“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.”

– William Shakespeare

The quote is used to state that the names of things do not affect what they really are. There are so many ways to look at a garden, so, my idea is to see what You have found, what You see – at home or anywhere in the world. Everything from your window sill to a big park – to me they are all gardens. And what we have in them, is all up to us! I guess something that brings you harmony, makes you smile, makes your world a bit easier to live in. So – What’s in a Garden? Feel free to use any meaning of the word – or create your own!

You who follow me surely know, and will not be surprised, that I am a romantic and thus English gardens have got all the ingredients I dream of. Everything from lush flowers, plants, trees and hedges, to walled gardens, ponds, statues, old stones and ruins.

Much gardening to do in these, but tiny gardens like the next three ones are easily managed and still bringing much joy!

A canal boat and an atrium found in England, and a Hobbit house with a tiny garden found in New Zealand.

Fruit and insects are essential to a sustainable garden.

As I visited Japan earlier this year, I know they have many kinds of gardens. Some of them are minimalist dry gardens – Zen gardens (with open areas of gravel and stones) -, others are walking gardens, flower gardens, bamboo gardens, bonsai gardens…All of them meticulously well kept. Their aesthetics are comprised of a set of ancient ideals (wabi sabi is one of them) and considered as an integral part of daily life.

Three of the essential elements used to create a Japanese garden, (and many of our western gardens too) are stone, which form the structure of the landscape; water, representing life-giving force; and plants, which provide the color and changes throughout the seasons. You also often find bridges, water falls and stepping stones.

We are looking forward to seeing what You have found, and don’t forget to tag your post Lens-Artists when you link to my original post.

Thank you to Patti for her wisely Zigzaging us through last week, and next week again, Sofia will be our host. Please visit her inspirational site for more!