It’s the last throes of summer, so it’s vitally important that you enjoy your garden while you can. Soon, the fall and winter weather will swoop in and you won’t be able to sit outside in peace. Ah, quiet – it’s an amazing thing, especially when the house is chaotic. So, it makes sense that you want your outside space to be Zen-like. That way, you’ll definitely be able to relax and recuperate after a long day doing whatever.
You’ve seen some stunning examples but don’t know where to start, but don’t worry because it’s a common problem. All you need is a handful of advice to get you started.
Create An Entrance
Typically, you walk outside via the back door and you’re in the garden. The difference between a normal outside space and a Zen one is the fact that you know you’ve entered the latter. Why? It’s because of the dramatic entrance which splits the garden from the rest of the house. The reason they have a gate is that it gets the mind ready. You don’t need anything fancy; just something which signifies the beginning of the journey. The circular contraption underneath is a perfect illustration. The oriental style works fantastically well with a Zen garden too.
Add Water
One thing which is synonymous with a Zen garden is the sound of flowing water. The reason for this is simple: it’s relaxing. As the H2O gentle tumbles down, the people nearby can let their stress wash over them. A pond is the first port of call, but you might not have enough room so a fountain is a great alternative. Check out Living Water Aeration for pumps to keep the water flowing. If a feature isn’t possible, you can create the illusion of water with rocks and sand.
Use Paths
Everything in a Zen garden has a purpose, which means there should be pathways from one element to the next. And, they should also have meaning. Try and link the features in your garden by a common theme. For example, flags can lead to an overhead shelter which is close to the seating arrangements. The paths don’t have to be substantial because the Japanese like to use small rocks as stepping stones. So, everything which is big enough to step on for a few seconds is perfect. You can even incorporate a little bridge over the water if that’s an option. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Plant Evergreens
When you think about a typical Japanese garden, what springs to mind? Somewhere on the list will be evergreen plants. Zen-enthusiasts love the subtle contrast of the greens; plus, it adds interest year to year. Regardless of the bad weather, there is some value in being in the garden. One plant which is used quite a lot is an azalea. However, you can use whichever evergreens work for you because it’s your space. A tip: pick the ones that don’t need constant pruning.
Are you finally at ease with your garden?