A Japanese garden must depict the relentless progression of time.

The flowing water, the stone it polishes with its caress, the slow bleaching of a bamboo screen-each expresses the passing of time in its own way.

But the creator of a Japanese garden relies mainly on plants to fulfil this role.

For as they change, they follow the rhythm of nature's seasons, as we do in our own lives.

The seasons of a Japanese garden in... Montréal

Winter slumber. Photo : Michel Lambert	Snow adds its own touch. Photo : Michel Lambert
Springtime rebirth. Photo : Michel Lambert	Autumn hues. Photo : Michel Lambert

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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