Granite edging, silver grey

Granite retaining ties are used in the Japanese garden to form boundaries between different parts of the garden. In addition, they can also serve as steps for a staircase, such as a veranda, or as part of an upward-sloping path through the garden.

In addition, granite retaining walls can be used to create a traditional Sokkō gutter (砂利側溝) along the edges of the garden. Sokkō are used to channel rainwater in a very elegant way. The gutters are made by placing a double row of granite retaining walls with an interval of about 20 centimeters parallel to each other. In this interval, a drainage system must then be installed. Finally, this drainage system must be covered with pebbles.