OUTDOOR LIVING
SPECIAL SECTION
SERENE SANCTUARIES
ZEN-STYLE GARDENS USE NATURAL ELEMENTS
TO CREATE TRANQUIL SPACES WHERE
HOMEOWNERS CAN FIND PEACE IN THEIR OWN
BACKYARDS .
By ASHLEY PROBST
A tranquil spot with stone lanterns and a pond
COURTESY OF FIRST TEAM REAL ESTATE
Standing in an expansive garden complete with a tea house , koi pond and 100-year-old trees is a vivid childhood memory for Laguna Landscapes & Construction owner Chris Peterson .
“ From a young age , I was exposed to a lot of different gardening styles , but found myself drawn toward the peacefulness … of Zen [ gardens ],” Peterson says .
Zen gardens are known for invoking a sense of serenity , and they give homeowners an opportunity to commune with nature amid their otherwise hectic lives .
“ After [ a ] rigorous day at work , … you can come home and sit [ in the garden ] by your koi pond and look at the beautiful fish , which are living art pieces ,” says Greg Zuccolotto , co-owner of Laguna Koi Ponds , adding that such water features are often included in this type of garden . “… It ’ s just a very relaxing , Zen moment .”
CONNECTING WITH THE ELEMENTS There are many things to consider when creating your own Zen garden , but one of the main factors is incorporating natural elements into the landscape design . These details serve as a reflection of the natural world , and gardens focus on a few key components .
Rocks represent the mountains ; water can take the form of a waterfall , stream , pond or fountain ; plants often include pine and cherry trees as well as bamboo ; ornamental pieces carry specific symbolism , such as lanterns for enlightenment ; “ shakkei ” ( the
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