Create depth and contrast with this beautiful plant that can easily be planted in containers or in the ground. Not only do Bamboo plants act as an accent plant, but they can also be used to create a privacy screen. Both trees have great winter interest and have bonsai appearance fit for any zen garden.īamboo is a key design element to Zen Garden for its unique growth habit, structure, and height. If you’re planting in a small space, Crimson Queen Japanese Maple or Red Dragon Japanese Maple is perfect for its compact size.

No other family of plants has more leaf shapes than the Japanese Maple family. Often used as a focal point, Japanese Maple trees come in many forms, colors, and styles fit for a Zen Garden, big or small.

Japanese Maples trees are one of the most collected and desirable trees sold in nurseries today. Now that you have an understanding of the key elements of Zen Gardens, let’s move on to a list of plants that will bring your space to life! Plants Fit for a Zen Garden If you live in an extremely cold climate, your fish will need to be brought indoors during the winter months. Need more inspiration? See the image below of the Portland Japanese Garden!Īnother staple in Zen Gardens is the use of fish within bodies of water - while Koi fish are the first to come to mind, Goldfish are proven to be hardier. If you’re short on space, a pavilion stone lantern will not only add warmth at night, but also stays true to the Japanese Garden designs. A small tea house or pavilion made of wood is perfect for viewing the serene garden landscape. Take your Zen Garden up notch with a private pavilion area, if your garden space permits it. When in doubt, keep it simple, but meaningful. Once you have selected your plants, include traditional Japanese architecture including stone lanterns, rain chains, small bridges over waterways, and pagoda statues. Neutral color schemes are encouraged to use throughout your space’s design to help relax the mind. Sand and gravel is commonly used in dry gardens or mini Zen Gardens for their compact nature. You can also create a stepping stone path in your rock garden to represent the journey through life, or raked gravel to represent flowing water. The ultimate goal is to create a picturesque backyard Zen Garden that evokes your senses of smell, sight, and sound.įor authenticity, your Zen Garden should include an arrangement of rock formations which represent mountains when placed next to water features. It’s important to create a space that drives the emotion of mystery, calmness, and tranquility while connecting you with nature. Whether you're looking to fill a small space or large yard, there are several plants available on Garden Goods Direct to create a Japanese Garden of your own.īefore we move on to the plant options, here’s a few essential elements to achieve the Zen Garden look and feel in your outdoor space. You can achieve this spiritual haven in your own backyard with elements including water, rocks, and plants. With all that’s going on in the world, it’s important to take time and create space for solitude, reflection, and relaxation.

Historically, Zen Gardens were created to provide peace in times of war and strife. Later, small hermitage huts for individuals and larger meditation halls for groups sitting together were developed as quiet places that allow this deep concentration.The Best Plants for Creating a Japanese Garden The original instructions for Zen meditation, or dhyana, to use the Sanskrit pronunciation of the same word, involved going into a secluded forest and sitting under a tree. The mind is sharp and clear, and at the same time, the body is relaxed and sensitive.' Zen Mind in Many Places 'But when we relax and open our minds in the midst of quiet, unobtrusive beauty, our senses open wide. The meaning of Zen gardens lies in their peculiar beauty, a beauty that calls and allows us to be aware of things in a much more open and sensitive way than we normally can. A deep, healing, spiritual and physical integration is possible. This awakens a great deal of healing power, and also artistic and emotional sensitivity. The mind is sharp and clear, and at the same time, the body is relaxed and sensitive. But when we relax and open our minds in the midst of quiet, unobtrusive beauty, our senses open wide.