The traditional Japanese garden is simple, elegant, disciplined and controlled. It is a meditative garden, with peace, harmony and balance its goals. Natural materials are crucial to the tradition, and while the use of native plants is ideal when possible, it is not absolutely necessary. "A Japanese garden is not intended to be a copy of nature," says Kurisu, "for it is literally man-made, as opposed to a wild landscape. Rather, the designer strives to bring out the essence of the natural elements used, with emphasis on creating a space that is comfortable and refreshing."
Plants are chosen to suggest restraint and subtlety and ultimately, universal harmony. For instance, the only plant material in the garden may be moss growing at the base of stepping stones. Evergreens are the key plant component, including some shrubs and deciduous trees selected for their interesting foliage, striking form or spectacular color.
Steps can be used to create a sense of a "'going up the mountain' feeling," says Kurisu. "This is a very naturalistic garden. The combination of ornamental and native plants, with moss and plants growing through the pathway give a feeling of a naturally occurring setting. As you walk along, you become more and more involved in nature, forgetting about everything else except just being in the garden. We particularly like to use gravel because it makes a gentle noise. In the quiet of the evening or early morning, listen to your footsteps communicating with nature, which is the whole purpose of the garden. You can hear your step and will gradually slow down in a rushing world until you are inside of the garden itself."
The use of rocks is key to the Japanese garden. "Even if we live to be 100," says Kurisu, "the rock is still older than we are. The rocks and moss coming up from the ground ask us to be humble, they give us dignity." Whatever traditional elements are used - a cleansing waterfall or simple water basin, ponds filled with koi, or fences and gates made of bamboo, rock or stone - the goal is always a garden to cultivate peace of mind."