How to Build a Shishi-Odoshi Japanese Water Garden

The Japanese culture places great importance on water and gardens. Their gardens come in a variety of styles. Some of them are dry landscapes, while others are full of beautiful waterfalls made from simple designs. Shishi-Odoshi is an ancient technique used to scare away deer and other animals that come near. Made from bamboo, green plants and rocks, these Japanese gardens create loud noises that are sure to keep animals away from your yard. But the Shishi-Odoshi Japanese garden also provides a soothing noise that you can enjoy in your backyard.

Instructions

1. Build or buy a premade Shishi-Odoshi fountain. These types of fountains are a nice touch to any Shishi-Odoshi Japanese garden. You can browse a variety of homemade garden websites online or visit your local nursery or home improvement store to find these fountains for your Shishi-Odoshi garden. Or, if you prefer, simply make one yourself for about half the cost (see Resources below).

2. Place the fountain in desired area of your Shishi-Odoshi garden. For the Shishi-Odoshi fountain to work, you must place it near a trickling stream or attach a water pump inside the fountain. The best place to put your fountain is where you can hear it so you can get some enjoyment out of it.

3. Arrange rocks and plants to your desired liking. If you build your Shishi-Odoshi Japanese garden into the ground, you can place all types of plants and flowers around the fountain. A more popular way to design the garden is to place it in a big pot and surround it with lily pads and small circular smooth rocks. Many Japanese gardens have these fountains along streams near bamboo trees or small shrubs. The beauty of having a Shishi-Odoshi garden is that you can decorate it as little or as much as you like.

4. Enjoy your garden. There is nothing more therapeutic then listening to running water in nature. The gentle tapping of bamboo against a rock or another piece of bamboo adds to the beauty and serenity of these Japanese fountains and gardens. Having a Shishi-Odoshi Japanese garden breaks the silence of a silent garden while creating an atmosphere of peace.

Resources

• Do It Yourself: Example of a Shishi-Odoshi garden
• George's Japanse Garden: Build a Shishi-Odoshi fountain