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TRANQUILITY INSPIRED BY TRADITION

A tsukubai creates a serene atmosphere with its gentle flow of water and natural elements, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature. Inspired by Japanese gardening traditions, the tsukubai is a water feature composed of a stone water basin often fed with a trickle of water, traditionally from a bamboo spout with a set of stepping stones and boulders in functional supporting roles.

If you are thinking of adding the delightful splash and play of water to your garden plan, contact us. A tsukubai may be the perfect addition to an outdoor room next to your home.

BORROWED FROM TRADITION

Tsukubai were originally used in Japanese tea gardens as places for washing prior to entering tea houses for traditional tea ceremonies. The word tsukubai means “crouching bowl” or “stooping basin” and was said to have been designed to encourage humility and purity of body and mind. This hospitable gesture also signified a washing away of the cares of the world before participating in close fellowship over a simple cup of tea.

Well-planted boulders and a tsukubai water feature add structure and beauty to a Japanese-inspired garden
Well-planted boulders and a tsukubai water feature add structure and beauty to a Japanese-inspired garden

MULTI-PURPOSE FOR MODERN GARDENS

Although a tsukubai still alludes to Japanese traditions, in the modern garden it can serve a number of other delightful purposes simply as a source for the refreshing chatter of moving water in a peaceful garden nook, or as a splash park for feathered garden visitors. Butterflies, bees, and pollinating insects also love the constantly refreshed but gently moving water.

Japanese-inspired tsukubai peeks through ferns in small entrance garden, Palmyra, PA
Japanese-inspired tsukubai peeks through ferns in small entrance garden, Palmyra, PA

HAND-CRAFTED FOR ENDURING BEAUTY

Our craftsmen carve out the tsukubai basin from boulders selected to fit the size and scope of the garden in which the water feature will be placed. We have found this trickle of water combined with rugged stone features to be an often-appreciated garden element for all of its historical meaning, as well as the delight that comes from encountering the tsukubai as part of the beauty of the garden.

Tsukubai flows onto treasured stone which client saved from childhood, Elizabethtown, PA
Tsukubai flows onto treasured stone which client saved from childhood, Elizabethtown, PA

Our Garden Design Process

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Explore

Share your goals, ideas, and project budget and we will begin to survey and plan your garden

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Design

We will consider all your primary view perspectives, both inside and out as we design your garden

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Build

Your garden dream will begin to take shape at the hands of our highly skilled craftsmen and landscapers

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Enjoy

Every project ends with the reward of experiencing the joyful stewardship of your little piece of creation

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EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF HANSELMAN LANDSCAPE AND GARDENS

Founded in 1985, Hanselman Landscape & Gardens designs, builds, and nurtures a wide variety of gardens in both private and corporate settings. From our headquarters in Manheim, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout the region, including Philadelphia’s Main Line—and as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts. We also cultivate unique specimen plants, which we make available to discriminating gardeners and architects.