a small boat. The reason for wood being used in the construction
of garden bridges was that wood was believed to wield a positive power on a person's
emotional state and it was also said to influence the human digestive system. The
Chinese school of though held that decorative bridges when combined with the aesthetic
environment of a garden could have a therapeutic effect on volatile tempers and
depressing thoughts. The simple wooden bridge also has its origin in the Chinese
gardens. Other decorative bridges included bridges that were equipped with an arch.
Enhance an oriental setting with garden bridges
Garden bridges are one of the essential elements that comprise the fixtures in a
traditional garden. Since garden footbridge do not rely on boldness of design your
garden bridge should be an accessory that complements the other decorative elements
rather than stifle them. Every aspect of your garden footbridge must be in agreement
with each other.
- Focus of oriental garden bridge: The focus of an oriental design
is on inducing a meditative state resulting in a feeling of relaxation. Therefore
the accessories in an garden footbridge must not be jarring in design. The subtle
and gentle curves of an garden footbridge can be best described as 'Graceful'. You
could choose to drape your garden bridge over a pond or creek or even choose to
install it over a bed of decorative stones or flowers. Irrespective of its function
garden bridges bring the very essence of the orient right at your doorstep. Oriental
garden bridges come in a variety of materials and styles like bamboo, wood or even
stone. Remember that the garden bridge will serve to enhance the chosen water feature
in your garden. Thus you must exercise your creativity and imagination to create
an area that will invariably induce tranquility and peace.
- Decorate with garden bridges: Chinese and decorative bridges are
ideal for amplifying the oriental décor of your outdoor space. If you have a lovely
water feature in your garden imagine the grandeur that an appropriate decorative
bridges would impart. Have it positioned so that the bridge overlooks a valley of
colorful flowers. You can further enhance the touch of the orient by choosing to
paint the garden bridge in bright shades of green or red. This would go a long way
in rounding up the oriental set up. decorative bridges are also perfect to have
an oriental style bar in the garden that overlooks a pond or 'lake' of flowers.
Your guests would love to soak up the wonderful Asian ambience. Chinese garden bridges
usually sport simple posts at either end of the bridge. Another innovative touch
could be to add a small seating structure at one end of the bridge formed to resemble
a curved roofed Chinese house.
