What are the best plants for a Zen garden?
Ferns and mosses are classic additions to zen gardens. Ferns are lush and green, with delicate fronds that create a sense of movement and flow. Mosses are soft and cushiony, with a velvety texture that can add depth and interest to your outdoor space. Japanese zen gardens traditionally use crushed granite, basalt, limestone, and weathered fieldstones to represent natural elements like mountains and islands. Though often referred to as “sand,” most zen gardens use fine gravel or crushed stone.Ferns and mosses are classic additions to Zen gardens. Ferns are lush and green, with delicate fronds that create a sense of movement and flow. Mosses are soft and cushiony, with a velvety texture that can add depth and interest to your outdoor space.
What are the 7 principles of a Zen garden?
Zen gardens are structured around seven guiding principles: Austerity (Koko), Simplicity (Kanso), Naturalness (Shinzen), Asymmetry (Fukinsei), Mystery or Subtlety (Yugen), Magical or Unconventional (Datsuzoku) and Stillness (Seijaku). Your Zen garden should promote most or all of these concepts. For Zen garden natural gravel, basalt or andesite stones will work best. Shapes, textures and colors should correlate among each other and complement Japanese garden landscape design. Stones can be covered with moss, which adds specialcharm to the garden.Use a small sculpture as a focal point and add a few dwarf or miniature plants. Moss is an excellent ground cover for a shady area. Although authenic Zen gardens are typically dry landscapes, consider adding sand, gravel and a few plants around a small water feature, such as a fountain, or use a pond kit.