Modern Japanese Gardens

There are several Japanese garden elements, such as water, rocks, an island or islands, a bridge to an island, a lantern made of stone, plants, a teahouse or pavilion, and borrowed scenery.

Stones are a very important element in Japanese gardens. They are usually the first element placed in a garden. Stones can be grouped together randomly or in triangular shaped arrangements. They are usually positioned in odd numbers. They can be used for stepping stones on a garden path. Stones can be used to represent mountains or islands. They can be arranged to emphasize a nearby tree or faraway mountain that may be located outside the confines of the actual garden, which is an example of borrowed scenery. Stones can be used to express the human emotions of strength and endurance.

Water features are another important element of Japanese gardens. Raked gravel can be used to represent water. Water symbolizes purity. Streams, waterfalls, or ponds which allow the water to flow naturally can be used, but fountains should not be included since they do not occur in nature.

Another element is the placement of a stone lantern near a pond or stream. These represent the female and male elements of water and fire, which are known as yin and yang.

Other elements would include shrubs and flowers which are used to signify the changing seasons in the Japanese garden. Trees, such as the Japanese maple and Japanese black pine, are often used in the garden. Bamboo and moss are also used along with azaleas, peonies, chrysanthemums, and cherry, plum, or magnolia trees. Architectural elements, such as teahouses or pavilions are also used.

In order to comprehend the beauty of a Japanese garden, it is necessary to understand - or at least to learn to understand - the beauty of stone. - Lafcadio Hearn

The different Japanese garden styles include the pond and island style, the dry landscape Zen garden, the Japanese tea garden, stroll gardens, and courtyard gardens. A Japanese Tea Garden would, of course, have a teahouse along with other elements, such as stones for garden paths, a water feature, and various plants. A pond and island garden would have a centrally located pond, islands, and bridges. A Zen garden would include large and small stones, gravel or sand, and some moss or a few trees or shrubs. Stroll gardens would include several elements that could be viewed by the visitor as they walked through the garden, which could include stones, water, and plants. A small courtyard garden would also include many elements in a simple style.