A Zen garden is all about peace and simplicity, and fortunately building one is as well. When building an outdoor Zen garden consider the amount of space you have and how much of it you want to use. A Zen garden can be created in a flower pot or a field; it is all about your view and what you want. If you live in an apartment or want a Zen garden on your balcony, then the flower pot is a great way to go and only requires you to fill the pot with sand and place the items you want on top with it. Then use a rake sized for your garden to put in the pattern you feel you want to see.
For a larger Zen garden that may be a part of your actual garden then there are a few larger scale steps you should take, although essentially you are still doing the same thing. First thing to do is pick your space and the size you want create. Next you have to build a frame or mold for you Zen garden. Remember that you are essentially building a box to contain your choice of sand or gravel inside, so you have to make certain that the box is clean and sharp to accentuate the Zen garden it will hold. In many cases wood is used to make the container and once it is finished you can paint it whatever color you choose although staining or even varnishing it is also an option.
Before setting your frame/container, do not forget to put in something to retain weeds like black plastic. If weeds sprout through the clean effect of the Zen garden will be ruined, so weed prevention is a must. Finally fill it with sand or gravel which can be purchased from a landscaping company, rock shop, or quarry. Finally add in a few elements such as a large natural stone or log into off center areas of your garden to enhance its appearance and begin putting in the ripple lines if you choose.
On 02/28/2011, In Grass And Yard, By tibb