How to Make a Sand Garden

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The sand garden or Zen garden has a long history. The Karesansui, or "dry mountain, and water garden" is the most famous, and is made entirely of sand, decorated with rocks or other elements, that is raked in varying patterns resembling flowing water. Learn how to create your own sand garden

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Determine the scope of your Zen sand garden. Do you wish to have it small enough to fit on your desk, or larger, so it is outside and surrounded by nature or in a special spot in your house?

Step2

Build a frame for the garden according to the dimensions you choose. When the sand garden is smaller, you can use lighter wood and glue or small finish nails as fasteners. When you are building a larger garden, use larger pieces of wood, such as two inch by 12 inch boards, and large wood screws as fasteners.

Step3

Sand and then finish your frame. You can paint it, or use varnish, or whatever sealant you choose.

Step4

Place a weed guard on the ground if you intend to have your sand garden outside. Black plastic or weed-preventing sheets that you can buy at a nursery work well.

Step5

Fill the form with sand of your chose. You may buy large quantities of sand from a local gravel store, landscaping supply store or quarry. Smaller quantities for your table-top sand garden can be found in a local craft store.

Step6

Add items to your garden, such as sculptures, topiary or bonsai, or moss-covered logs. For a smaller garden, add shiny river pebbles.

Step7

Rake your garden in different patterns. Try long, curving lines that imitate flowing water. The possibilities are endless.

Step8

Erase or smooth out the patterns with the back of the rake or a broom, and begin anew.