Tools for garden maintenance: as simple as ever. Patience and meticulous attention also remain essential. Saiho-ji garden, Kyoto. Photo : Louis Rinfret

A Japanese garden, be it ancient or modern, expresses a profound respect for Nature.

At the same time, like a living paradox, it is a constant challenge to natural forces.

A landscape architect has fashioned a garden worthy of the gods, in a defined space.

The trees are faultless. The shrubs have been perfectly trimmed. The gravel is freshly raked.

	Shisen-Do garden, Kyoto. After the initial pruning to give the desired shape, comes maintenance, sometimes daily. For once one has achieved perfection... Photo : Louis Rinfret

But the wind springs up, and suddenly...
... the fine waves of pebbles lose their sharp edges,
... unwanted seeds fall into the moss.

But the days roll by, and...
... a twig springs from the perfectly shaped tree.

But the years pass, and...
... a clay tile falls and breaks.

Setting stakes to support a pine tree. Photo : Louis Rinfret

It is the endless attentive care, every day, every week, over the years, that makes a Japanese garden an eternal creation.

Open Windows on Japanese Gardens 1. Opening a window onto a universe 2. A very famous Zen garden 3. Step by step on stepping stones 4. Endless maintenance 5. Key to the project: the choice of stone 6. The birth of a "Japanese" garden in Montréal 7. Wanted: Hardy species 8. The three religions of Japan 9. Three gardens, three relationships between man and Nature 10. Shakkei or borrowed scenery 11. Living symbols 12. 3, 5, 7 13. Of appearance and essence 14. Precious, colourful carp 15. Mineral strength 16. Changing scale 17. The spirit of stone 18. Islands of the Immortals 19. Plants and time 20. Discreet but essential ground covers 21. Shrubs and the art of plant sculpture 22. Trees, venerable above all 23. Water, a moving mirror of life 24. A pond and its fish 25. Islands and bridges 26.Flowing, shimmering water 27. Listen to your Heart 28. Some important dates

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