Spheres Birdbath

I would start with the library. We've been oilkong into the concept of a Japaneese garden as well. Among other things, we've learned that there is a difference between old and traditional Japaneese gardens and modern Japaneese gardens. Even within the traditional styles, there is more than one type ; sort of similar to the differences in English formal , cutting , cottage gardens. What we're finding important is to understand the concepts, feeling, and function of each. And then, turn to the styles, vegetation types, hard and firmscapes, and the required formulas for each. Among other things, there is to be a oneness with the native/natural surroundings If you follow this concept, one could even make a garden with a Japaneese feel out of desert cacti. Only after you have some type of understanding of concpets of a Japaneese garden, will you have a feel of which types of hardscapes to add, how to place them, and what type of scale/size they should be for your space. You might also want to check out Chineese garden types too. The Chineese have more color and variety of vegetation. From what we've read, they seem to be less rule bound and rigid. Oddly enough, we found a pretty good explanation of Japaneese gardens in what is now an old Time Life publication called Japaneese Gardens . The library or a used book store is the place to locate this long out of print book.