What is Zen garden?

Know about Zen Garden

In Japan, there is a tradition of making rock gardens using a few simple and natural elements such gardens are often called Zen Gardens. However, many proponents have an objection to this term.

In Japanese, rock gardens are referred to as Karesansui. A Zen Garden is built using two primary things- rocks and sand or Gravel. The garden is surrounded by natural elements such as ornamental plants and grass.

The rocks are used to make islands which are placed carefully in the garden that consists of a pit of sand or gravel. The sand is skilfully placed in patterns of the ripples of the sea.

Some people consider the outcroppings of rocks as a symbol of the islands of Japan, whereas several people consider that it symbolizes a mother tiger swimming with her cubs towards a dragon.

A Zen garden is built to refresh the mood, therefore, while designing the garden it is very important to keep in mind that all the accessories should be arranged properly so that they look pleasing to the eyes.

How to Make A Zen Garden?

Zen garden is a good option to make a neater garden with lesser accessories. A Zen garden looks calm and organized. The Japanese garden can also be built in the backyard.

Before making a Zen garden it is very important to decide if you want the garden to occupy the whole yard or want to make a little garden for your table. You can create either a desktop garden or one in your backyard.

Usually, Zen gardens are dry landscapes. Therefore, a lot of sand or gravel is required to make it. It needs lots of creativity to rake sand in the form of water ripples. Rake the sand in 3-4 inches deep for an optimum effect. You can change the look of a Zen garden anytime you want.

Apart from sand or gravel and rocks, you could add a stone lamp, a statue and any attractive thing, such as a pagoda, a pergola or a gazebo. You can also add some plant in the garden. Bright yellow flowers in the garden is a symbol of yang energy, while dark green plants are the symbol of yin energy.

Don't forget to leave spaces for walking so that visitors can go whichever area they want in the garden. To enhance the beauty of the garden at night you can place some lamps.

It is not necessary that Zen gardens should always be dry. You can add some water features or create the Zen garden near a pond because water generates positive energy. Even bridges can be built into the garden. Some people also make sitting arrangement for the visitors so that they can sit in the garden and relax.

What Is A Desktop Garden?

In order to make your work area a pleasant place, you can create a small Zen garden or a desktop garden. For making a desktop garden, first decide a size, create a small mold and place some sand and stones artfully in the form of the ripple of water. Add some small decorative items to make the garden attractive.