Landscaping with rocks in Japanese gardens

In Japan, landscaping with rocks has become an artform; as rocks are not just rocks, they are privileged objects that demand very special attention.

• a shumisen - or Mt. Sumeru, is the center of the world of Buddhist cosmology. It is a sacred mountain, somewhat like Mt. Olympus, the summit of which is the dwelling place of Taishakuten, one of the 12 guardian dieties.
• a horaisan - the legendary Japan inhabited by cranes, tortoises, and covered in pines, peaches and plums, all symbolic of exceptional longevity and paradise
• a particular island scene
• or simply any mountain.

• Garden shape - where rocks offer form and substance. Here the lay of the land is determined by rocky protrusions and gullies where water flows. Remember to carefully consider the characteristics of your rocks, as smooth stones are inappropriate for high places and "mountains", and rough stones would not be found in a streambed. The position and type must make geological as well as visual sense.
  
  
• Interesting shifts in elevation - a cluster of boulders holds back a slope of small shrubs; ground cover is found creeping from between rock crevices where the soil is sparse; an imposing group of sentinels guard the path to the tea house.
  
  
• Utility and beauty - stepping stones add grace to a walkway; chair-shaped boulders hidden in meditative enclaves invite the visitor to sit and be still. Rocks may resemble distant mountains or animals. Carved stones form walls, bridges, and foundations. And magnificent rocks are natural sculptures dispayed in their own right.
  
  
• For streams, and waterfalls - a naturally hollowed stone delivers water from the upper stream into a still pool; smooth, flat stones make up a streambed; multiple water trickles tinkle their way into the main stream; mosses and lichens grow in tiny crevices.
  
  
• As bridges and walkways - or even as stepping stones across a shallow stream.
  
  
• As paths that wind their way from vantage point to vantage point, stopping in hidden meditative alcoves and finding their way to the restful repose of the tea house.
  
  
• In Sand & Stone or dry gardens
  
  
• In a Flat Sea garden

Landscape design software can help you see how your landscape plans will look.


The Sentinel Stone:

A very important feature in the Japanese garden is the sentinel stone. Used to symbolize warriors, dieties, and fictional heroes, they are found at the entrance gate, at important focal points, and wherever their presence will enhance the garden experience.

Used with careful thought and reverence, a human-like formed sentinel stone can add compassion and understanding to an otherwise austere flat sand garden, as seen below. Their presence offers a suggestion of conscience and higher authority; a guidepost in your personal garden path.