A Zen garden can be a soothing escape from your hectic day. Whether you’re walking along a gravel walkway leading to a beautiful water feature or looking at your rock garden from your window, you will feel relaxed and at ease. The following are some steps for creating a Zen garden at home.

How to Make a Zen Garden on Your Property

1. Select the Area

Your Zen garden can be your whole backyard or just one corner. Plan out how much square footage will be dedicated to it. Size is crucial for laying out where each feature will go and deciding on the scale of your hardscaping, water features, gravel paths, and plants. Going too big or too small will interfere with the calm aesthetic if the balance is off.

2. Begin With Walkways

Gravel or sand paths lead to different focal points like fountains, rock gardens, or a central tree. These walkways offer more than just a thoroughfare. For larger gardens, a meditative walk through the garden will help create a serene atmosphere. If your garden features a pond, you may even consider adding stepping stones so that paths continue through the water.

3. Add Greenery

While Zen gardens rely heavily on stones and dry landscaping, plants also play a part. Be mindful that too many colors will overwhelm the soothing aesthetic. Simple is best, so choose flowers that are not too distracting. Top options include moss, junipers, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Don’t forget to add a Japanese maple as a focal point.

4. Add Water

Japanese Zen gardens usually have something representing each of the elements, so water is a necessary component. Ponds, fountains, and streams add a calming effect. The sound of the water flowing is soothing and beneficial for stress relief. Add lotus flowers or different sized rocks to your water feature for a beautiful finish.

5. Create Levels

This type of garden features stones to represent mountains. Add boulders and rocks of varying sizes to create levels in your design. Partially bury some and plant around others to mimic a natural environment. Zen gardens also feature rock gardens, where different sizes and levels of rocks and pebbles turn into a beautiful outdoor picture. Spread out sand or gravel and rake the layer into a ripple design before placing stones of your choosing. Avoid symmetry and even numbers, as this is a general rule in these types of gardens.

When you need supplies for your Zen garden in the Ohio Tri-State area, trust Ashcraft Sand & Gravel. Located in Cleves since 1978, their extensive inventory of gravel varieties makes them the top choice for landscaping and construction projects in the area. Options include washed and pea gravel as well as limestone. Their sand and gravel delivery service is a convenient option for jobs large and small, and they even offer same-day options. Call (513) 367-5700 to set up services or visit them online for current inventory.