Advertisement
A typical zen garden consists of a few components that are supposed to symbolize different aspects of nature. Raked white gravel represents the ocean waves, vertically stacked boulders are reminiscent of mountains, and small and flat rocks are like islands.
However, creating a beautiful and relaxing zen garden might prove to be quite difficult. Fortunately, we are here to help! If you want to create your own zen garden, you should definitely keep reading.
Here, you will find a list of steps that will help you create the zen garden of your dreams. With careful planning, hard work, and necessary maintenance, you should be able to create a beautiful zen garden in no time!
Step 1: Buy What You Need
First, you should think about what you want to see in your zen garden. Ask yourself a few questions related to the look of your dream zen garden and buy the things that you will need to make it happen. Here is a list of basic tools and supplies that you should use!
- tape measure
- string, string level
- stakes
- back brace
- work gloves
- a wooden Zen rake
- a steel garden rake
- a hoe
- a shovel
- landscape fabric
- white gravel
- rocks
You can go to your local home improvement store, but purchasing the necessary things online is a viable option, too. In fact, if you manage to find a few discount coupons, such as the Hoselink coupons listed here, doing your shopping online might help you save hundreds of dollars!
Step 2: Choose the Location
Before you start making your zen garden, it is essential that you find the right place for it and take measurements of that area. Ideally, you should put the zen garden in an open and shaded area. That way, if you plant a tree in it, the said tree will be able to grow freely.
You will need to think about the size of your zen garden, too. For instance, if you have a large backyard, you should be able to fit a large water feature in it, such as a pond. On the other hand, if your backyard is small, you should go for a small bird fountain instead.
Step 3: Prepare the Area
It is time for you to prepare your chosen spot! First, you should clear the area. You need to get rid of fallen leaves, pick up tree branches, and pull weeds. Second, dig the ground using a shovel.
Having done that, you should make the soil loose in order to be able to plant a few plants in it. To do that, till the soil to a depth of ten inches. Then, remove roots, rocks, and other debris from the soil. It will make planting plants easier!
Step 4: Lay Out the Stones
A typical zen garden consists of large boulders that stick out of the ground, as well as flat rocks that you can walk on. You can place the boulders around the zen garden in groups of two/three and use the flat rocks to create a path.
Step 5: Add Plants and Bushes
Planting bushes and other plants is an essential part of creating a zen garden, as it brings life and color to the area. However, you should not rush to fill your garden with plants. Instead, start with a few specimens and add a few more later if you feel like it.
Remember to take care of each plant’s proper placement. Each plant should complement the others, as it will result in the creation of a balanced composition. If you want to, you might want to use shrubs, moss, and a couple of small trees.
If you cannot decide what plants would work in your zen garden, consult with a local plant nursery. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a landscaping professional who can offer you advice on which plants you should go for.
Step 6: Add Gravel
Lastly, you should cover the area with a few inches of white gravel and spread it with a hoe. Then, take your Zen rake and rake swirls and ripples in the gravel. You will need to rake the said swirls and ripples back into the gravel from time to time.
In Conclusion
Zen gardens have been around for centuries and are popular among amateur landscapers and art enthusiasts alike. In spite of being quite simple, such gardens feel incredibly calm, which makes for a perfect oasis of peace and tranquility in today’s hectic world.
As you can see, creating a zen garden is not that difficult, all you need is to follow the instructions listed here and work hard on getting the job done. If you do so, you should be able to create the zen garden of your dreams in no time!