Living in the present, as in right now, is the meaning brought about by the word Zen which also teaches us to enjoy and revel in the beauty of nature and all it wonderful gifts. While the Zen beliefs have first been taught throughout the Buddhist religion it is also used world wide. It is also practiced with several different names like Seon in Korea, Chan in China and Thien in Viet Nam but of course it all boils down to Buddhism. An indoor Zen garden is tranquil, inspirational and a joy to view by people that enjoy gardening , but of course it can be for those who just wish to admire it too. Here are some ways to enjoy a Zen garden and experience the relaxation for your body and your spirit.
Uniting Nature Through The Elements
To create Zen we need to bring together all the elements from nature which are presumable flowing water, pebbles and or rocks along with a dry landscape. It is ideal to place your indoor Zen garden in an area suited to it's size where you tend to relax the most in your home. You will want to pay attention to your indoor Zen garden and be able to reconstruct it everyday as soon as you first create it. Decide on the shape, the plants and the rocks; bonsais or bamboo are both excellent plants for this project due to fact that they fit well into any design you can come up with.
A Little Assistance
Having a little trouble getting started adding and altering and you just want an indoor Zen garden already started to get you going? Well, good news, there are indoor Zen garden kits you can buy that consist of all the essential items required to be set up in a very short time. There are many other ways to come up with ideas such as searching for Zen garden on the internet, looking for photographs of already made gardens that you can fashion after for your own use. You may also visit book stores for further info and drawings that will entice you to be creative.
A Garden Brings You Much More Than Just A Few Plants
Having an indoor Zen garden brings you so much more than you think. It will assist you in relaxing, removing some or all of your stress and most importantly tranquility to your environment. Trickling water brings this effect into reality and is accomplished with such a simple creation. Place a Zen garden where you will get the most relaxation such as the bedroom where you will begin to know what a good nights sleep really is like or you could also use the living area where you could just meditate while enjoying the trickling water sounds.
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Having any kind of indoor garden is possible with the indoor garden system. You can be shown the way by by visiting Tips On Indoor Gardening.com Learn more and see what is available when it comes to indoor garden systems. Tips On Indoor Gardening.com will help you along the way.
Zen gardens are very unique landscaping designs that are also known as "Japanese Rock Gardens." . The word "Zen" means "dry" and the Japanese word for this type of garden is karesansui, meaning dry landscape. Consisting almost exclusively of stones and sand, this type of garden became very popular in Japan during the Shogun era (1185-1573AD), when feudal lords sought to landscape their estates in emulation of Buddhist temples. Monks frequently used such gardens to represent complex Universal truths in simple forms, and they frequently used them as places of meditation to calm and clear their minds.
Although American popular culture commonly refers to anything that looks Japanese or Eastern as a "Zen garden," a true karesansui never contains water. Instead, it uses gravel and sand to symbolize water. Usually the gravel is white or near white in coloration, although this is not a hard-fast rule in landscaping. The reason that sand and gravel are used as water substitutes is because they can be intricately sculpted in ways that water cannot. Using only a rake, a landscaper can depict ripples, sea waves, rushing rivers, or still, quiet lakes. Every so often, the gardener will alter these patterns to reflect the Buddhism belief that the only thing constant in the Universe is change itself. Even those things that appear to be the most fixed of forms are slowly being altered by unseen forces all around us. In many Buddhist temples even to this day, monks remind themselves of this truth by raking the sand in their Zen gardens while they meditate, seeking a still mind in the perfection of linear form, and creative insight in curved patterns of motion that wrap harmoniously around alternating forms.
In most Zen gardens, rocks take the place of vegetation. This is another aspect of their design that makes these landscapes highly unique. Stones carefully placed in the sand create focal points in the endless fluidity that surrounds them, allowing an infinite variety of wave forms to accent their structure and positioning. Buddhist monks, long before Einstein, understood the relationship between matter and energy. The interplay of sand and stone directly reflects this relativistic relationship with a set of simple, natural symbols that are easy to work with and peaceful to behold. The relationship between light sand and dark stone is another important symbolic element, and directly correlates to the concepts of yin and yang. It must be emphasized that black is NOT a symbol of evil in the Eastern World, but instead represents the receptive elements of the mind. In a similar way, white has nothing at all to do with our moral concept of good. It symbolizes the mind's ability to express itself through intentional action. The careful placement of darker stones in lighter sand (or vice versa) is therefore never intended to represent a clash of opposites. Instead, it is meant to represent the dual nature of the mind as it perceives reality through contemplation, then acts upon it through intention.
