Overview
Like a restorative balm, Zen gardening is an antidote to the stresses of our busy modern lifestyles. A Zen garden can create a feeling of space in the smallest of city plots, or import a sense of order and spirit of tranquility and calm.The classical Zen Gardens were devised by Japanese monks and are revered as national monuments. In explaining and interpreting the basis of the philosophy and its symbolism, Zen Gardening allows gardeners to benefit from the purity of thought that took its traditional exponents decades of dedication and contemplation to define.
The Zen Garden puts us in touch with the elements. A single rock might represent the strength of mountains, clipped bushed the billowing clouds, gravel or slate moving water; each stone, each ornament is chosen and placed to provide wabi-a humble yet refined beauty. But Zen principles can equally be interpreted to bring balance, and therefore greater harmony and a sense of peace.
Whether you fully embrace Zen or simply apply its ideas to the layout and upkeep of a more conventional design, your garden will gain a vital natural equilibrium. A Zen-influenced garden is environmentally friendly-raked sands is less demanding on water than a lawn, and pesticides are anathema to the Zen philosophy-and a pleasure not a tyranny to tend.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1 - Elements & their symbolism - The principles of Zen gardening
Chapter 2 - Water - Creating balance and tranquility
Chapter 3 - Rocks & stones - Creating space and energy
Chapter 4 - Sand & gravel - Creating simplicity and serenity
Chapter 5 - Plants - Creating harmony and profusion
Chapter 6 - Architectural elements - Creating views and focus points
Chapter 7 - Ornaments - Creating interest and beauty