The garden's single weeping cherry provides a brilliant show of yellow in fall and delicate cascades of pink blossoms in early spring. The Japanese-style garden is designed to elicit feelings of peace, introspection and personal reflection. While Western gardens are often blatantly obvious in their bold use of color and design, Japanese methods are much more subtle and quietly suggestive. Basic Asian design concepts are also enmeshed in symbolism and personal meaning. Although much is open to individual interpretation, while knowing the garden designer's intent gives rise to deeper understanding of the end result.
Elements can equally hide as much as reveal themselves to the viewer.
Bridges in Japanese gardens extend a path over real or suggested water. They are positioned to be seen at a pleasing angle from the primary viewing area, rather than looked at head-on or fully sideways. Using different sized plants and focal points draws the viewer into the space and encourages them to contemplate different layers of the garden. The placement of stones is significant in Japanese design, providing structure and a sense of scale. Stones can be used represent cranes, tortoises or fish.