By Donna Hessel
- Choose a “power” spot. Is there shade where you can hear a breeze? Can you add a bench or chair? Does it offer a view of the sunset? Is it flat and somewhat isolated? Traditional Japanese Zen gardens are created on seven principles. Austerity (Koko), Simplicity (Kanso), Naturalness (Shinzen), Asymmetry (Fukinsei), Mystery or Subtlety (Yugen), Magical or Unconventional (Datsuzoku) and Stillness (Seijaku). Some or all of these can be incorporated in your garden refuge.
- Sketch a design. Keep your design simple and uncluttered. A few plants and a couple of large rocks may be all that you need. An area of sand or fine gravel that can be raked might be interesting. A muted color scheme will keep the area relaxing. Consider the size of the elements you are adding and keep them in proportion with the size of your space. The neutral tones of natural materials have a calming effect.
A strip of raked sand around a large rock will make a soothing spot for your eyes to rest on.
- Add a curve. Gently curving lines are easier on the eyes than straight lines. Perhaps it’s the path leading to your Zen space, or a curved border surrounding plants or a rock. Jan Johnsen of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools suggests picking a central radius point for your curve, then using marking paint (spray paint will do) or powdered limestone to mark the ground as you pivot from the central point. Arranging a hose to mark the curve works also.
- Plan a color scheme. Selecting one color that weaves through the area, whether a flower, ornament, foliage or piece of furniture, creates a sense of cohesiveness that guides your vision around the space. Choose a color you like and incorporate it bit by bit with different materials.
- Refresh all your senses. Don’t forget to add something fragrant. Pleasing fragrances and foliage with a soft texture invite you to relax.
- Add a water feature. Traditional Zen gardens do not include water features, but the sound of burbling water may be soothing to you. A solar fountain will work in shallow water in a carved rock or bird bath. It’s easy to install and maintain as long as you’ve selected a spot that gets some sun.
A waterfall may be out of the question, but a solar fountain could sound just as relaxing.
Consider These Elements
- Rocks. Choosing and placing larger rocks is crucial to your design. Larger rocks act as sculptural elements and should be installed first since they are the heaviest material and will be primary focal points.
- Sand or Gravel. Gravel is more durable and easier to maintain. Finely crushed or pea gravel or small, smooth pebbles can easily be raked into patterns. Use a fine-toothed metal rake to smooth the surface and a wide-toothed rake to make the pattern. White, neutral cream or gray are calming colors.
- Screening. A trellis, hedge or partial wall will add a feeling of seclusion to the space.
- Statuary. A statue can become a focal point. Traditional statues in a Japanese Zen garden are Buddha figures or lanterns, but you might prefer St. Francis feeding the birds, an angel or some other object.
- Seating. Be sure to add a bench or comfortable chair.
- Lighting. If your Zen garden will be visited often after dark, investigate some kind of lighting to light a path or within the garden. Inexpensive solar lights add subtle lighting after dark in a garden flooded by sunlight during the day.
- Plant Material. Typically, plants tend to be low and creeping to complement rocks and ornaments. Flowers are rarely seen and foliage in neutral shades of green inspires serenity. Consider dwarf conifers, Japanese maples, azaleas, sedges, creeping ground covers, ferns and mosses. The amount of sun or shade the spot you’ve chosen gets will determine the plants you select.
Maintaining Your Garden
If you’ve planned your Zen garden well, there should be minimal maintenance. You may want to re-rake the sand or gravel to keep patterns fresh (this can be a relaxing, meditative process in itself). Pick up any leaves that have fallen or blown into the area. Pull any weeds when they are small. Prune plants or shrubs as needed and deadhead flowers that have bloomed to keep the appearance of the garden simple and well groomed.
Relax and enjoy!
With a few hours of planning and actual toil, you can make a space in your garden to which you can retreat whenever you need a few moments of serenity. Keep it simple. Appreciate the process and especially, enjoy the results of your Zen garden!
Article Resources:
Garden Gate Online Newsletter – December, 2024 – “How to Create a Peaceful Garden that Promotes Relaxation” – by Jan Johnsen, Jan Johnsen Landscaping & Pool Design.
Garden Design Online Newsletter – 4-29-21 -“Zen Garden Design Ideas: Add Some Zen to Your Landscape” – by Janet Loughrey
All photos from pexels.com
