Zen Gardens
Zen Garden Design - Principles and History
by Steve C. Boulden

Every facet of a Zen garden is characterized by one or the other, water is yin; earth is yang. The epitome of a Zen garden is achieved when yin and yang balance for harmonious feng shui; this adheres to a second principle of working with nature's tendencies as much as your landscape allows.

Designed to produce a 3-D effect of height and depth, a Zen garden is planned with foreground and background to draw one's focus. More harmony is achieved by balancing different colors, sizes, and shapes of flora, so no one plant overwhelms. Trees and larger shrubbery placed at the rear of your garden offer privacy and a natural backdrop. More feng shui tips for your Zen garden?

Planting for your climate: Mosses, ground covers, ornamental grasses, hardy flowering blooms, shrubs, and focal point trees, in varied heights, colors, and textures, add lush vibrancy to your garden.

Drought-resistant plants thrive in a Zen garden's sandy areas and are perfect for low-rainfall zones. Mosses and low-maintenance ground covers serve to soften straight lines, such as pre-existing walkways, and promote the flow of chi. Choose plants that will flourish in your region.

Nature's Rocks: Rocks give dimension to a Zen garden. They reflect permanence and respect for the passing of time, while adding energy and emotion to your landscape. Select unique rocks and stones, organizing them according to their special characteristics and sizes; place them where best suited for your garden's flow. Choose smooth, well-worn stones for added appeal.

Water Features: All elements have a purpose in a Zen garden. Water features such as pools, ponds and fountains offer yin energy and encourage beneficial chi. Garden lighting to highlight special areas balances that with yang (male) energy. You get the idea.

Water elements can include natural facets already in your landscape; a pre-existing stream or pond, or may be added – either naturally or man-made.

Sand and pebble formations can also be used to represent water: swirl sand with a rake or fingertips to create a rippling water effect - the swirls also promote the flow of chi in your garden. While sand areas are lovely, I prefer using them in tandem with actual water features for more dramatic appeal.

Paths and Walkways: Paths should never be straight, as chi energy is supposed to flow gently. A Zen garden craves meanderings and curves to soften straight lines and edging, because a curved path encourages chi to move more slowly and freely. If you already have straight paths, plant mosses to soften them; allow plants to grow over edges to help chi to circulate freely.

Bridges: Most of us have seen the stock photo print or done a jigsaw puzzle of the Zen garden with the small red bridge spanning across a pond of water lilies – or was it lotus flowers? Regardless, bridges add beauty and evoke emotion to any type of garden and are one of the architectural elements most often added to a Zen garden. Employ them to span a water feature, to connect different garden areas, and to offer access and views of your garden that would be unattainable otherwise.

Focal Points and Decorative Ornaments: These are other architectural features to enhance the atmosphere in your garden and create a sense of space. A hanging lantern, Buddha statuary, or mahogany woodwork add to the feel of a Zen garden. A well-placed, unique boulder partially embedded in the earth and a few solar yard lights to complement your special features will add beauty in a holistic way.

Gates and Arbors: One of the finest features of a Zen garden? You can create one anywhere – even in the smallest of space. Through well-planned placement of features, the illusion of more area and depth is possible.

A gate situated at your garden entrance will enhance the illusion of extra space. Arbors draw the eye near or far and are wonderful ways to give the essence of privacy while adding to your garden's beauty. Climbing vines work well here to promote a sense of tranquility.

Whether a special, eye-catching niche in your yard or an all-encompassing theme, a Zen garden provides a beautiful spot for relaxing and pondering. Above all, your Zen garden should offer outdoor living space for sharing with family and friends.

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