How to Create a Sacred Zen Space in a Garden
You want to create a garden that grows peace and tranquility. A traditional Zen garden is minimalistic, yet needs space. Raked gravel, carefully tended pools and plantings---this is a garden for contemplation more than meditation, according to "Zen In Your Garden" by Jenny Hendy. Hendy suggests you "keep only what you need, the rest is superfluous." There is no one way to create a Zen garden, as they can be adapted to any climate and use a variety of materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plot out the space you wish to use as your Zen garden. Choose an open area. Since Zen gardens have open spaces, you can choose a spot where you have trouble growing your lawn, for example. Consider positioning your garden so the backdrop is a hedge, windbreak or privacy fence for a feeling of solitude. Decide which features you want and gather your materials accordingly. Features to consider are fountains, fish ponds, raised gardens, stone walls and walkways, screens, trees and flowers. Remember that with a Zen garden, less is more and that Zen is spiritual, not practical. Do not feel as if you need to have a blueprint for your Zen garden. Follow your instincts.
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Clear the space. Build rambling rock walls, bamboo screens or Japanese-style fences to give your space an enclosed feel to it. It is not necessary to enclose the space; you just want to give the impression of an enclosure. Create an inexpensive boundary by using wooden fence planks, suggests Hendy. Build a framework of upright posts set in the ground with concrete or metal sockets. Then, make a horizontal framework with struts. Bamboo also makes a beautiful structure.
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Create open spaces within your Zen garden using stones, sand and gravel. Circular designs, spirals and flowing patterns of stone walkways and patios create a dry garden. Use cobblestones or a rocky waterfall to create a peaceful place for contemplation.
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Bring the element of water to your garden. Waterfalls, ponds and streams are beautiful, tranquil additions to a Zen garden. Be aware that a fish pond is a project that requires a lot of attention. You may choose to have a simple pond made by digging a hole, putting in a liner and surrounding it with rocks, sand and vegetation, or have running fountains and a beautiful array of goldfish. Or, put in a simple water basin and water spout made of bamboo.
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Plant areas with trees, bamboo and flowers. You can either do this in raised beds or in small islands throughout your Zen garden. Incorporate the plantings with the overall flow of your other garden features. In a shady area, create a moss garden or a garden of similar ground cover. Add plantings around your pond or in the rocks of your waterfall. Have a burst of color in the center of your raked sand in the form of a poppy-filled basin. Prune and shape some Japanese trees to border the entrance to your garden. Listen to your heart and meditate to discover the places where life belongs in your garden.
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Consider other features to complete your sacred space without overwhelming it. Build a small bridge over your stream; construct a tea-house in the back corner by the fish pond; frame your entrance with an archway of stone or bamboo. Add lighting with some lanterns either hung on a screen or surrounding the walkway. This will create mood lighting for a nighttime visit to your garden.
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Tips & Warnings
To create your Zen space, it might be helpful to study the Japanese style garden, but more importantly you should be in touch with what your own soul needs and create your garden with that in mind. Interpret what you need for inspiration and incorporate that into your garden. Your Zen garden might be an inspiring place for found objects that have a lot of meaning for you.
