The picture presented is neither a Chrysanthemum stone nor a Suiseki. Call it tight pockets but I could never find or buy anything that made it work. Then on a marvelous day at a lunch break I found something. My employer nearly cried as he had searched that beach for years and promised me that whatever I found would be mine. It was a weighty moment!

As a former bonsai enthusiast and landscaper I have always tried to incorporate art and good taste to whatever I created. This often contradicted what the ‘employer’ wanted and I would walk away. Once in a great while I would find someone who appreciated the introduction of ‘stone’ to their gardens.

‘Viewing stones’ or Suiseki are the ultimate addition to the garden and the term translates from the Japanese as “water stone.” Somehow the Chinese lost the starting race. What happened there?

In my own limited bonsai experience these rocks should reflect upon nature, be it mountains, landscape formations that might include snow topped peaks, waterfalls or interesting mineral streams running down the side.The picture I show fits NONE of these criteria, but it means much to me, including memories of a friend who died way to early. Every time I touch that stone or view it, my friend Jim returns.

I believe that loving plants and rocks are natural partners and if you cannot fit a ‘Devils Peak’ into your home you can do with a representation of one. Presentation or mounting of such is another matter that someday I will address. One of my remaining gurus created daizi (wooden stands) that so far I have stayed away from. Lathes and routers still give me the nervous shivers.

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Daizi refers to a dai or a suiban in Japanese. It is important to remember that the stand is NOT needed and can indeed distract from the rock. That said a properly constructed platform can add to the artistic appreciation of the rock. As I have become a bit nearsighted in my dotage I remain connected to things I can see and weigh. Small two to three inch Suiseki, as in this eBay listing just don’t do it for me. More reflections pictures and the use of stands.

The picture presented is neither a Chrysanthemum stone nor a Suiseki. Call it tight pockets but I could never find or buy anything that made it work. Then on a marvelous day at a lunch break I found something. My employer nearly cried as he had searched that beach for years and promised me that whatever I found would be mine. It was a weighty moment!

Moclips rock

Buy American rocks, use woods such as Mesquite to set them off. I am not disparaging other countries but the American richness of stones (especially the desert Southwest) makes me wonder WHY we continue to buy in stones from other countries. As a re-incarnated stone I might end up there anyway, so why the rush?

    © Herbert Senft

I might just be underestimating myself. Here is a vulture rock I found on the Dungeness River banks.