| There is a variety of elements used throughout a | | | | basin. A larger stone could be used as a place to sit |
| Japanese garden, but the three most important and | | | | for a bit. |
| basic ones that you will find in every garden design | | | | Define a pathway. A rock grouping set along a turn in |
| are: rocks, plants and water features. In this article, | | | | a path provides visual interest and guides the stroller |
| we are going to focus on rocks, a very visible and | | | | along the proper course. It also encourages them to |
| useful Japanese garden element that has many viable | | | | slow down and contemplate the arrangement, |
| and practical applications, along with its aesthetic | | | | making the walk more enjoyable. |
| qualities. | | | | Block off a portion of the garden or path. You can |
| Large boulders can block unsightly views. For | | | | use stones to block off an area which you don't |
| example, perhaps your water hoses and water | | | | want people to enter. They form a natural barrier, |
| connection are near an area of your garden and you | | | | but be sure to make the arrangement interesting as |
| don't want it visible to visitors. A large boulder and | | | | well. |
| complimentary bush would hide the out-of-place | | | | Rocks are a wonderful backdrop for plants. An |
| items, yet allow you access to use them as needed. | | | | angular, vertical rock makes a unique backdrop for a |
| Interesting rocks can be placed where plants are | | | | plant grouping. Place the rock a bit farther back from |
| hard to grow. Sometimes you will find one particular | | | | the plants, so as to provide depth perception and |
| area in your garden where plants just don't seem to | | | | allow the plants to be the focus (or vice versa). |
| do well, no matter what you plant or what you do to | | | | Secure slopes and use as retaining walls. Boulders and |
| the soil. Maybe it's too wet or maybe it's too clay | | | | good-size stones make excellent, natural materials for |
| based. Whatever the problem, a nice rock | | | | use in low retaining walls. On slopes, flat rocks work |
| arrangement might do the trick. | | | | beautifully as steps. |
| Use rocks to enhance a water feature. Place near | | | | Directing a stream. As in nature, rocks are always |
| ponds to make the area more natural looking and | | | | found along a streambed. Secure rocks within the |
| visually appealing. Next to a water basin, a smooth, | | | | banks to help prevent erosion of the earth by the |
| flat stone could be used for kneeling down to the | | | | water. |