The Art of Japanese Sukiya Gardens evolved from landscaping into a sophisticated art form and aesthetic experience as an important part of Japanese culture. It is based upon a profound respect for nature and the abstract representations of the natural world, which range from dynamic expression to subtle and sensitive forms. The Japanese garden in this context is a sophisticated sense of beauty that embraces Nature in all its forms. Gardens are designed to conceal any form of human interference, which is the height of artifice. It is a retreat and a mindscape.

There are many aesthetic and manual skills required to create and build gardens in the Japanese way. The depth of understanding the nuances of design tenets is of utmost importance in preserving the Sukiya way by uniting architecture and gardens. Water is THE most important element used.

Japanese garden building combines many different skill sets: Selecting and setting of stone, constructing topographic features, water-shaping, planting selections appropriate to the hardiness zone, and mapping out long-term plant care and maintaining the garden. The garden design schematic leaves an opening for on-site creativity to take place. The actual creation takes place in the field as 99% hands-on work, assembling all the elements of plants, stone, and water into a coherent work of living art.

Skilled care and maintenance of Japanese Gardens is the most vital aspect over time in sustaining the garden.