The rock placement should suggest something, which is another way of saying that they should have some sort of unity to them. Currently, there are very few rocks in the bed (and this may because you're just starting, so it's not a bad thing), but really be consciencious of what you're trying to acheive. A sitting rock is all well and good, but how does that tie in with everything else? Stones have a great importance in many, in not a large majority, of Japanese gardens, and their significance in the landscape is great. I suggest that you check out some books from the library and read up and, more importantly, immerse yourself in examples of classic Japanese gardens. There are some really bad examples and there are some really good examples of Japanese gardens out there, so by familiarizing yourself with them will help you distinguish the good from the bad and help you along with your goal of creating your own. -Audric

The azaleas vs. blueberry is more of a formal vs. natural/relaxed idea. I also prefer the blueberry, but azaleas have their place in a traditional Japanese garden. Blueberry is great for an American twist on an old Asian design process, and I believe strongly in using the resources that speak to our own regions (particularly native plants). Low bush blueberry is available online from some nurseries, so you could try a search. That's good in a pinch, though if you're like me, you may prefer locating a nursery in your area so you can go on-site and hand pick your shrubs. You're going to drool when you get the book. The photos are beautiful, and it's amazing how many different styles of garden there are that fall under the Japanese design tradition. The mountain -- I dunno. Height is more a personal preference. If your aim is to have something dramatically mountainous, then you'd probably want to add height. But if your goal is to hint symbolically at a mountain, then any size will do, as long as you cleverly set it with proportionally-sized plantings. I think A Japanese Touch For Your Garden has photos that depict this idea.

Sorry,I meant to get back to you earlier but wasn't sure of the best advice to give.I live in SE England and have 50 different JMs so you'd think the garden would be a blaze of colour in autumn.The truth is it isn't.Autumn colours are very variable anyway but we rarely seem to get the right conditions for a good display.Invariably I just get a hint of what might be as the last few leaves turn lovely colours. Having said that this shouldn't put you off,choosing a very sheltered position will help greatly as will autumn sunshine(our downfall ha) If you want bright red,'Osakazuki' is renouned for this,having a slight orange hue it really can glow and after 3years mine is finally showing this trait.It will be plain green the rest of the year though.You can also take your pick from the many red cultivars out there,they nearly all have red autumn colours however 'Bloodgood' here has never shone for me despite being one of the few still with leaves on at the peak time.The rest of the year they're all dark purple here,despite claims none really shine above others.A constantly reliable performer for me has been 'Sango Kaku',again plain green the rest of year,it always produces good orange then yellow autumn colours,and the younger stems are bright red. Sorry I can't be of more help but autumn colours are simply not guaranteed here.

Have you considered trying to emulate a Chinese garden since you are in a warmer climate? I mean in terms of the types of species you plant. In fact Chinese gardens can have even more variety than Japanese. You can still use Japanese design though. You don't have to see the warm climate as entirely a disadvantage, see it as an advantage! Maybe get some Japanese mandarins in there like Satsuma or Kishu. Have you heard of the Japanese citrus Banpeiyu? I'm just saying, your Japanese garden doesn't have to be the traditional Japanese garden most Americans are used to. And instead of flowering quince, you could plant fruiting quince. The big white pink-tinged flowers are almost as attractive and will produce big interesting fruits as well (although fruiting quince can have issues in hot humid climates). You can put in tropical fruits like lychees. You didn't say what climate you were in buy you could plant Mexican Mangosteen. It's very similar in appearance to Fukugi bushes in Okinawa. Japan does have a varied climate, so you can focus on the plants that grow in Japan's South. Ever heard of Chinese Bayberry? It is the official tree of Tokushima prefecture. Similar in appearance to arbutus but more similar to blackberry in taste and color. If you're in zone 10, you may consider a Yellow Cotton tree instead of a flowering cherry.