What is a Japanese garden?

Rock or stone bridge with angle or zigzag shape. Designed to slow down visitors and encourage viewing from multiple perspectives. Monochromatic color palette, dominated by greens, grays and browns. "Flowers draw attention to themselves and disturb the harmony of the whole," said Japanese gardening enthusiast Larry Cipolla.

Rocks and boulders, often moss-covered. "One type of rock should dominate," to suggest natural outcroppings said Betty Ann Addison, owner of Rice Creek Gardens.

Dry streambeds. Smaller rocks arranged to evoke flowing water.

All-season interest, often created with different shapes and textures of evergreens.

Focal points, such as a stone lantern, a rock formation or an intriguing specimen tree.

Sound, created by flowing water, wind chimes or a bell. "Be aware of all the senses, not just sight," said Scott Endres, owner of Tangletown Gardens.

Open spaces, simplicity. "The No. 1 mistake we see is adding too much," Endres said.

Water features. Natural-looking ponds or waterfalls, surrounded by rocks.

Granite basins, often with dripping water feature.

Stone pathways leading to "rooms." A Japanese garden is not visible all at once but requires gradual discovery.

Bonsai? Not necessary. The ancient Japanese art of dwarfing trees and plants is a separate art form, according to Cipolla. "If you see that in a Japanese garden, they don't know what they're doing."