Create a Zen Garden in Any Size Yard
We all need a place to decompress and unwind. Being outside is a natural stress reliever, so take advantage of that peaceful energy and turn your outdoor space, no matter the size, into your zen garden. Here are six steps to make your garden a place of peaceful relaxation.
1. Say Goodbye to Grass
The absence of grass makes your zen garden low-maintenance and low-stress. Known as xeriscaping, it replaces a portion of your grass with landscaping rocks and drought-tolerant plants. It creates a more uniform and serene look than lush landscaping would. It’s also easier to go outside and relax without worrying about mowing the grass or pulling weeds. It’s less to water and less to think about.
Place weed block fabric right over the grass and cover the fabric with small rocks, pavers, sand or decorative boulders. Use larger-scale rocks like retaining wall blocks, edging stones or pavers to create an outline for your garden. To complete the look, fill in the smaller areas with gravel, river rock or sand.
2. Invest in Comfortable Patio Chairs
A necessary feature of a zen garden is having a comfortable spot to sit and relax. Ditch uncomfortable chairs with worn-out cushions. The point of a zen garden is to help you relax, and that’s hard to do when sitting on a hard chair. Instead, choose the plushest patio chairs you can find. An outdoor daybed is a great option that gives you enough room to curl up with a good book, or your thoughts.
If you have a comfortable outdoor chair you love, grab new patio chair cushions for an entirely new look for less. Add a small patio table so you have a spot for your drink and a candle and you’ll be relaxed in no time.
3. Choose Easy to Care for Plants
Stick with varieties that are hardy and drought-tolerant. Opt for things like aloe, cacti and succulents. They’re nice to look at but won’t require everyday care. Place some of your plants in planters, rather than in the ground. It makes it quick and easy to swap out or rearrange them. Any garden is going to require some upkeep, but keeping it minimal sets you up for maximum relaxation.
4. Awaken Your Senses With an Outdoor Fountain
The rhythmic sound of flowing water from an outdoor fountain helps you relax and adds another layer of tranquility to your zen garden. If you don’t have an outdoor electrical outlet, consider adding a simple rain chain. It catches rain and directs it down the chain, all while giving you the soothing sound you desire. If you want to enjoy the rain chain, make sure you have a covered place to sit without getting rained on. A bird bath is another great option. You may not get the sound of running water, but watching the visiting birds splash and bathe themselves is just as enjoyable.
5. Illuminate Your Space With Lighting
Lights are necessary if you plan to hang out in your zen garden at night. Scatter lanterns around the garden with solar or flameless candles inside. You won’t have to worry about dripping wax or blowing out the candles before bed. The lights reflecting off your planters, décor and stone pathways create shadows and dimension. Other things like string lights and solar path lights transform your peaceful daytime zen garden into a magical oasis come sundown.
6. Add Accessories You Love
Now for the fun part. Add accessories you enjoy that bring a sense of calm and relaxation. This could be throw pillows for your patio chairs, a garden statue, wind chimes, or a couple of stools for extra seating. Anything goes if you like it. Try to keep the color palette on the neutral side so the accessories don’t act as a distraction when you’re trying to get your zen on.
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