Accent Selection

When selecting an appropriate item, be aware that the tree is the dominant piece in the display. The accent is there to enhance it – not overpower it. It is also better to select an item that exists in the same area as the tree. It is a contradiction to have a tree from a high mountain aspect presented alongside a lush plant from a valley bottom unless you can picture a very wide expanse!

In order to decide where the focal point is, the same process can now be applied to the proposed accent item as was applied to the tree. This must be ascertained, whether it is a suiseki, a plant, or any other item you may choose. The movement depicted by a figure could be the direction of the gaze.

These actually contribute to the picture; they are not just scattered randomly to brighten the bench. If plants are used, these should also look established; a planting of geranium looks fine, but if an attractive grass comes up in the same pot, it gives the semblance of something that nature has created. It is often not necessary to plant this extra item – nature is likely do it for you if the original planting is well established.

If the tree points to the left, then the accent selected will normally point to the right. If the tree points to the right, then the accent will normally point to the left. If placed carefully, they should both focus on a single point in space. This point is normally between the two items, but if there is space enough to allow, it could be to the right or left of both, in which case both items will point the same way. Whatever is chosen, the focal point must be in space.

A plain background is also essential – there must be no distractions. Since we are not trying to create a real picture, it is not necessary to use items that scream reality. Scale is not vital, so long as the accent does not overpower the scene.

If a tree in full flower is used, the thought process gives the next stage – dead flowers and decay. If a tree is used with a few flowers and a myriad of buds, the viewer can picture the next stage, in full bloom with a few petals falling around, perhaps with the birds singing.

A few pebbles arranged carefully can depict a babbling brook, and the mind can hear the soothing sound. A bronze quail implies autumn, when they glean the grains dropped during harvest. A heron brings thoughts of summer, catching fish for the chicks.

There must be something for the imagination to do.