One of the most envied gardens, most relaxing, harmonious, serene, inspiring peace and tranquility, are the gardens called Zen. These gardens are inspired by traditional Japanese philosophy. Therefore, it is not so easy to imitate or to be able to achieve. Because first of all, for them, it is a way of life. No two Zen gardens are the same and they are never copied.
Unlike other traditional European gardens, the size here is not important or the most important thing, at least. Moreover, you can have a tiny Zen Garden, mount it on a floor, in an indoor garden, on a terrace, in a garden, in a small corner, etc. There are materials that will be basic, that you can never miss in a corner or Zen Garden. But it will also depend, as we have already mentioned, on whether you have a large or small garden or prefer a dry style or not. The same as materials such as stones, rocks, plants, water and of course, sand. No matter how small the space is, a little sand gives a lot of play and relaxes a lot. It can be applied in case of large gardens (where you will need a rake) and be able to let yourself go with the designs and check how stressed you are or, buy them small in case of being a very small space and buy them already made. Did you know this? Well, keep reading, we tell you everything to prepare your Zen Garden.
Instructions
- If you want to set up and prepare your own Zen Garden, there are materials that you cannot miss. Although you should also take into account what specific type you need, want, prefer or brings you more benefits.
- Keep in mind that how it is a philosophy, you have to take into account, what you need and what you want and / or seek. Although at first glance, a Zen Garden is beautiful, it can be more or less striking and with more or less things depending also on what each owner wants.
- For example, it is not the same to make a Zen Garden that is dry, where priority is given to sand (to be able to rake), stones, have all kinds of natural elements (such as stones, plants, mosses, etc.) or include waterfalls, lakes, ponds, fountains, etc.
- Or do it in a big way and include it all in one, differentiated by the different zones. Because everyone has their own needs and, in these gardens, it is not important to impress, or to attract attention. The important thing really is that it helps and relaxes those who enjoy it.
- Therefore, it is important to know if a person prefers to relax by tracking sand, prefers to place and change the stones of place, meditate while listening to the sound of water, relax while listening to water fall in a waterfall or fountain, and so on. The ideas are many and the options, too. The important thing to know is that there is no perfect Zen Garden. The perfect one will be the one that best suits your personality and your needs. So here, there is no competitiveness.
- To have a garden with the necessary characteristics you have to take into account its philosophy, taking this into account, meditation is the basis of everything. Therefore, the garden has to be designed and thought for this purpose. A garden that when you see it, makes you want to meditate, brings you relaxation, peace and serenity.
- Something that you will get a lot out of will be to place a water area in your Zen Garden. But here, you will have to assess what space you have and how much garden you have. Because as soon as we talk about water, we can be talking about a space and budget where you can place a small waterfall, a huge fountain, a pond even with a waterfall, a small lake … or, something simpler and cheaper, such as a small fountain. What you try to achieve with water is to relax with the sound of water, listen to how it falls, pours … It is an incredible feeling of peace and help and a lot, to meditate and put the mind blank.
- Designing and carrying out a Zen style garden does not have to be expensive. In fact, it will depend on what or how it is distributed but you have to think that in this type of gardens the cost once already assembled, is very little.
- When it comes to putting into practice the design of the garden, it will be enough to think about what areas you want to use and for what. For example, we give you some ideas: if you like the noise of water, you should not forget to place a fountain. More or less large, depending on your budget or space. If you can afford to place a small lake or pond, so much the better. It will give you a lot of peace of mind when it comes to relaxing. You can also use as a fountain function (in case you cannot place one), if you have a pool, buy a small floating fountain. They are placed in the pool, on the water and are not only striking but also relaxing their waterfall sound.
- Also, you can place small spaces of plants such as moss, trunks, rocks, stones … It is to think about the zones, spaces (which can be very small) and play with the forms. The stones can be bought in different colors (the most used are reddish, gray, black and white) and either use everything in the same color or play in different shades.
- The stones normally and to go to the most economical, the so-called partridge’s eye or gravel are usually used. Also, the trunks or woods that cover the flowerbeds and in turn, protect the plants from excessive heat.
- As for the plants, it will depend on what you like the most, but you have to think about what brings tranquility, serenity and helps us meditate (but you also have to think about the climate). Therefore, if you have, for example, a small pond, the plants that can be placed there (such as the water lily) are the most typical.
- Some ish will also help you observe it when you want to disconnect and relax watching it.
- The areas to be able to scan not all have it due to the lack of space, but even if it is small, it can be placed (with fine sand is enough) and you need a rake. You will only need tranquility and your time, to design your own path and sand design. When the paths are made and the undulations are observed, it looks very beautiful and gives a different look. Of course, this space is usually very special and intimate. It is not to be stepped on or played on. It is where each one captures his mood. Where you can make circles, stripes, paths, undulations, etc. Therefore, think about the areas where you place the sand so that you should not step on it when passing. If so, think about placing stones and they will not spoil your space.
- Of course, we cannot forget the details that will make it unique. This will depend of course on the taste of each one. It will depend on the budget, space and how much you like more or less certain things. For example, the basics that can never be missing are the Buddha-shaped figures. Essential in any Zen Garden.
- The same as the figures and lanterns, the most characteristic plants as we discussed above are usually these (although everyone should use the ones, they like the most, what they can take care of and what least stresses them) because in any Japanese Zen Garden something that is not missing is bamboo. But we are not in Japan and neither the climate is the same nor is it so simple or economical to maintain… So, if you can try, go ahead. But there are more flowers, such as the beautiful magnolias, azaleas, moss, ferns, etc. The fern are plants of easy care and if it grows well and the minimum care is taken, it can grow a lot and become very leafy, so it looks and shines, really spectacular.
What You Need
- Sand.
- A rake.
- A shovel.
- A peak.
- Cubes.
- Water.
- Fountain.
- Plants, trunks, moss, etc.
- Stones and/or rocks.
- Earth.
- Lanterns.
- Buddha figures.
Councils
As we have already told you, when designing your own Zen Garden, you do not have to be ostentatious or leave a lot of money. It will be enough to know what you want to achieve. If you like plants, you have time, you give it care, then opt for a space with plants. But if you do not like them or do not have a hand, you could include if you want plants, some cacti or more resistant and leafy plants such as fern, yucca, bamboo, etc.
If you like to track, then the dry garden will be ideal. Do not forget an area with different shades of sand if you want to make it something more striking and the different stones and rocks that you can place on the way, separating space, as sculpture, etc. And water, the other natural element, which will depend on the place you have (we have given you different ideas depending on it). Simply relax from your own space, trace the sand to relax, leave your mind blank while listening to the sound of the water from the fountain, read a book or meditate while you are next to your lanterns or Buddhas.