According to Zen Garden Designer Shunmyo Masuno, viewing something familiar from a different perspective can "cultivate an abundant power of imagination." This idea is often showcased in his work, such as integrating an old millstone into a path of stepping stones. While the millstone may have served its original purpose long ago, its presence among the stones can prompt the viewer to see both the millstone and the garden through a fresh set of eyes.
This concept ties into another principle of Zen gardening known as “Hide and Reveal.” The ancient principle infuses the garden with an element of surprise by repurposing familiar elements in imaginative ways from one viewpoint, and then showcasing the elements again from another angle with a new twist. This technique is especially impactful in gardens where visitors follow a dedicated footpath. For Masuno, large stones often serve as the go-to element for “Hide and Reveal.” Stones, with their varied textures, offer a wealth of possibilities because of their irregular contours and asymmetry. One side of a stone might be jagged and coarse from a fracture, while the opposite side remains polished and smooth. The imbalance of such a stone's appearance can tell a different story depending on which side is featured in placement and the plants that accent it.
If you want deepen the character of your garden, then you must consider large stones as an essential part of your design. They serve as anchor points, offering a visual source of interest and variety throughout the seasons. Stones remind us of the profound balance between the solidity of the earth and the delicate, fleeting life of flowers and plants. And, no matter how badly our green thumb fails us, the stones we place in our garden will never give up the ghost because we forgot to water them. The millstone will endure, though its purpose might change.
Learn more about the fundamentals of Zen Design at Shizen Style.