One famous Japanese text even goes so far as to state that the most important element of Zen gardening is the placement of stones. The text goes on to say that rocks should always be positioned where the most attractive side faces the viewer. It also states emphatically that there should be a greater number of horizontal stones (or "chasing stones" as they are called in Japan) than there are vertical stones (called "running stones" in the text). Again, this helps emphasize the rising force of intent coming up from the depths of the mind. Intent is mystery in Buddhism, but its effects are clearly evidenced by action.
The philosophical function of rocks is complimented on the practical level practical level by decoratively arranging them to represent objects that are commonly found in Nature. Ancient Japanese texts on the subject recommend creating such features as mountains, lakes, seashores, rivers, and cliffs out of rocks of varying sizes. The only vegetation typically found in an authentic Zen garden is moss, which is trained to grow over rocks in emulation of forests growing along river banks, lakeshores, and mountainsides covered in forests. Very small shrubs are used at times to frame a Zen garden, but only as a perimeter element, and seldom, if ever, as a central one.
About the Author: Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Zan gardens or Landscape Design
In a perfect world, growing an attractive vegetable or flower garden to accentuate your patio area would be as easy as planting seeds and watching them grow. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a green thumb. Creating an outdoor Zen garden provides hope (and peace and tranquility as well) for those who don’t have the time, skill or patience to grow and sustain a more traditional garden.
“When you think of a Zen garden, you think of the desktop variety -- you know, a little rectangular box with some white sand, stones and a few rakes--but you can create the same thing on a larger scale outdoors if you have the space,” said Sara Shragal of DirectBuy.
To make your own outdoor Zen garden, mark off the space where you would like to build it. If you’re not sure how large to build your Zen garden, a typical desktop Zen garden is 12 inches wide by seven inches long. So, if you do a little multiplying, you can keep those same proportions, but on a larger scale (e.g. 12 feet wide by 7 feet long).
Once you’ve blocked off your space, you need to create the frame for the garden. You can use 2” x 4” pieces of lumber, rail ties or any other kind of wood you prefer. Nail, screw or glue the four pieces of wood together, then decorate it with paint, stain or varnish, whichever you prefer.
You will want to lay down a weed retainer (e.g. a sheet of black plastic) within the mold before you fill it with sand or gravel. While you can find sand and gravel at most garden shops, you may want to check out the local rock shop, quarry or landscaping supply company for larger gardens. Fill your Zen garden with a minimum of two inches of sand or gravel. This will help minimize bare patches once you start raking patterns.
“In filling up your Zen garden, you want to create a visually stimulating theme. Beside rocks, you can use mossy logs, driftwood, statues and other items that are interesting from a color, shape or texture perspective,” said Shragal. “Just remember not to clutter up your Zen garden with too many items. Keep it peaceful and simple.”
Adds Shragal, “In terms of raking, rake the sand or gravel in long, curving strokes to represent water ripples. You can use as many or as few patterns as you like to accentuate your garden. And unlike a real garden, you can change it up any time you want!”
Another idea you may want to consider is adding light to your Zen garden. Selectively placed lighting and colored bulbs can add another dimension to your Zen garden, especially at night.
In addition to guidance on outdoor projects like creating your own Zen garden, DirectBuy offers nearly every product you might need to convert your patio into your outdoor living area—all at insider prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or just a second opinion, you have seasoned professionals at your service.
For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.
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Ever walked past someone's garden and been so enraptured by the front yard that you hardly registered what the house looked like? In these days of the difficult-to-shift property market, that is the kind of garden you want.
Front yards that have appeal may draw a buyer into your home. If they like the way you have finished your yard - they may think that they will like the way you have finished your home.
At this time of the year a yard is more about evergreens and accessories than flowers, as there are very few blooms available. Also - and for this reason - it is at this time of year that the Japanese garden stands out. A Japanese garden can lend itself to almost any climate, from snowy to humid, from rainy to desert.
