A Japanese Garden is a sanctuary from the outside word. A place to relax and contemplate. A Place where man and nature join together in harmony. This woodland river landscape seen (above) shows the vast view possible in a relatively small space. Its an ideal setting for a Japanese Tea House.

The inside grounds of a Japanese Garden are considered to be sacred and the outside profane. The two are separated through the use of fences, hills, and screens or informal hedges made up of plants trees and shrubs with varying textures and colors, This creates the feeling and atmosphere of a natural setting. A waterfall is a screen in itself as it can be used to block out unpleasant background noise of neighbors or traffic.

Paths are used as both a physical and a symbolic journey from the hectic life outside to the tranquil place of rest inside. Paths are designed to manipulate the traveler to completely take in the full beauty of the garden. Areas where the focal point lies straight ahead will widen and straighten allowing the traveler to look up while areas with less interest will narrow and wind causing the traveler to look down and watch their step, the path itself can become the focal point. Perhaps a garden of groundcovers and mosses surrounding stepping stones, A wide spot in the path, a large stepping stone, stable footing or even a place to sit, calls for a pause to take in a focal point such as a pond or a pagoda under a fantastic specimen tree.

Japan being a nation of fantastic scenery jutting up out of a rugged coast line along with their gardens seeking to represent nature, Water features are of course a common seen in the Japanese Garden. They can be a main focal point from within the house or the ideal location of a Japanese garden tea house. They are a call to bring in nature with it’s wildlife sounds and movement. They are refreshment on a hot day. A stream can be a rout for a path to follow, an excuse to include a bridge or aeration for a pond full of Koi in all their splendid colors. A water garden allows for a vast new selection of plants shapes and textures. A place to set stones in representation of coastal islands in the sea.