Japanese Landscape Gardening 



TREES. 



Before giving a full account of the vegetation in Japanese 

 gardens one must mention that a particularly noteworthy tree is 

 always found among several others of less importance. No. i, 

 termed "Principal Tree" [S/iojin-boku), is a pine or an oak 

 well grown, accompanied by other trees with thick foliage. 

 No. 2, called "Perfection Tree" {Keiyo-hoku), is only second 

 in importance to No. i. Its trunk, branches, and foliage are 

 objects (pf particular interest. No. 3, called " Tree of Solitude " 

 [Sckizoi-boku), may be either single or grouped, but must 

 always have thick foliage. It is intended to give shade and to 

 impart a very secluded aspect to the garden. No. 4, called 

 "Cascade Circuit" [takigakoi], consists of a number of low 

 trees or even bushes. They are planted around the waterfall in 

 such a manner as to shelter the cascade from too much bold 

 exposure to the eyes. No. 5, having the name of "Setting 

 Sun" [Sekiyo-boku), is planted in the background of the garden. 

 The tree is planted to turn westward, and is intended to screen 

 the garden from the rays of the setting sun. The tree best 

 adapted for the purpose is generally maple, or, if this cannot 

 be obtained, at least another red foliage tree should be pro- 

 cured that would produce a striking effect under the evening 

 sunshine. They are sometimes replaced by the cherry and 

 plum tree. No. 6 is called the "Perspective Pine" {Mikosi- 

 matsii) ; it is designed to give an effect of extended distance 

 and naturally is placed behind a garden or in a place partly 

 concealed. No. 7 goes by the name of the " Outstretching 

 Pine" [Nagashi'-ina/sH), suggesting branches overhanging a 

 stream or a lake. This is generally a single evergreen tree 

 in the foreground wdth branches outstretching over a stream. 



Other accessories are : A, a well, with a weeping willow ; 

 B, a lantern, just close to the tree No. 2 — the light from the 

 lantern is thrown over the water ; C, the back-gate of the gar- 

 den ; D, a bridge leading from the mainland to the lake islet ; 

 E, small passway on a plank ; F, an arched stone bridge with 

 moulded stone parapet ; G, a w^ater basin with a sink and a 

 pool ; H, a stone lantern behind the w^ater-basin. The step- 

 ping-stones in the foreground guide the steps of a stroller 

 from the garden to the veranda, while the entire ground is 

 covered with well-prepared earth. 



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