The shape of the pond, the vegetation and the rocks are planned to be viewed from a single spot, usually from a pavilion or veranda, taking also advantage of a borrowed scenery background, like in this photo from Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama, Kyoto.
EXIF info:
Nikon D90
Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 11mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/640s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200