Saikei, bonseki and bonkei

Saikei:
Group and rock plantings can be taken a step further by adding small underplantings of alpine
plants and tiny shrubs. Rocks can be embedded into the soil and small streams suggested by the use of white sand. Such a planting is generally calledsaikei, and small figurines and bridges are sometimes added to the landscape. See example picture above.

Bonseki:
Using a shallow tray of almost any composition, you can create a meditativebonseki composition. This generally consists of a group of rocks or stones placed in raked sand, which gives the impressions of small islands in the sea. As there are no living plants in bonseki, it doesn't require any care and can be kept indefinitely. Children love bonseki!

Bonkei:
Bonkei is another type of tray landscape which attempts to replicate natural or imaginary scenes. Every type of material available can be used, including artificial or real plants, figurines,
false rocks, and paint. The finished effect, however, should again mimic nature and retain a natural elegance.