Japanese Gardening for Small Areas 279 



by gentle but persisted suasion. The individualised graces thus imparted 

 to each branch excite esthetic emotions, even in those who have no knowl- 

 edge of the symbolic suggestions thereby conveyed. The Japanese hold a 

 worshipful attitude toward "the honourable pme, " and their never-ending 

 care produces results which are a revelation. 



Blossoming plants are selected with care to bloom in rotation. At 

 one visit you find the garden with azaleas not great bush shrubs, but dainty, 

 well-bred plants, each blossom perfect and of exquisite colour. Another 

 time the Japonicas alone are in evidence, but in such harmony that one 

 forgets other flowers have bloomed there. Still again, some time in February, 

 pink flowers burst forth from the twisted branches of the dwarfed almonds, 

 and after these bloom the plums and cherries. In the autumn there are 

 chrysanthemums. It must not be understood that flowers are numerous 

 at any time. One of the charms of Japanese gardening, as of art, is the 

 simplicity and freedom from overcrowded variety; they subordinate lesser 

 things to a single point of interest. They insist upon restful spaces, and the 

 beauty of a single spray must be revealed and emphasised. 



The Japanese garden is more than a flower garden, and its attractions 

 are not confined to the brief season of flowers. In winter it is not a waste 

 of broken-down stalks. The pmes in their quaint and weird forms are 

 there in winter as in summer; the pathways among the evergreens and 

 boulders, across the bridges, and under the arches, still bear the alluring 

 aspect of a garden. 



Even the fences are always important in the decoration. The minor 

 enclosures are of bamboo, while the fence enclosing the garden is made of 

 weathered wood, showing the natural grain. The buildings also show the 

 knots and grain of the wood. Pamt is not used on any of the garden's 

 structures. 



Single flat stepping-stones are much used by the Japanese, and they are 

 placed so artfully that one naturally follows their meanderings. The paths 

 must suggest the most natural courses from point to point. But neither 

 the fences nor the paths are straight, if the gardener thinks the topography 

 will permit of their being made otherwise. Japanese stone lanterns are 

 effectively placed in favourite locations, such as on small islands or 

 overlooking the water. 



It is the gardener's art to place the seats, arbours and summer houses 

 for the best views of the garden's attractions. Openings are made through 



