Japanese gardens are very important to the Japanese. All of the gardens are representations of nature. The purpose of these gardens in to capture nature is the utmost natural way, and do it with a touch of artistic feeling. Japanese gardens are built for endurance and to withstand and harmonise with the typically wet weather of Japan.
The essential elements to a Japanese garden--water, garden plants, stones, waterfalls, trees, and bridges--create this symbolism.
Trees and plants give the Japanese garden its unique character. The Japanese garden is predominately green with its almost exclusive use of evergreen trees. When flowering trees are found in the Japanese garden they are usually camelias. , For colour, (Japanese gardens are mainly stone, moss, bushes, trees and bamboo - limited colour) the Japanese use Azaleas for deep pinks and Cherry trees for pink blossom in Spring.
The pine tree stays green during the whole year and, therefore, symbolizes youth and longevity. Bamboo grows very fast and is also an evergreen, be careful the roots of bamboo are very strong. Never place bamboo to close to a pond. There are also many small kinds of bamboo. The plum tree carries beautiful blossoms in the spring. The Japanese garden makes artistic use of rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water.
A Japanese garden is a quiet place, allowing people to look back and reflect or meditate. In a Japanese garden there is a respect for nature. The understatement and simplicity of design add dignity and grace to the japanese gardens, making a clean and unique statement. These gardens give many impressions to those who appreciate them and they move people in various ways.