Another Joy of Iwagumi

Ryuoseki, with many variations in its expressions, is quite suitable for an Iwagumi created in the image of a rocky shore. Here are some examples for Sozo Haishoku (creative plant rearrangement) of such a layout.

While plants will change their appearance with the seasons in a natural landscape, rocks have invariable existence. The same is true with an Iwagumi layout. Sozo Haishoku enables us to replace aquatic plants without changing rock work and enjoy a change in scenery. As shown in these two layouts, the impression of an Iwagumi layout changed with the use of stem plants in the background of the layout, which was previously planted solely with Cuba Pearl Grass. Cuba Pearl Grass is often used with Ryuoseki. This aquatic plant is easy to perform Sozo Haishoku with, as compared to other aquatic plants, since it does not root very deeply. Sozo Haishoku should be carried out by replacing the Aqua Soil used as the substrate without breaking up the Iwagumi. An Iwagumi layout will appear beautiful and well-balanced after the Sozo Haishoku because the original rock arrangement is solid and its composition is excellent, as demonstrated by this layout.

Before

Because the layout is planted solely with low-growing Cuba Pearl Grass, the Iwagumi of Ryuoseki itself becomes the main subject in the layout and therefore requires an advanced rock arranging technique.

After

Echinodorus tenellus, which is planted between the rocks and the stem plants in the background, softens the impression of the Iwagumi. The rock arrangement functions as the framework of the U-shaped composition produced by stem plants in this layout.

The outline and continuity of the ridgeline of an Iwagumi is important for this type of layout created in the image of a rock shore.

Top: The combination of a sprawling rock arrangement and fine-leaved Cuba Pearl Grass can create scenery of vast expansive land.

Bottom: Stem plants are shaped through trimming by using the ridgeline of the Iwagumi as the guideline for trimming.