pond in their Zen garden , as these elements require different environments and may demand a strategic design .
Peterson also recommends selecting a focal point for the garden — a space where one could sit on a bench and look out at the entire vista , for example . The rest of the garden can then be built out from there . “ It ’ s all a layering process ,” he says .
Choosing the right plants is another important part of creating a Zen garden , and Peterson recommends relying heavily on evergreens . “ It ’ s that variation of shade [ s ] of green that gives you a sense of depth and texture ,” he says .
Some of the most commonly used plants include pittosporum , gardenias , camellias , azaleas , black pine trees , flowering cherry trees and , of course , bamboo .
Peterson does warn to use caution with the latter because there are two types of bamboo . Running bamboo grows exponentially , and it may end up where homeowners don ’ t want it . Instead , he recommends a clumping type of bamboo like the Golden Goddess variety .
If you ’ re creating a Zen garden on your own , Peterson recommends starting small to make room for mistakes like choosing the wrong variety of bamboo . “ Pick the location … [ and ] experiment on a small scale ,” he says . “… Visualize the entire thing before you create it , otherwise you might find yourself moving stuff around a lot .”
Whether you make it a DIY project or hire a professional to create this serene space , a Zen garden is the perfect place to find peace right in our own backyard . g
Above : Pine trees are often found in a Zen garden . Below : stepping stones around a koi pond
ABOVE : COURTESY OF LAGUNA LANDSCAPES & CONSTRUCTION ; LEFT : COURTESY OF STANFIELD REAL ESTATE
COURTESY OF LIVEL REAL ESTATE / MEITAL TAUB
Above : Bridges , a koi pond and stone lanterns are all elements of a Zen garden . Left : a tranquil seating area
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