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