Design A Zen Garden: The Perfect Spot For Relaxation And Reflection
The Zen garden is a garden designed in the specific style of that used by ancient Japanese monks to create a Japanese garden in which they could meditate and contemplate things. Records show that the Zen garden existed way back in the thirteenth century and, possibly, earlier. In recent years the popularity of the Zen garden has increased dramatically and it is common to see one at the front of an important building.
Every single element of the Zen garden, and every aspect of every item in the Zen garden, has been very carefully considered at all stages of creation, resulting in a wholly three dimensional entity which consists of a clearly defined background and foreground to create the sensation of depth.
Each and every element in a Zen garden has purpose and meaning and should relate directly to the person who will be using it for serious contemplation. Water is often used, whether still or moving, sometimes together with other items such as bridges and gates. Water is considered to be the provider of life and is often incorporated into the design of a Zen garden in the form of a fountain, waterfall, stream, pool or another water feature such as a fountain that simply flows over a number of pebbles or stones.
Zen Garden Flowers
While many picture a Zen garden consisting of a gravel pit, raked in a particular style, with a large rock carefully placed somewhere within the pit, it is not unusual to find flowers in a Zen garden.
However you should take great care in choosing which plants to use.
Obviously you should only ever use plants that are suitable for your local area and climate (that is unless you plan to replace flowers regularly which would prove rather pointless and expensive). The choice of color is also vitally important, try to choose a color which compliments the other aspects of the Zen garden rather than clash with them.
Above all the Zen garden is all about peace and harmony, if you choose a plant that clashes with some other aspect of the garden it will not create the correct atmosphere and will create unbalance rather than harmony. A flower chosen incorrectly can destroy all of your hard work in a matter of minutes.
As with any other garden design it is vitally important that you understand the design principles involved in Zen garden design. One of the best ways to do this is to purchase a small number of books on the subject. For this reason we have a few suitable books dotted around this page with more Zen garden books at the very bottom of the page. If you are unable to afford to buy a few Zen garden books then it is worth noting the titles and you can ask at your local library if they have them in stock or if they could suggest a suitable alternative.
For those with a little more cash at their disposal it would be a very good idea to employ the services of a Zen garden design specialist. Such an expert will be able to offer excellent advice on all aspects of your design from the basic layout and structure to the choice of plants and flowers. A quick look in your regional telephone book or business directory should provide at least one or two specialist designers, if not I am sure you will be able to find a few online who would be willing to help.
Zen Garden Rocks
As mentioned earlier, most of use will admit that when we think of a Zen garden we will include rocks in our list of recognizable elements of design. Rocks are one of the most important elements in the Zen garden which help to create dimension. It is usually best to use rocks which have been well worn by nature to create character, and also choose rocks which are relatively uniform in color and texture.
Once you have chosen your desired rocks you should place them in your Zen garden, it is most common to see the larger rocks towards the front of the garden with the subsequent rocks being placed further to the background gradually reducing in size (thus creating an extra illusion of depth). Rocks are representative of time and energy and they are usually given great prominence in the Zen garden so keep this in mind while placing yours.
Your Zen garden should consist of a number of different areas each with it's own character and form. Only when you have settled upon these regions should you embark upon the linking of them with the use of bridges, gates, pathways of sand and gravel etc. You can add other elements to your design at this stage such as garden ornaments or other items which you feel will add to the ambience and tranquility of your Zen garden thus creating the perfect place for you to relax and enter a mood of contemplation.
In today's modern world, which is often in great turmoil, it is often pretty difficult to find a space in which you can totally unwind after a hectic day's work. Having your own Zen garden will ensure that you will always have a special place where you can recharge your batteries ready for the next day's stresses and tribulations.
At the bottom of this page you will find more books about Zen gardens and Zen garden design.
More articles about garden design below this video presentation
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See also: Landscaping, Lawn Care, Organic Garden, Barbeque Grill/Smokers, Outdoor Furniture, Vegetable Gardening & Vegetable Gardens
Below is a selection of books about Zen gardens and Zen garden design:
