Example Zen Gardens

Zen Gardens

Other important principles that guide the use of rocks in a Zen garden are: vary their color, shape and size avoid rocks with bright colors which might distract the viewer or interfere with meditation

There is evidence that Shinto priests were the first to place the rocks in their “dry” gardens. And they used many different types and sizes of rocks. We’ve seen some BIG rocks in these pictures – but small rocks are also important. Gravel is often used in Zen gardens, rather than sand, because it is less disturbed by rain and wind. Of course, in a waterfront home you have the natural sand on the beach.

make certain that the grains in the rocks run in the same direction put the rocks in random places to add spontaneity balance the number of vertical and horizontal rocks.

Trees of any kind and size (small to moderate) can be placed in your Zen garden. Pine, bamboo, flowering plum and cherry trees are common.