To get an idea of the look of a Japanese garden, first look in a few magazines or books at the library, or check out some illustrations on the Internet. Pick illustrations that look similar to the same size and shape as the layout of your garden. Depending on your preference you may wish to copy some layout plans or ideas.
Japanese gardens are traditionally ruled by Zen philosophy. Each feature has a deeper representation which you can ponder on, once you are aware of them. As you walk through your Japanese Zen area each day, you may even absorb some of the peace embedded in the Zen philosophy. These ideas for your own Japanese front yard will be discussed in two parts.
Firstly, in "Your Own Japanese Garden: Part 1", the focus is on ambience, focal points, rocks and lanterns; then a follow up in "Your Own Japanese Garden: Part 2" explores plants, water, bridges, vessels and aged items. These combined features help to form the Japanese Zen garden.
There are several factors of this look that can be touched on to create an unusual garden. In an abstract way, the qualities that the gardens are representing are peace and tranquility, and in Zen philosophy, this is created by simplicity.
The relaxing ambience that encourages meditation can be achieved by placing a bamboo or rattan chair plus a small table near a wall, or in front of a lattice fence. If your garden is in a hot part of the country, group the seats under a tree or parasol. Stillness is the key word here.
Two other abstract notions suggested in a Zen garden are represented physically by a focal point that is not placed centrally, and secondly, a 'window' to a hidden part in your garden.
This can be represented by a piece of tall, latticed fence work, or a tree with shrubs around, or a pagoda, or even simply a bench that is partly concealed. This 'hide and reveal' theme is suggestive of the quest for human enlightenment and it also offers privacy. You may wish to incorporate your seating here for that reason.
The introduction of something tall lends itself to the look of the Japanese garden. Western gardens tend to be larger and boast a flat expanse of lawn; Japanese homes usually have tiny gardens. They tend to be more vertical, and tall shrubs will often be placed to hide the house from the street.
For an inexpensive focal point, you can dig a bed and put a bamboo or a red Japanese maple (miniature or full size) plus other plants in it. The bamboo bushes and trees will live in most mild North American areas, though you may have to 'cover it' in severe frosts. A very large cactus or groupings of cacti will also make an interesting focal point.
Smaller beds can be dug in across the yard. The center of the yard is deliberately left empty, and a lack of symmetry is desired. This reflects the lack of perfection in the world!
For some authentic Japanese atmosphere, one tall and one shorter black lantern can be well placed along your winding (never straight!) pathway, or sometimes peeking out from amongst a selection of shrubs and plants.
A small pathway can lead to nowhere, and Zen gardens will always have at least one pathway of either white round gravel or gray flattened gravel wending its way through your shrubs; several glimpses of this pathway will satisfy the unity and harmony requirement of Zen gardens.
Whilst lanterns are more of a Buddhist tradition, they have come to represent the essence of the Japanese garden, so they are also included in Zen designs.
One very large Japanese lantern and one smaller one elsewhere can look effective. These usually come in two traditional styles, one more fat-bellied and squat than the other. They are most commonly found in black or pale gray.
Some of the most inexpensive modern lighting will lend itself to the Japanese mode. The 'push-in' mushroom type lamps are very easily assimilated into the Zen garden design.
Rocks and stone are a big feature of the Japanese garden, with different sized rocks grouped seemingly at random. Smaller rocks will look good grouped with your focal point, or added to a bush or plant grouping.
Try to find at least one big rock. If you have one big one, you can group smaller ones beside it and finish off with a fern or two. Stones represent life's immovable mountains.
If that really resonates with you, beware; just one rock will suffice; you do not need a rock for each immovable mountain in your life! If you feel that you have numerous immovable mountains in your life, then move into "Your Own Japanese Garden: Part 2" where the de-stressing values of water-sounds are discussed!
About the Author:
This article was written on behalf of Alice and Stephen Proski. If you're looking for help with Cave Creek AZ real estate, look no further than Az-Homes4u.com. These agents have the experience and professionalism that you deserve as you buy or sell property in the Scottsdale real estate market.
The addition of a Japanese garden to your front yard may enhance the salability of your home. An intriguing front yard of any type adds ambiance to a property. If a prospective buyer is drawn to your yard, perhaps he may be intrigued enough to view your home.
