How to Grow a Plant in the Zen Garden

Zen gardens are often included in Zen Buddhist monasteries, but you can enjoy the quiet serenity they evoke in your own backyard. The Zen garden can include sand or pebbles, shrubs and flowers, stones, waterways, bridges and islands, as well as paths and buildings. Originating in Japan as long ago as the eighth century A.D., the Zen garden was a purified place prepared in anticipation of the spirits of Shinto. Plants that occur in Zen gardens often include azaleas, Japanese maples, evergreens and perennial flowers.

Traditional Zen garden plant(s)
Leaf mold or compost
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Design your Zen garden space by visiting Asian gardens in your community or by browsing through books and online sources. Choose plants appropriate for a Zen garden, including conifers and evergreens.
- 2
  Choose an area on the border of your Zen garden, or in another area that will not compete with other elements of your garden. Depending on the plant(s) you choose to grow, select an area that receives the necessary amount of sun. For example, azaleas thrive in partial shade, while Japanese maples prefer full sun.
- 3
  Amend the soil by digging in leaf mold or organic compost the depth of your shovel head for most plants. Scatter about 2 inches of your soil amendment on the surface before you dig into the planting area.
- 4
  Remove your plant from its nursery pot and loosen the roots. Then dig a planting hole slightly larger than the plant’s root system.
- 5
  Set your Zen garden plant into the planting hole and fill it with the soil you removed.
- 6
  Water the area well by running a sprinkler for 15 to 20 minutes. Then mulch the ground with a 1-inch layer of shredded leaves or organic compost. Water most plants once a week, skipping irrigation during rainy weather.

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