Mini Zen Garden: A haven of peace at home
After returning home from a hard day's work, we all need a few moments of peace and quiet to truly relax and forget our woes. In an ideal world, we'd be looking out over the swaying fir trees lining our beautifully landscaped garden while listening to the gentle lazy trickle from our private stream...
Sadly, many of us have to be content with cramped balconies overlooking busy city streets or any small areas of green we can afford – hardly the most ideal places for winding down. But don't give up hope just yet: we've found an innovative way to create a wonderfully serene setting in the limited space you have. Introducing the mini Zen garden...
Laura LeBoutillier has created her own YouTube channel featuring inspiring ideas such as the mini Zen garden she's set up in front of her home. Not only does it provide the perfect centerpiece for your tranquil retreat, it's also a stunningly eye-catching addition to any home.
You'll need:
- two large Orinoco bowls, one approximately 30 inches in diameter and the other about 20 inches in diameter
- organic soil
- various plants and shrubs
- stones and sand
- small figurines and Chinese monuments
- a miniature fountain with pump
Here's how:
Begin by filling the larger Orinoco bowl with organic soil. Then place the smaller bowl on top of it, slightly to the side, and also fill it with the soil.
Make sure that the two bowls have holes drilled into the bottom of them that are large enough for rainwater to drain away and not flood the garden.
Plant each small shrub one by one.
Then install the miniature fountain.
Make a small creek using the stones.
Create a small carpet of sand and stack small stones on top of it.
Now the small figurines can be placed throughout the garden. Check out this fisherman enjoying the peace and quiet.
Don't forget the red bridge over the creek.
And finally it's time to add the temple.
This garden allows you to create a small escape from life's stresses where you can let your mind wander freely and truly unwind. You can find the figurines and garden accessories you'd like to use at thrift stores or flea markets. Let your imagination run wild!
Watch the following video to see how to set up the Zen garden in greater detail:
Whenever life gets too much, head for your personal retreat and listen to the little fountain bubble away — you'll soon be taken to a stress-free haven where yin and yang are in perfect harmony. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the new world you've created!