If you have ever had the pleasure of viewing a Japanese garden, then you know from first-hand experience the magnificence and tranquility provided by this type of garden.  Japanese Gardens are not just beautiful but designed to be very symbolic.  Because of this, the Japanese Garden includes water, bridges, statues, and stone lanterns, all associated with the rich history of the Japanese culture.

With a Japanese Garden, the focus is on nature, which is designed with dignity and grace.  These gardens are specifically designed with artistic flair.  Once the creation is complete, you will find that this type of garden is your favorite place to retreat.  The overall atmosphere will be relaxing and serene.

The Japanese garden is all about visual enhancement and texture.  That means you will find polished rock walls covered with green moss that is neatly tufted into the crevices.  The result of this is a unique cascading effect.  Then to provide a sense of spirituality and mystic, you can place several ornate stone lanterns throughout the garden.

For the water, you can visit your local home improvement store where you will find full kits that make the setup quick and easy.  Then, add sand, rock, and stone to complete the look.  If you can find it in your budget, you can always work with a professional landscaper to have a massive pond and waterfall constructed.  Regardless if you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, by adding in flowers and Japanese décor, you will have a magnificent garden.

One of the favorite styles of Japanese gardens is not green at all.  Named after a Zen Priest by the name of Kansho-niwa, the Karesansui style Japanese garden, meaning “dry-landscape”, is just that, a dry garden.  Originally, this type of garden was created as a huge area where a person could enter and walk around.  During the eleventh century, the scale of this garden began to diminish.  Then by the twelfth century to current time, these Japanese gardens have become even more sophisticated and refined, which is where they get their name – Zen.

No matter what type of Zen garden you create, you will always have two main elements - rocks to form hills or “mountains” and sand, used to represent flowing, water.  You want to choose white to light beige sand and add granite rocks.  If the garden is in a sunny area, then you want to stay away from light colored granite since it would cause a harsh glare.  On the other hand, if the garden will be in the shade, then choose light granite to brighten the area.

You want to use sculptured rocks for the water border, making it look natural.  Another valuable aspect of the Japanese garden is the island.  This is symbolic of the isles of the blest immortal souls.  In addition, the island is a direct connection to longevity and continuing health.  Finally, the crane and tortoise are considered symbols of longevity, often added to a Japanese Garden because of their meaning and beauty.