What a silly question.
Do you like it? If so then it is whatever you want it to be.

I don't think Wills was asking what he should think of the garden. I think he wanted to know whether the people reading this forum would think of it as Japanese.

My opinion if that it certainly shows some Japanese influences - but not enough, or of quite the right sort, to make the whole thing essentially Japanese.

Hi all
The oldest gardening book of Japan " Sakuteiki" said in the book " Do not make critics when visiting some one's garden. Critics some time lead to hard ship such as loseing job , making personal enemy etc. It is true as today.( I learned my self hard way too )

I agree what Heab said. But when home owner spend great deal of money, time, effort to enjoy his life and if he likes the garden, then how we think about his garden is just don't matter to him. .......... mike

I like the first opening of remarks of the "Sakuteiki"...
It says all you need to know:

-When creating a garden,(1) first be aware of the basic concepts.

~Select several places within the property according to the shape
of the land and the ponds, and create a subtle atmosphere (2),
reflecting again and again on one's memories of wild nature. (3)

~When creating a garden, let the exceptional work of past master
gardeners be your guide. Heed the desires of the master of the house,
yet heed as well one's own taste. (4)

~Visualize the famous landscapes (5) of our country and come to
understand their most interesting points. Re-create the essence of
those scenes in the garden, but do so interpretatively, not strictly.

For the footnotes go to:
http://www.mpkeane.com/sakuteiki.html

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.mpkeane.com/sakuteiki.html

I like the fence.

It looks like step one in a very long journey.

Hi
I like neatness of garden, fence. fence is very nice.
owner had well thought that small space needed more light , improved wall to make pleasent look of wall. He did most practical way. I hope the owner of home enjoying what he has..................... mike

Mike,

I really enjoy how you find the positive in so many things! At first I wasn't very impressed. But after reading your last post I went back and looked closer, and saw many more things that I liked. Thank you for that.

Susan

Hi Susan
Welcome back . I did not see your name for long time ;) ;)
feel like meeting old friend again.
My English is not progreseing much , but will catch up some day and write on Gw better.
mike