Do you have difficulty when it comes to adding additions to Japanese Water Gardens? Believe it or not, this is not a difficult problem; all you need to do is make use of nature as well as your imagination in order to bring out the best of your Japanese Water Garden. One must realize, a true Japanese water garden is a place of reflection where everything in the garden has a meaning or purpose.

Traditionally, stones express the human emotion of strength and are often used to symbolize mountains and islands. Your addition may mean something else, so remember the meaning or purpose should be personalized. Try placing the stones in odd number (3, 5 or 7) and place in a triangle shaped pattern. You may also want to try creating a small sculpture with your stones. Many people give them a function such as stepping stones for a pathway which could portray ones guide down the path of life. Feel free to become creative in how you place them, as it will give your water garden that personal touch that will last for years to come.

At the heart of every Japanese garden is water itself. The flow of water must be of a natural setting and should invoke quietness and tranquility. Natural shaped ponds, winding streams, and small waterfalls are all used as they would be found in nature. Bamboo is also commonly used to trickle water back into your pond by using a small pump with a filter. Of course, what is water without fish? Enhance your garden by adding some Japanese koi fish to liven up the atmosphere with their brilliant colors.

Ornaments are a great way to decorate the water garden setting however be sure to keep it subtle. Placing lanterns, basins, statues, or religious artifacts are all types of ornaments and should be placed strategically so as not to create distractions from the overall atmosphere. Many people build cedar bridges, benches or enclosures to create a place for meditation. Bridges are typically symbolic of a journey and can represent stepping from one world into another. You may not have a stream to cross, however you can always place it crossing over a bed of plants. It's all about creating that place of rest, to relieve oneself from the anxiety and stress of the day.

Plants are also an important element to the design of your Japanese water garden. Typically, just about any type of plant can be used in the garden setting however be sure to minimize colour and give preference to soft leaf tones. Emptiness should be a key to your garden so every ounce of space does not need be filled with foliage. Trees such as conifers, pine, bamboo, maple, and cherry would all make great additions to your garden. Some recommendations of plants could include morning glories, asters, dahlias, bellflower, ferns, camellias, hosta, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. Also, be sure to enhance your garden by skilfully trimming your shrubs and trees to give a distinct and controlled look to your additions.

Develop and install additions that are creatively unique to you. They do not need to be complicated as long as you place meaning and purpose behind them. Base your design on creating a simple, relaxing, and meaningful place to spend your time and you can't go wrong.