At this time of the year, the Japanese front yard stands out as one of the most eye-catching; it is because it does not need flowers to enhance it. Its charm is there regardless of plants; Japanese gardens follow Zen philosophies and are not difficult to reproduce in North America. They will lend themselves to any climate and any variation of plant.
Creating a Zen garden may even bring you some Zen contentment as a side effect! In "Your Own Japanese Garden: Part 1", the concept of assembling your own garden was discussed with particular attention to its ambiance, focal points, rocks and lanterns.
In this section - "Your Own Japanese Garden: Part 2", the plants, water, bridges, vessels and aging aspect are all explored. Plants in the winter can be fairly non-existent but your Japanese garden will still look good, because it has an intriguing design that does not rely on blooms.
Snowdrops and a Japanese flowering cherry may be your first blooms in the spring. If these are unavailable to buy in your climate, use a local tree, shrub or cactus.
For a tall backdrop near a fence there is a flowering Japanese daisy that does well in cool climates. It is most commonly seen in white or pink. If you really love your blooms, then spread them around as you wish!
Pansies lend themselves well to the Japanese garden and also honeysuckle (plant it near your seating area to enjoy the scent). Lilies and gladiolus also blend in with the look, and if you have a pond, add water lilies.
One of the plants that somehow looks Japanese is the begonia; they come in miniature or regular, and their colors are vivid. If you live in an area where not many flowers will bloom, try sticking to one color; consider buying every flower in white to keep to the simple idea.
If you buy evergreens, remember that you can choose from yellow, gray-green and blue-green as well as the traditional green. The red-leafed bush is also a colorful addition, and good 'filler'. If you live in the desert, choose from the exotic collection of unique plants available to you there. Play more with the rock and ornamental pathway idea of laying out your garden.
Many people have put in their own pond; pond liners are inexpensive and instructions for the novice are easy to find on the Internet or in books.
A pond does not need a pump and can be small or large. However, some people prefer the use of a pump to allow the water to cascade over carefully placed rocks, etc.
A pond is a small area of Zen 'nothingness' where nothing else resides; water is also seen as the symbol for cleansing and purification. The sound of running water is said to soothe the soul, and have a de-stressing effect on the mind. However, if taking on a pond that complex is rather daunting (and stressful!) - there are other options.
Some of the self contained portable fountains where the water circulates within its own container can be found in bamboo styles. This would satisfy the need for the sound of running water; you may have to use an extension lead to operate it.
A truly Japanese focal point, and one that the Zen design ideally calls for, is a small bridge. This is to take you from one world to another; specifically from the troubled world in which we live into the soothing world of your Zen garden. Bridges can be ordered from the Internet, but you have to put them together yourself. Or maybe a local carpenter will create one for you?
If you buy a long shaped pond liner, you can place your bridge at one end of it and just plant tall bamboos or reeds on the far side of the bridge. This will suggest that your pond is bigger than it is and that the water runs under the bridge and past it.
To protect children and to keep your garden safe, install a stainless steel grid a few inches under the water level to 'catch' falling children.
Empty vessels and containers in stone, wood or terra cotta or another natural medium are appropriate in the Zen garden. The idea started with cracked teapots from Japanese tea ceremonies that the monks thought were too pretty to throw away. It has escalated into pots and empty vessels, and in some ways, the idea that the pot is old and was once useful ties in with the Japanese need for the reverence of age.
Venerability is highly regarded and in Zen gardens this need for maturity or dignity is represented by old, gnarled tree trunks, the patina on old stone, weathered wood or silvery gray driftwood. Old stone with moss nearby and growing over the top of the stone is a well known feature.
Maybe you can find your own moss by going for a country walk and lifting moss by sliding a knife underneath it. Keep it damp on the way home and try to cultivate it in your own garden. With one or more of these representations of aging, your garden is allowing the element of time to be revered.
Once you have created the true Zen garden, it will have 'shibui': there is no real translation, but a restrained and simple elegance comes close to describing it. It should also help you to resonate with stillness as it will emanate 'seijaku' - peace and calm.
About the Author:
This article was written on behalf of Alice and Stephen Proski. If you're looking for help with Paradise Valley real estate, look no further than Az-Homes4u.com. These agents have the experience and professionalism that you deserve as you buy or sell property in the Scottsdale Arizona real estate market.
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