Asian influences blended with native plantings helped create this garden, which we call Prairie-fusion. Water is the main focus of the garden, which falls and flows creating both visual and audial impact. Colorful koi dot the dark waters which reflect light and landscape. Choices in construction material were made to enhance a rustic look while touches of Japanese-inspired influences were appropriately placed to introduce an exotic feel. In keeping with the traditional Japanese gardens, raked rocks and boulders simulate islands in water. While inspired by the East, the garden is rooted firmly in the Midwestern landscape, surrounded and softened by plants native to woodlands and wetlands, including ferns, sedges, wild columbine, blue flag iris, horsetail rush, water lilies and native maples. A ramp leading up to the decking combined both reclaimed railroad ties and gravel, tying in the two solid ground influences in the garden. Live moss was used heavily on boulders and wood creating the illusion of a garden which has been tucked away, living and growing for a long time. Photo by Larry Carnes