Characteristic of the japanese garden is the precision. Everthing is thought out into the smallest detail. The shape and color of leaves are the main componants, in addition to a variaty of natural materials. There are hardly any flowers, only a few to attract the attention to a certain spot. Roks and stones are important style-elements, as well as gravel, bamboo-mats, weathered wood and pottery of sober colors and shapes.
A japanese garder never is large and can therefore be realized almost everywhere, where the soil is slightly acid. Traditionally used planting like Acer Japonicum, ferns, small pines, rhododendrons, azaleas etc. do need a slightly acid soil for a healthy growth. This soiltype could be achieved artifically, of course, but would then become an expensive buisiness.
Water plays an important rol, too. A pond, where colorful japanese fish swims around, or a little brooklet, or a combination of both.
Although a japanese garden will cause a lot of work (it has to look perfect all the time in order to give the desired effect), it also will give the owner a great deal of pleasure, rest and satisfaction.