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Generally, buying little readymade statuettes is a satisfactory solution if the gardener of the Japanese miniature garden is not a good modeler. The models can be coated to look like they are made of marble, stone or lead and even bronze, as desired. The statues are placed as centerpieces near the pools and can even be placed in niches.
Similarly, sundials and birdbaths can be constructed to look like stonework for Japanese gardens. In order to look like wrought iron work, the fittings, stands and brackets can be made with wire, metal panels with a fairly soft metal like zinc. While placing a sundial, it is essential to note that it should be preferably positioned in a sunny position. Besides these, decorative vases and urns can be used in some styles of gardens but calls for a more careful selection and arrangement than other features. Sometimes, these features can be used with balustrades to hold small trees or plants. This can be used to appear like a continuous stream or trickle of water flowing into a rill or pool. The vases can be bought or made in modeling paste to the desired shape and size.
Ethnic furniture looks elegant in a Japanese garden but selecting it is not an easy task. Generally, a stone bench or a formal white-painted seat can be used in a formal style garden.
The additions for the different Japanese garden types should be implemented judiciously. The Greek temple look would be ideal for a formal garden. It includes a dome on pillars, standing on a circular foundation. For less formal miniature gardens, a wellhead, dovecote, summerhouse, arbor or chalet made of wood, wire, modeling paste or any other material might be considered. The ruins of a castle can also be designed against rocky landscapes to add to the style and theme of the garden. The addition of features to the trough or outdoor types of Japanese miniature gardens look good but it is better not to add too many. The features should not be used only for the sake of presence but to enhance the existent features, the plants and the style. Choose between a variety of buildings, ranging from tiny rest houses and teahouses, to bower houses and houses with verandas or ornate temple buildings. There are a number of features that can be made with modeling paste. The finer details can be carved with a sharp knife or filed. Then the model can be painted with bright colors.