One of the most envied gardens, more relaxing, harmonious, serene, that inspire 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 above all, for them, it is a way of life. No two Zen gardens are the same and they are never copied.
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Unlike other traditional European gardens, the size here is not important or the most important, at least. What’s more, you can have a tiny Zen garden, set it up in an apartment, in an interior 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 whether you prefer a rained 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 the 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 a very small space and buy them already made. Did you know this? Well keep reading, we will 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 gives you more benefits.
- You have to take into account that since it is a philosophy, you have to take into account what you need and what you want and/or are looking for. Although at first glance, a Zen garden is beautiful, it can be more or less striking and with more or less things depending 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, having all kinds of natural elements (such as stones, plants, mosses, etc.)or, include waterfalls, lakes, ponds, fountains, etc.
- Or do it big and include it all in one, differentiated by the different areas. Because each one has their own needs and in these gardens, it is not important to impress or attract attention. The really important thing 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 place of stones, meditate while listening to the sound of water, relax while listening to the falling water in a waterfall or fountain, etc. The ideas are many and the options, too. The important thing is to know 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 competition.
- To have a garden with the necessary characteristics, you have to take into account its philosophy, bearing this in mind; meditation is the basis of everything. Therefore, the garden has to be designed and designed 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 of use out of is placing 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 when 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 the water is to relax with the sound of the water, listen to how it falls, how it pours… it is an incredible sensation of peace and helps 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 we must bear in mind that in this type of garden, the cost once it is set up is very little.
- When it comes to putting the garden design into practice, it will suffice to think about what areas you want to use and for what. For example, we give you some ideas: if you like the sound 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, much better. It will give you a lot of tranquility 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, over the water and are not only striking but also relaxing with their waterfall sound.
- Also, you can place small spaces for plants such as moss, trunks, rocks, stones… it is to think about the areas, spaces (which can be very small) and play with shapes. The stones can be bought in different colors (the most used are the reddish, gray, white and black ones) or, use them all in the same color or play in different shades.
- The stones normally and to go to the most economical, the so-called partridge eye or gravel are usually used. Also the trunks or wood that cover the beds 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 tranquility brings, serenity and helps us meditate (but you also have to think about the weather). 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 Fes will also help you to observe it when you want to disconnect and you will relax looking at it.
- Not all areas to be able to rake have it due to lack of space, but even if it is small, it can be placed (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 nice and gives a different appearance. Of course, this space is usually very special and intimate. It is not for anyone to step on it or play on it. It is where each one shapes their state of mind. Where you can make circles, stripes, paths, ripples, etc. Therefore, think about the areas where you place the sand so that you do not have to step on it when passing. If so, think about placing stones so they won’t spoil your space.
- Of course, we cannot forget the details that will make it unique. This will of course depend 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 figures in the form of Buddha. A must in any Zen garden.
- The same as the figures and the lanterns, the most characteristic plants as we mentioned before are usually these (although each one should use the ones they like the most, the ones they can take care of and the one that stresses them the least) because in any Japanese Zen garden something that is not missing is bamboo. But we are not in Japan and the climate is not the same, nor is it as simple or cheap to maintain therefore, if you can try it, go ahead. But there are more flowers, like the beautiful magnolias, azaleas, moss, ferns, etc. Ferns are easy-care plants and if they grow well and minimal care is taken, they can grow a lot and become very leafy, so what remains and looks really spectacular.
What do you need:
- Sand.
- To rake
- To shovel
- To pickaxe
- Buckets.
- Toilet.
- Font.
- Plants, logs, moss, etc.
- Stones and/or rocks.
- Land.
- Lanterns.
- Buddha figures.
Tips
As we have already told you, when designing your own Zen garden, you should not be ostentatious or spend a lot of money. It is enough to know what it is that you want to achieve. If you like plants, you have time; you take care of it, and then opt for a space with plants. But if you don’t like them or you don’t have a hand, you could include, if you want plants, some cacti or more resistant and leafy plants such as ferns, 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 either on the way, as a separating space, as a 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 in your own space, track the sand to relax, let your mind go blank while listening to the sound of water from the fountain, read a book or meditate while you are next to your lanterns or Buddha’s.
