Odd it may be propping up trees, but as explained, there is a reason. Very often gardening is mixed in with how we view nature through cultural influences. Not always in respect of a tree or shrub to someone from a western view point. But it is no different to someone wanting to manipulate a shrub to grow a certain way and whilst 'space' between branches are what creates harmony to the eye, a dense shrub that has been clipped in a straight line in the west is now accepted norm and not many people question it on this forum.
Monty Don explores different aspects of Japanese gardens in a new two-part series on BBC2
Please note this programme will not air in Wales.
What do the Welsh have against the Japanese?
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LiriodendronScariff, County Clare, IrelandPosts: 7,086
I found it a fascinating programme. Agreed, our take in Britain on Japanese gardens is quite "anglicised", but many aspects pictured were beautiful, and the rest were - to me at least - interesting... And now I don't feel I have to apologise for loving the moss in my garden.
"The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life." Rabindranath Tagore
Just watched it here too - really interesting. Weirdly, I too found it slightly soporific (not in a bad way)! I don't think it was Monty so much as the quiet, reverential nature of all the gardens. However, it was interesting enough that I *didn't* fall asleep. Gorgeous moss, and I confess to liking the propped up trees. I don't really understand them though.
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
If you like something then an explanation of why it's being done is really not necessary. A bit like art, if somebody has to explain to me what it's supposed to be about, they have already lost the battle.
Great fan of Monty but wasn't keen on programe, straying a bit of the normal gardening routine I think it would of been better to do a 2 episode of winter programme of gardeners world.
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