Very true, Jim, however I wasn't referring to compositional elements that
define a space, I was talking about the 'mulched bed' juxtaposed with the
turf or other strolling area...

Dave

"Jim Lewis" wrote in message
...
Except, of course, the sculpted, (usually) round, small-leafed
Satsuki or Kurume azaleas that frequently border the paths in
larger Japanese gardens, as in the Ninomaru Garden at the
Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the less-manicured azaleas on the
small islands in the Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens in Minato-ku, Tokyo
(and others). Smaller, more intimate gardens -- like tea
gardens -- may only have a single, carefully clipped azalea as a
highlight -- or none.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.
.
"David J Bockman" wrote in message
...
One glaring characteristic:

Japanese gardens lack formal flower beds or borders. They are
completely
alien to Japanese gardens.

Dave

"Michael Palmer" wrote in message
om...
I've been lurking for a bit now. This is a very informative
newsgroup. I have a question that I hope can be answered.
What is it
that makes a "Japanese Garden" a true Japanese garden? There
seems to
be many interpretations out there. Any sites to recommend me
to with
pics? Thanks everyone.
Michael