Zen gardens first emerged as places of meditation in temples of Zen Buddhism. Designed to mimic nature, they incorporate gravel, water, stones, sand, and pruned greenery elements.
Are you looking to find some inner peace in the new year? An experienced landscaping company can help you to create a mini Zen garden in your own yard. The scaled-back size brings affordability and accessibility to Zen garden landscaping.
Incorporating a mini Zen garden into your outdoor space adds an attractive feature that is also beneficial to mind, body, and soul.
The History and Symbolism of Zen Gardens
Traditionally, Zen gardens were a sacred realm for monks to perform their daily practices towards reaching enlightenment. This entailed a mix of physical work and long periods of meditation.
A Zen garden intends to represent the landscape of Japan. They are sometimes referred to as 'Japanese rock gardens' or 'dry landscape gardens' too. Each component of a Zen garden has a specific meaning.
Stones
Stones depict mountains and islands but are also used to represent waterfalls when a water source is not available. They also signify strength and power. Large stones often mark the entrance of a Zen garden as a sign of welcome.
Gravel/Sand
Gravel and sand symbolize the sea and its emptiness, distance, and purity. The act of raking the gravel and sand helps to develop concentration. Monks used to rake and re-rake patterns in the sand to bring peace to a wandering mind.
Plants
Pruned shrubs and bushes, as well as pine and bamboo, are ideal for Zen garden landscaping. Take care to avoid short-lived, colourful foliage. Instead, minimal contrast and subtle, year-round greenery are preferential. The wind moving through the limbs represents the Zen principle of strength through flexibility.
Water
Representing cleansing and purification, streams, ponds, and waterfalls are an important part of a Zen garden. Still, water allows reflection in both a literal and figurative sense, aiding in meditation practices. Moving water symbolizes the passage of time.
Bridges
The bridges found in Zen gardens reference one's journey between dimensions and signify the unity between man and nature.
Planning Your Own Mini Zen Garden
Even if you aren't big into meditation, creating a backyard mini Zen garden has other benefits. Utilise your mini Zen garden to improve creativity, increase focus and concentration, and relieve stress and anxiety.
First, you will need to find a suitable space. Don't worry if your yard is small. Mini Zen gardens can be adapted to any size. Try to choose an area that is the furthest removed from nearby roads or neighbours. When thinking about size, also consider your budget.
Choose the right components for your environment. For example, sand may suit a sheltered area while gravel is a better choice for a more exposed mini Zen garden. Talk to your landscaper about what greenery will thrive all year round.
Find Your Zen
While traditional Zen gardens were sprawling and elaborate, creating a scaled-down version brings the same benefits right to your doorstep. Regardless of your space and budget, there are ways to incorporate all of the symbolic elements into your backyard mini Zen garden.
Are you ready to get started? Contact our team of experienced landscape designers and let us help you create the Zen garden of your dreams!
