Zen Backyard Ideas With Square Pavers

Japanese Zen Gardens

• The Japanese Zen garden began as a meditative space for Buddhist monks. These gardens are noted for the lack of plants; they're referred to as the Japanese rock garden. The Zen garden consists of rocks and raked gravel. The materials represent natural features: Gravel and sand evoke water and rocks, and stones are islands and mountains. The characteristic raking marks in the sand are the ripples in the water.

Zen in the Backyard

• A Zen theme can permeate the entire backyard or be used for a section of it. For small sites Zen elements are especially suitable. Much of the beauty of the Zen garden is in the effect of contrasting textures of sand, gravel and stone; with such a limited palette of materials it's important to choose those materials carefully. Square pavers are compatible with Zen-themed gardens and can be used for a number of the features.

Pathways and Edges

• Placed as steppingstones, the pavers serve to draw the visitor on a meditative journey. Paths are important parts of any landscape design; they're often placed to instill a feeling of exploration by suggesting an opening or experience just beyond view. The path can lead to a Zen garden or a small bench for viewing the space. The pavers can also be used as an edge to the setting for a vertical stone or raked sand.

Pavers for Visual Interest

• The meditative character of Zen gardens is aided by the austerity of the design. Pavers should be placed with precision in this environment, but they don't have to be uniformly placed. They can form abstract patterns in the sand and gravel, or form the base of a small ornament or lantern. Keep in mind that the artificial appearance of pavers may be incongruous next to natural stone. Be mindful of the transition from pavers to more natural materials.