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.
Do you really want some type of fruit tree but feel that your garden space is too small? Your garden may still support a fruit tree, you just have to shop around for what you want and search through options that will fit in beautifully. There are several fruit trees and bushes that will work in a smaller garden and still give you the look and feel you want with their presence. There are a few things to consider such as upkeep, placement options, climate, and your USDA hardiness zone and so on, but this is the same type of concerns you would have with planting a larger fruit tree. So what are your options?
If you absolutely must have a fruit tree because you love the smell of citrus trees or really want apples, consider some of these trees in the Dwarf variety. Certain dwarf apple trees self pollinate like Sunset and Braeburn apple trees, so you only have to plant one in your garden to get fruit. All dwarf citrus fruit trees self pollinate but another benefit to them is that they can be potted and placed in your garden that way. This means that should you have a severe weather change, they can be brought inside for safe upkeep which is great as they prefer warmer weather. You can also plant cherry trees like Sunburst, Stella and Morello which all self pollinate or even all three as they are small dwarf trees. The thing to remember is the big, juicy cherries can come off of just one.
Using any of these fruit tree options will set your garden apart anyway, regardless of the size of the tree or trees, but maybe you want something that is not seen as much? Try pomegranate. This fruit is gaining popularity quickly as being high in antioxidants and you could grow your own. These trees handle temperature extremes of both heat and cold and are beautiful as well.
When tackling a landscaping project the best thing you can do is ask for help. This is also one of the most annoying things when people attempt to tell you what you absolutely cannot do. There are a few rules in gardening yes, but there are so many different kinds of gardens and lawns that you can do almost anything. Water gardens, bog gardens, rock gardens, Zen gardens, indoor gardens and outdoor gardens the choice is up to you. The problem that many people face, especially the very creative and imaginative ones is that the number of ideas can compound and cause overcrowding or an unruly design.
Ways to avoid this is to consider your options. Your landscaping choice can mean a completely different view of your front lawn than your backyard; you can own a dish garden or have numerous types in one area as long as they do not interfere with each other. If you have a lot of land and cannot decide what to do 
with it, research your land and see what you have to work with. Some areas may be wet, some dry, some sun pounded and even a bare uninspiring area. This can seem overwhelming to some, but it is really just an opportunity to say you have more than one canvas and can tell a story.
Even if you do not have a gigantic amount of space to work with, you can create a story that takes you from one area and type of garden to another with a something as simple as a stone and sand path. The best thing you can do for your sanity and design is to find a landscaper who is willing to listen and incorporate your ideas until you find what you like. This is your space and your personality reflected on your land and your money that gets the job done. Make certain it truly reflects who you and don’t let your creativity be bullied to a whisper.
Do you have a natural pond and want to know how to take care of it? Natural ponds do not usually require a lot of maintenance; generally all that you may need to take care of it is a small maneuverable mesh net and a ph test kit if there are fish in it or you are planning to put fish in it. The biggest concern with ponds is the oxygen levels in the water. Usually quick thinking and appropriate actions will keep the pond healthy and maintenance costs low. Some of the most common issues with a natural pond are these:
Water levels- The water in a natural pond should always be kept at maximum levels to keep optimum levels of oxygen for the fish in the water as well as minimizing damage to plants. If the level of water is not where it should be (meaning too little) adding non-chlorinated water until it is at the proper level is the way to go.
Plant Overcrowding- Too many plants in the water can have to opposite effect of what most people are looking for by adding them to the water. If floating plants are being used, enough to cover around 60 – 70 percent of the surface is the ideal amount to use. Keeping this amount of plants on the surface will keep the amount of algae growing at preferable levels. While a certain level of algae is good for the water and fish in it too much is bad for the fish and ugly in the water. Plants that are rooted help to oxygenate and clean the water by reducing the amount of nitrate and ammonia that are dissolved into it from the fish waste.
Fish Overcrowding- Too many fish increases the amount of ammonia in the water which makes the water toxic.
Too much fish food- Excess fish food will rot and the amount of oxygen will decrease because of it.