| A traditional Japanese garden incorporates | | | | used in Japanese garden design are black |
| the basic elements of Japanese design, but it | | | | pine, bamboo, low forming evergreens, ferns |
| is now being used in many western settings, | | | | and mosses. They are frequently arranged to |
| including private homes and public parks. | | | | simulate water. |
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| To properly design a Japanese garden, there | | | | A Japanese garden is truly intended for peace |
| are symbols of Japanese design have to be | | | | and relaxation. Enjoying nature in a spartan |
| taken into consideration. These will most | | | | state of the simplicity of single plants and |
| likely include water, an island or the | | | | rocks by themselves creates this feeling of |
| suggestion of an island, a bridge, and a | | | | peace. |
| permanent feature such as a large rock, tea | | | | |
| house or pavilion. | | | | If one strolls through a Japanese garden, |
| | | | each section is specifically designed for the |
| Japanese gardens are intended to be strolled | | | | stroller. One is guided along an open path |
| in, to be sure, but also to simply enjoy | | | | with frequent spots to enjoy an interesting |
| visually, even from a vantage point such as a | | | | shrub, plant or decoration. The eye is |
| home or a terrace. A series of steps may | | | | caught in many ways, as the designer will use |
| lead to the garden, suggesting one can cross | | | | the principle of "hide and reveal" so that an |
| the bridge, enter the tea house, or enjoy the | | | | element of surprise is achieved. |
| light from the lantern. | | | | |
| | | | The path, walkway and bridge in a traditional |
| Many times, the concept of water will be | | | | garden are very symbolic of the way we take |
| depicted symbolically only. In this case, a | | | | in life. Frequently, large stones are placed |
| style known as Karenasui, meaning dry | | | | at the end so the stroller is looking upon a |
| landscape, there is no water at all and even | | | | "mountain" in the distance. |
| plants are not necessary. But the look of | | | | |
| feel of a garden with water running through | | | | Stones may also represent water, as in a path |
| it is nevertheless created. This is done by | | | | that winds like a stream, or a philosophy, as |
| using sand or pebbles that are arranged in a | | | | in a group of stones in a triangular pattern. |
| flowing pattern. Rocks may symbolize bushes | | | | Frequently, situated either by a real stream |
| and other plants, or small plants such as | | | | or a "rock" stream, you will find lanterns, |
| shrubs or even moss may be used sparingly. | | | | so that you have the female and male elements |
| | | | of water and fire in close proximity. |
| The most important types of plants that are | | | | |